Duke Chapel Student Preacher to Explore the Costs of Forgiveness

The seeds of Hamp’s sermon go back to the summer when she began reading through the entire Bible. In doing so, she said a story that resonated with her was Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers, coming to prominence in a foreign land, and later being reconciled with his brothers.

“He stood out as a leader who radically loved those around him, even when they weren’t doing that for him,” she said. “In every situation throughout the story, he thinks about where God has placed him and how God could be using this for a bigger purpose.”

The Rev. Bruce Puckett, assistant dean of Duke Chapel, was on the committee that selected Hamp from a pool of applicants.

“Riley’s sermon is well written, timely, and captures her voice while also speaking a truth beyond herself,” he said. “I am certain our community will benefit from the encouragement and challenge her sermon offers.”

In her sermon, Hamp plans to connect the account of Joseph with the Gospel reading for the service that includes Jesus’ admonishment to “Love your enemies.” (Spoiler alert, pop star Taylor Swift’s song “Karma” will serve as a counter example.) “You are going to face hardships and things are going be unfair, but in those moments, remember that God can use this for something much greater,” she said about her message. “I hope that people see in these stories that God is using those people who are doing the wrong and treating you unfairly just as much as he’s using you.“