Illustrations b...
Illustration
Object:
Illustrations
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
The Spirit of the Lord is upon the prophet. He's ecstatic with his vocation as the Lord's prophet. His speaking the Lord's good news is like a government official announcing massive governmental aid to a region that has suffered a terrible natural disaster.
In the context that the prophet speaks in Isaiah 61 their country has laid in ruins for decades after defeat at the hands of the Babylonians. Although there've been a few attempts to repopulate Jerusalem and Judah, socially, economically, and spiritually the Jews remain in a terribly depressed situation.
Now, after Judah's suffering for more than a lifetime, the prophet as the Lord's spokesman steps to the podium and faces all the reporters. He makes his announcement of immediate aid, during which he can hardly contain himself for joy.
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Do you remember your family going somewhere special when you were a child? Perhaps it was your grandparents' house for Christmas. Your parents drive and drive, and it seems like you will never get out of that crowded backseat with your brothers and sisters. Maybe the snow is starting to fall, frosting everything with delicate white. The streets begin to look more familiar -- the snow is falling with heavy flakes now; in no time at all there should be enough for a snowman -- and finally Dad pulls into the driveway. There is exceptional joy as you and your siblings pile out of the car and sprint for the house. It smells like Christmas outside, cold but with that hint of cinnamon that you know is coming from Grandma's oven. Inside, the cinnamon smell mixes with the aroma of coffee and the perfume of a Christmas tree. You're too excited for words and just grin from ear to ear as you hug your grandparents and run to see your cousins. That anticipation you felt in the car is what we feel when we hear Isaiah's words. Jesus is on his way!
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
It is that time of year when family members whom we don't often see will soon return home for the holidays. The prophet Isaiah is addressing the Hebrew people in exile, announcing the good news of deliverance. They are returning to their homeland. Homecoming is a common image in scripture. When the exiles return home, they are looking forward to returning to their temple, their rituals, their liturgy, and their traditions. The prophet's good news is that they are returning to their God.
The return and restoration were not as glorious as the prophets and people thought it would be. As in any homecoming, there are disappointments. When we are away from home we miss familiar circumstances and those we love. While away, we tend to idealize our home situation. When we return we see the same old places with the same old repairs that need to be done. We find the same people behaving in the same ways.
Jesus uses these same words when he returns to preach in his home church in Nazareth, describing his own call to ministry. He is the fulfillment of the messianic promise. But, he was still looked upon as only the boy from the carpenter's shop by the hometown folks.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Jamie was trying out for a part in the Christmas play. His mother knew he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen. On the day the parts were awarded, she went to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. "Guess what, Mom," he shouted, "I've been chosen to clap and cheer!"
Not unlike our role, in these days of rejoicing leading up to Christmas!
(From Ralph Milton, in his Rumors e-newsletter, November 19, 2006)
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
It had been a rough year for the Rogers family. With the slumping economy Denny worked less throughout the year and then in November was laid off. Sally managed to work some temporary jobs, but nothing steady. Expenses were higher than they anticipated. Denny worried and was unsure what to do. Sally's concern was for her children. How would they be able to celebrate Christmas without the usual number of gifts?
It is hard to explain to children why they will not be receiving as many gifts as their friends. Sally and Denny agreed that their present situation should not ruin Christmas.
They decided instead of focusing on gifts that they would spend more time together doing family activities. They found free events to attend; a holiday concert at the high school, a park decorated with thousands of lights, and they took part in the community carol sing. They also volunteered at the senior center to help address Christmas cards.
They would make personal gifts for each other. Each of the children enjoyed the creativity in making a gift out of paper or pinecones or anything else they could find. Sally made a manger out of sticks she found in the yard.
The day after Christmas, Sally told Denny that this had been their best Christmas. Their children would remember this special time they spent together.
The apostle Paul gives us an important reminder in the midst of the Christmas rush, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Sports drinks are the rage these days. Along with the claim that they replace vital minerals that are lost during strenuous activity, the commercials for these drinks imply that use of the product makes one faster, stronger, more durable. Be that as it may, there are some disadvantages to sports drinks that should be considered before picking one up to quench your thirst.
* Many sports drinks contain large amounts of sugar.
* Sports drinks are highly acidic, and that coupled with a dry mouth (lack of saliva which protects teeth), is very bad for your teeth.
* They replace water as the drink of choice. According to experts, more than 90% of athletes would be better off drinking water instead of a sports drink.
* They contain as much caffeine as a can of soda.
* They can be harmful if mixed with alcohol.
Paul encourages the Thessalonians not to quench the Spirit of God, not with sports drinks, not with water, not with anything.
