Emphasis Contributors
Illustration Writers
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C
David Kalas
When one of our children was young, she pretended to throw something at me from close range, and then she cheerfully declared, “Ha! Made you flinch!” I remember from my own elementary years that that was always regarded as something of an achievement — to make someone blink or to make someone flinch. In reality, of course, it is little more than a test of one’s reflexes. It’s my reflex to blink or to brace when I think something is coming at me, and the reflex is a good one.
Meanwhile, we all know the experience of sitting on the edge of an examination table in the doctor’s office and experiencing that strange little tap just below our knee. It’s a funny feeling to watch our leg move without our mentally choosing to move it. But that is one of the routine tests a doctor...
Meanwhile, we all know the experience of sitting on the edge of an examination table in the doctor’s office and experiencing that strange little tap just below our knee. It’s a funny feeling to watch our leg move without our mentally choosing to move it. But that is one of the routine tests a doctor...
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 2:4-13
Regarding verses 6-7 of the lesson John Calvin observes:
… there is nothing more common than for the ungodly when they are proved guilty, to have recourse to this subterfuge, that they acted with good intention, when they gave themselves up to their own superstitions. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.IX/1, p.78)
This is a text which clearly reminds us how badly we need the love of God, despite our “good intentions.” C. S. Lewis nicely pointed out how God’s love is different from ordinary human love and why we need it so badly. As he remarked:
But the great thing to remember is that, though our feelings come and go, his love for us does not. It is not wearied by our sins, or our indifference....
Regarding verses 6-7 of the lesson John Calvin observes:
… there is nothing more common than for the ungodly when they are proved guilty, to have recourse to this subterfuge, that they acted with good intention, when they gave themselves up to their own superstitions. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.IX/1, p.78)
This is a text which clearly reminds us how badly we need the love of God, despite our “good intentions.” C. S. Lewis nicely pointed out how God’s love is different from ordinary human love and why we need it so badly. As he remarked:
But the great thing to remember is that, though our feelings come and go, his love for us does not. It is not wearied by our sins, or our indifference....
Lectionary Commentary and Sermon Illustrations
Emphasis Preaching Journal provides in-depth lectionary-based commentary on lectionary texts, plus thousands of sermon illustrations to help you create riveting sermons.For over 45 years, Emphasis has provided subscribers with scripturally sound, lectionary-based commentaries and sermon illustrations that connect with the people in the pews.
For each week, Emphasis writers delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you with several fresh, solid ideas -- based squarely on the lectionary texts -- for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. They look for overall themes that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the themes and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single idea each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, writers suggest several, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs.
