Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
David Kalas
From time to time we come across things that are meant to sound or look like something
they are not. Perhaps the most positive version is the generic or store brand medications
that boast the same active ingredients as better-known products, but for considerably less
money. At the other end of the spectrum, meanwhile, we find counterfeit currency or art -
- worthless fakes that pose as articles of real value. In between there is that whole array of
products that endeavor to look and sound better than they actually are: imitation leather,
fake diamonds, gold-plated brass, knock-off designer clothes, and such.
In so many instances, the value and quality of a thing depends upon its source. For example, a certain kind of genius might be able to make a $50 bill that is...
In so many instances, the value and quality of a thing depends upon its source. For example, a certain kind of genius might be able to make a $50 bill that is...
Wayne Brouwer
On Beyond Zebra! Remember the book by Dr. Seuss? Some people learn the alphabet, starting out at "A is for apple," and when they get all the way through to "Z is for zebra," they think they are done. But not Dr. Seuss! Twenty-six letters might be good enough for most people, but it's only the beginning for Dr. Seuss. One of his great "little people" takes us on a tour of life On Beyond Zebra! -- a whole new world of creatures most of us have never seen before. It's a world where things run on different time schedules, and where life itself has a very different feel about it.
Mark Ellingsen
The texts for this Sunday send a message about the surprising character of grace.
Exodus 20:1-4,7-9,12-20
The First Lesson is drawn from a book which, like all the first five books of the Old Testament, is the product of several distinct literary strands, all originating between the tenth and sixth centuries BC. The book is so named for the Greek term referring to the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Its Hebrew name (Meaning “These are the names”) refers to the first words of the text’s prologue. In this lesson, we read the story of the giving of the ten commandments. This is likely the product of a combination of the J strand (the ninth-tenth century BC oral tradition characterized by its use of the name Jahweh/Yahweh when...
Exodus 20:1-4,7-9,12-20
The First Lesson is drawn from a book which, like all the first five books of the Old Testament, is the product of several distinct literary strands, all originating between the tenth and sixth centuries BC. The book is so named for the Greek term referring to the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Its Hebrew name (Meaning “These are the names”) refers to the first words of the text’s prologue. In this lesson, we read the story of the giving of the ten commandments. This is likely the product of a combination of the J strand (the ninth-tenth century BC oral tradition characterized by its use of the name Jahweh/Yahweh when...
Frank Ramirez
“Me and the man upstairs have an understanding.”
Did you ever hear something like that from someone who suggests they have an exemption from faith, the Bible, and any religious expectations?
We are called into a personal relationship with God, but it is God who sets the parameters and boundaries in that relationship, including how we are to address God.
The thing is, sometimes we believers think we’re entitled. Entitled to special exemptions, no restrictions, and free rein as if we owned own the place. I’m kind of reminded of those tabloids that suggest you can diet while eating yourself silly. Hmm….
These scriptures suggest we are called to enter a mature relationship with God. Take the Ten Commandments. Instead of...
Did you ever hear something like that from someone who suggests they have an exemption from faith, the Bible, and any religious expectations?
We are called into a personal relationship with God, but it is God who sets the parameters and boundaries in that relationship, including how we are to address God.
The thing is, sometimes we believers think we’re entitled. Entitled to special exemptions, no restrictions, and free rein as if we owned own the place. I’m kind of reminded of those tabloids that suggest you can diet while eating yourself silly. Hmm….
These scriptures suggest we are called to enter a mature relationship with God. Take the Ten Commandments. Instead of...
Wayne Brouwer
The year was 1934. Times were difficult around the world, and particularly so in the repressed economic and political climate of post-World War I Germany. But recovery was in sight. A group of theologians at Wurtemburg saw a rising star of hope and penned together a declaration of faith that would be signed by 600 pastors of churches and 14 theology professors at seminaries.
Their promising statement included these words: “We are full of thanks to God that he, as Lord of history, has given us Adolf Hitler, our leader and savior from our difficult lot. We acknowledge that we, with body and soul, are bound and dedicated to the German state and to its Führer.”
Astounding, isn’t it? In retrospect we can only shudder at the demonic twists of history that could produce...
