Sermon Illustrations for Proper 11 | OT 16 (2010)
Illustration
Illustrations
Amos 8:1-12
For military families, communication with their loved one in a war zone is a lifeline, an oasis in a desert of anxiety. In fact, several public and private sector initiatives, such as the Freedom Calls Foundation (www.freedomcalls.org), work to provide troops stationed overseas the technology to maintain contact with their families back home. Whether it's through letters, phone calls, text messages, or internet chat or video, many people are working diligently to ensure that soldiers can keep in touch with those they love, because they know that not having that connection would be devastating.
Imagine what it would be like for these people to have no word from their loved ones on the battlefront. They wouldn't know if that person was alive or dead! Now imagine what it was like for the people of Israel, a nation that had known God so closely, who had seen the presence of God in the wilderness in the form of a pillar of cloud and fire, to not hear from their God again for years. Yet that is what Amos prophesied over Israel, that they would have "famine on the land -- not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord" (v. 11). And before Jesus came, that's exactly what happened -- over 400 years of no word from God.
Craig K.
Amos 8:1-12
Oskar Groning was an SS guard at Auschwitz. One of his responsibilities was to oversee the confiscation of the luggage of the newest Jewish arrivals at the camp. His other duty was to count the money taken from the Jews. He then properly recorded the sum and sent the money and jewelry to Berlin. After his release from prison for war crimes, he shared his thoughts in an interview for a documentary movie. He still believed there was a Jewish conspiracy against the German people and therefore he showed no remorse for his actions. He vocalized his contempt for all Jews when he said, "But surely when it comes to the children you must have realized they couldn't have done anything against you. The children, they are not the enemy at the moment. The enemy is the blood inside them. The enemy is the growing up to become a Jew that is dangerous. Because of that the children were included as well."
It is difficult, if not impossible, for us to comprehend such heartless beliefs. Expressed in the interview was a total disregard for human life, even for those who were mere children. Yet, such behavior is commonplace throughout history and even in the events of this day. It is as true today as it was during the Holocaust and when Amos preached against the callousness of his people in the eighth-century BC. Amos spoke of God's impending and unstoppable judgment upon a citizenry who had a total disregard for the welfare of one's neighbor. Amos vividly recounts their actions and in so doing denounces their greed, dishonesty, and oppression of others.
Ron L.
Amos 8:1-12
It all began at a red light. Kevin Salwen was driving his fourteen-year-old daughter home from a sleepover. While waiting at a traffic light, they saw a black Mercedes on one side and a homeless man begging for food on the other.
"Dad, if that man had a less nice car, that man there could have a meal," Hannah protested. The light changed and they drove home but Hannah would not let the matter drop. She pestered her parents about inequity, insisting that she wanted to do something.
"What do you want us to do?" her mother responded, "Sell our house?" Never make such a statement to a teenager Kevin would learn. Hannah seized upon the idea of selling the luxurious family home and donating half the proceeds to charity, while using the other half to buy a more modest replacement home.
Eventually they did just that. The project -- crazy, impetuous, and utterly inspiring -- is chronicled in a book by her father, The Power of Half. The Salwens' offer an example of a family that came together to make a difference.
It's tough being a prophet and being charged to confront people of their wrong doings. The Old Testament Prophet Amos, speaking the Word of God, challenged the people, "Hear this, you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land." It was a call to change, to pay attention to the poor. It was also a call to action.
Tim S.
Colossians 1:15-28
Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr wrote that "Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore, we must be saved by love."
It is the loving heart of Christ demonstrated on the cross that is the truest test of love. Paul synchronizes it well when he wrote to the Church of Corinth, "(Love) always, protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres" (1 Corinthians 13:7 NIV). When we understand love in those terms we can take off our masks and reveal our true identity. "Only in such an atmosphere of love and acceptance can real trust, intimacy, and openness flourish and grow" (Wynne Gillis). I want to live in that high atmosphere of love!
(Jan Karon, Patches of Godlight [New York: Penguin Press, 2001])
Derl K.
Colossians 1:15-28
You know the story by heart -- perhaps you have this story. The story of a parent who works three jobs so that they can afford to send their child to Catholic school or college; the story of a wife who works full-time so that her husband can follow his dream of grad school; the story of a child who makes room in her already crowded home so that she can care for her aging parents. These are the stories that are lived out every day, stories of sacrifice and love. Like Paul, these hardworking parents, spouses, and children rejoice in their suffering — because the hardship they face is nothing compared to the joy they find in helping someone else realize their dreams or reach their potential.