John 1:6-8, 19-28
The conductor, author, and composer, Leonard Bernstein, was also a teacher. He helped people not only to understand music but to become aware of universal human characteristics. A number of quotes have been attributed to him, all of which started with a question like, "What's the hardest instrument to play in the orchestra?" His answer, "The second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who can play the second fiddle with enthusiasm -- that's a problem."
John the Baptist knew exactly his rank and role and he gloried in it. He knew the blessing of being a "support person." As not everyone has the gift to be the "up-front person," so not everyone has the inclination and the temperament to help another in an important ministry. God needs very few "up front persons." Christ's church is better served if most of us cultivated the "harmonious" gift of supporting others' ministries.
John 1:6-8, 19-28
There was once a town overrun by squirrels. They were everywhere, especially the churches. The ministers and their congregations didn't know what to do. At the first church, the congregation finally decided that God had sent the squirrels for a reason. They invited the squirrels to potlucks, fellowship hours, Bible study, and other church activities, resigned to their new fellow worshipers. The second church was a little more ruthless: They trapped all the squirrels and set them free in another town. But next Sunday, the squirrels were right back in their pews. It was the third church in town that finally solved the problem. They simply baptized all the squirrels and made them members of the congregation; now they only see those squirrels on Christmas and Easter. Isn't it ironic how baptism, the beginning of a relationship with God, often seems to become the end of a relationship with God? John wasn't looking to drive people away through baptism, but bring them closer to the Lord.
John 1:6-8, 19-28
John the Baptist is a popular preacher, having followers of his own. He explains that he is not the true light, the Messiah, but that he has come to point others toward that light. John is only a "witness," giving testimony to the true light that will enlighten all people. In a hostile world, John acts as God's advocate for Jesus. The careers of both Jesus and John the Baptist will spark controversy. People will question them as to the authority they preach under.
With technology at our fingertips, light is always available to us, but in biblical times, it was very different. The setting sun plunged the world into total darkness, broken only by fires and feeble oil lamps. Dangers in the dark were very real. Even Gentiles, unacquainted with God's promise of the Messiah, would recognize that if Jesus were the light, he would bring brightness into a dark world. Jesus can enter into our lives so completely that there is no more room for darkness. The darkness is reality apart from God -- life without hope.
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
The Spirit of the Lord is upon the prophet. He's ecstatic with his vocation as the Lord's prophet. His speaking the Lord's good news is like a government official announcing massive governmental aid to a region that has suffered a terrible natural disaster.
In the context that the prophet speaks in Isaiah 61 their country has laid in ruins for decades after defeat at the hands of the Babylonians. Although there've been a few attempts to repopulate Jerusalem and Judah, socially, economically, and spiritually the Jews remain in a terribly depressed situation.
Now, after Judah's suffering for more than a lifetime, the prophet as the Lord's spokesman steps to the podium and faces all the reporters. He makes his announcement of immediate aid, during which he can hardly contain himself for joy.
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Do you remember your family going somewhere special when you were a child? Perhaps it was your grandparents' house for Christmas. Your parents drive and drive, and it seems like you will never get out of that crowded backseat with your brothers and sisters. Maybe the snow is starting to fall, frosting everything with delicate white. The streets begin to look more familiar -- the snow is falling with heavy flakes now; in no time at all there should be enough for a snowman -- and finally Dad pulls into the driveway. There is exceptional joy as you and your siblings pile out of the car and sprint for the house. It smells like Christmas outside, cold but with that hint of cinnamon that you know is coming from Grandma's oven. Inside, the cinnamon smell mixes with the aroma of coffee and the perfume of a Christmas tree. You're too excited for words and just grin from ear to ear as you hug your grandparents and run to see your cousins. That anticipation you felt in the car is what we feel when we hear Isaiah's words. Jesus is on his way!
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
It is that time of year when family members whom we don't often see will soon return home for the holidays. The prophet Isaiah is addressing the Hebrew people in exile, announcing the good news of deliverance. They are returning to their homeland. Homecoming is a common image in scripture. When the exiles return home, they are looking forward to returning to their temple, their rituals, their liturgy, and their traditions. The prophet's good news is that they are returning to their God.
The return and restoration were not as glorious as the prophets and people thought it would be. As in any homecoming, there are disappointments. When we are away from home we miss familiar circumstances and those we love. While away, we tend to idealize our home situation. When we return we see the same old places with the same old repairs that need to be done. We find the same people behaving in the same ways.