Their promising statement included these words: “We are full of thanks to God that he, as Lord of history, has given us Adolf Hitler, our leader and savior from our difficult lot. We acknowledge that we, with body and soul, are bound and dedicated to the German state and to its Führer.”
Astounding, isn’t it? In retrospect we can only shudder at the demonic twists of history that could produce...
David Kalas
The Old Testament law may not be an object of daily meditation for most of our people but it ought to be the subject of some consideration this Sunday.
Our Old Testament lection features the material we understand to be the centerpiece of that law: namely, the Ten Commandments. Meanwhile, the excerpt from Paul's letter to the Philippians makes what appears to be a disparaging reference to the law as the apostle talks about a new-and-improved kind of righteousness. The gospel lection, while making no explicit reference to the law, also suggests a negative association, inasmuch as the Pharisees -- the group of first-century Jews most closely associated with the keeping of the law -- are among the villains in the episode.
Our Old Testament lection features the material we understand to be the centerpiece of that law: namely, the Ten Commandments. Meanwhile, the excerpt from Paul's letter to the Philippians makes what appears to be a disparaging reference to the law as the apostle talks about a new-and-improved kind of righteousness. The gospel lection, while making no explicit reference to the law, also suggests a negative association, inasmuch as the Pharisees -- the group of first-century Jews most closely associated with the keeping of the law -- are among the villains in the episode.
One of the staples of The Late Show with David Letterman has long been its nightly top-ten list. The countdown of these funny and often irreverent items on quirky topics or items in the news (very loosely construed) has become a trademark of Letterman's show. The device has become so identified with him that occasionally his guests will bring their own top-ten lists as a way of skewering their host.
Of course David Letterman did not invent the "top-ten" list. Such lists of the best movies, songs on the radio, books in both fiction and non-fiction categories, etc., have been features of our culture for decades. It was in fact Letterman's mocking of such lists by drafting lists so utterly ridiculous in their content that made them so funny.
Of course David Letterman did not invent the "top-ten" list. Such lists of the best movies, songs on the radio, books in both fiction and non-fiction categories, etc., have been features of our culture for decades. It was in fact Letterman's mocking of such lists by drafting lists so utterly ridiculous in their content that made them so funny.
In many congregations October is stewardship month. It's time to get the financial pledges of people for supporting the church for the coming year and for the appropriate committees to put together a budget. Stewardship has thus become for many an unpleasant word that stimulates mental pictures of an outreached hand with palms up.
Our lessons for today challenge us to consider stewardship in a sense broader than money alone, perhaps even to make our own pledge that next year stewardship will be a weekly theme that has to do with how we live our lives as God's people in the world.
Isaiah 5:1-7
Our lessons for today challenge us to consider stewardship in a sense broader than money alone, perhaps even to make our own pledge that next year stewardship will be a weekly theme that has to do with how we live our lives as God's people in the world.
Isaiah 5:1-7
As we move to Mount Sinai and the giving of the law we notice a change in Moses' role as leader. Until now God has used him to bring the Israelites through one difficult situation after another, in spite of their murmuring and rebellion. Now they stand before God as a people who will be responsible for their action and who will suffer the consequences when they disobey. Moses will have to stand between the people and God, mediating on their behalf. He becomes the channel through whom God will tell the people how they must live. A wandering people, who will still walk for many years in the wilderness, is beginning to take form and shape. That can only happen, however, as they accept responsibility for how they live and as they develop a life of worship.
There are those who chafe at the word duty. It seems so arbitrary, so oppressive, so binding. We would rather talk of freedom. After all, what can a thing mean if it is done only from a sense of duty? Don't things done out of sheer freedom count for more? Aren't such things of greater value? Wouldn't God, and others, be more appreciative of those things we do out of a free heart more than those we do because it is expected of us?
Surely all parents know, and God must know, what joy there is in doing something out of a free and willing heart. But, all parents also know, and so does God, that, willing or not, it is important for each of us to do what is expected of us.
Surely all parents know, and God must know, what joy there is in doing something out of a free and willing heart. But, all parents also know, and so does God, that, willing or not, it is important for each of us to do what is expected of us.
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.