Jesus uses these same words when he returns to preach in his home church in Nazareth, describing his own call to ministry. He is the fulfillment of the messianic promise. But, he was still looked upon as only the boy from the carpenter's shop by the hometown folks.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Jamie was trying out for a part in the Christmas play. His mother knew he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen. On the day the parts were awarded, she went to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. "Guess what, Mom," he shouted, "I've been chosen to clap and cheer!"
Not unlike our role, in these days of rejoicing leading up to Christmas!
(From Ralph Milton, in his Rumors e-newsletter, November 19, 2006)
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
It had been a rough year for the Rogers family. With the slumping economy Denny worked less throughout the year and then in November was laid off. Sally managed to work some temporary jobs, but nothing steady. Expenses were higher than they anticipated. Denny worried and was unsure what to do. Sally's concern was for her children. How would they be able to celebrate Christmas without the usual number of gifts?
It is hard to explain to children why they will not be receiving as many gifts as their friends. Sally and Denny agreed that their present situation should not ruin Christmas.
They decided instead of focusing on gifts that they would spend more time together doing family activities. They found free events to attend; a holiday concert at the high school, a park decorated with thousands of lights, and they took part in the community carol sing. They also volunteered at the senior center to help address Christmas cards.
They would make personal gifts for each other. Each of the children enjoyed the creativity in making a gift out of paper or pinecones or anything else they could find. Sally made a manger out of sticks she found in the yard.
The day after Christmas, Sally told Denny that this had been their best Christmas. Their children would remember this special time they spent together.
The apostle Paul gives us an important reminder in the midst of the Christmas rush, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Sports drinks are the rage these days. Along with the claim that they replace vital minerals that are lost during strenuous activity, the commercials for these drinks imply that use of the product makes one faster, stronger, more durable. Be that as it may, there are some disadvantages to sports drinks that should be considered before picking one up to quench your thirst.
* Many sports drinks contain large amounts of sugar.
* Sports drinks are highly acidic, and that coupled with a dry mouth (lack of saliva which protects teeth), is very bad for your teeth.
* They replace water as the drink of choice. According to experts, more than 90% of athletes would be better off drinking water instead of a sports drink.
* They contain as much caffeine as a can of soda.
* They can be harmful if mixed with alcohol.
Paul encourages the Thessalonians not to quench the Spirit of God, not with sports drinks, not with water, not with anything.
John 1:6-8, 19-28
The conductor, author, and composer, Leonard Bernstein, was also a teacher. He helped people not only to understand music but to become aware of universal human characteristics. A number of quotes have been attributed to him, all of which started with a question like, "What's the hardest instrument to play in the orchestra?" His answer, "The second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who can play the second fiddle with enthusiasm -- that's a problem."
John the Baptist knew exactly his rank and role and he gloried in it. He knew the blessing of being a "support person." As not everyone has the gift to be the "up-front person," so not everyone has the inclination and the temperament to help another in an important ministry. God needs very few "up front persons." Christ's church is better served if most of us cultivated the "harmonious" gift of supporting others' ministries.
John 1:6-8, 19-28
There was once a town overrun by squirrels. They were everywhere, especially the churches. The ministers and their congregations didn't know what to do. At the first church, the congregation finally decided that God had sent the squirrels for a reason. They invited the squirrels to potlucks, fellowship hours, Bible study, and other church activities, resigned to their new fellow worshipers. The second church was a little more ruthless: They trapped all the squirrels and set them free in another town. But next Sunday, the squirrels were right back in their pews. It was the third church in town that finally solved the problem. They simply baptized all the squirrels and made them members of the congregation; now they only see those squirrels on Christmas and Easter. Isn't it ironic how baptism, the beginning of a relationship with God, often seems to become the end of a relationship with God? John wasn't looking to drive people away through baptism, but bring them closer to the Lord.
John 1:6-8, 19-28
John the Baptist is a popular preacher, having followers of his own. He explains that he is not the true light, the Messiah, but that he has come to point others toward that light. John is only a "witness," giving testimony to the true light that will enlighten all people. In a hostile world, John acts as God's advocate for Jesus. The careers of both Jesus and John the Baptist will spark controversy. People will question them as to the authority they preach under.
With technology at our fingertips, light is always available to us, but in biblical times, it was very different. The setting sun plunged the world into total darkness, broken only by fires and feeble oil lamps. Dangers in the dark were very real. Even Gentiles, unacquainted with God's promise of the Messiah, would recognize that if Jesus were the light, he would bring brightness into a dark world. Jesus can enter into our lives so completely that there is no more room for darkness. The darkness is reality apart from God -- life without hope.