Leah T.
Luke 10:38-42
The term "workaholic" often comes as part of a joke, like "What can you do with a workaholic? Clone them!" However, all joking aside, workaholism can be a major problem for many people here in America. According to a study by the New York-based Center for Work-Life Policy, 45% of business executives put in more than 60 hours a week in their work and/or are on call 24 hours a day. There is even a "Workaholics Anonymous" organization designed after the Alcoholics Anonymous model to help people who cannot pull themselves away from their work.
Now, there is nothing wrong with working hard, but there are times when we have to sit and rest and spend some quiet time with the Lord. In this account, Martha was the busy worker wanting Mary to help out, but Mary knew the value of sitting at Jesus' feet, spending time in his presence, and listening to his voice. Maybe we should do the same.
Craig K.
Luke 10:38-42
The women's and children shelter became a mission project for the women's circle at church. The women would take turns talking with the women or playing games or reading stories to the children. Each month at the meeting the women would share their experiences volunteering their time helping out the local shelter. The maximum the women or children could stay at the shelter was just two months, which made establishing sustaining relationships difficult but not impossible.
At one of the women's meeting, Wendy said she would like to host a dinner at her home for the women and children that she met from the shelter. She told how she kept in touch with several after they left the shelter. Everyone agreed that this would be a wonderful idea -- a good home cooked meal.
Wendy no more than got into her car when she began having second thoughts, "Do we have enough space? Should I use the good china? I've never cooked a meal for so many people before? What if the food is no good?" Deep inside she felt this was a worthy project that she undertook.
She began cooking before sunrise. While the meat was in the oven she again cleaned her house wanting to make a good impression. She rearranged the place cards. Before she realized it she became lost in the details, wanting everything to be perfect. She was stressed out when one of the women from church came to help her. Her friend reminded her why she undertook such a project -- to show God's love to people who had experienced difficult times. Wendy took a deep breath and said a prayer seeking guidance.
The dinner was appreciated. All the women, from the church and shelter, had a good time. On the way out one of the women from the shelter said she could not believe that someone who go to so much trouble for her. Tears streamed down Wendy's face.
Sometimes we lose sight of why we do what we do. We get lost in the details instead of looking at the bigger picture. That was Martha's problem, she focused on the details failing to seize the unique opportunity to sit at Jesus' feet and learn from him.
Tim S.
Luke 10:38-42
In filming the movie Jesus of Nazareth, Ernest Borgnine played the role of the centurion who stood at the foot of the cross, looking up into the face of the crucified Jesus of Nazareth. Since this was a movie, actors only came on the set when needed; so instead of having the actor portraying Jesus before him, Borgnine stared at an "X" chalk mark. In such a sterile setting Borgnine had a difficult time capturing the emotions that the Roman soldier must have experienced at this tragic moment. In order to feel the part, Borgnine asked someone to read Luke's account of the crucifixion. As the words were being read Borgnine felt more and more uncomfortable. He felt ashamed. He was the same as the first centurion who failed to acknowledge the Son of God prior to the confrontation on the cross. Then something miraculous happened. The chalk mark suddenly was transformed into the face of Jesus, lifelike and clear. Captivated by the revelation, Borgnine realized how the centurion who first stood at the foot of the cross must have been affected. In all sincerity he repeated the soldier's words, "Certainly this man was innocent!"
To look into the face of Jesus, to hold the hem of his garment, to listen to his teachings, to be invited to share a meal at his table, to be touched by his hand, and to receive the comfort of his blessing will change a person forever. If you choose to come into the presence of Jesus you will be empowered by his grace and mercy. Your sins will be forgiven, strength will be restored to your weary body, and your self-esteem will be enhanced. You will have the assurance that the promises of the gospels are for all believers. The message we have from Mary is that she was able to be still long enough to look into the face of Jesus and understand. We must protect ourselves from imitating Martha that we are so busy doing the work of the church we fail to grasp the meaning of the church.
Ron L.
Amos 8:1-12
For military families, communication with their loved one in a war zone is a lifeline, an oasis in a desert of anxiety. In fact, several public and private sector initiatives, such as the Freedom Calls Foundation (www.freedomcalls.org), work to provide troops stationed overseas the technology to maintain contact with their families back home. Whether it's through letters, phone calls, text messages, or internet chat or video, many people are working diligently to ensure that soldiers can keep in touch with those they love, because they know that not having that connection would be devastating.
Imagine what it would be like for these people to have no word from their loved ones on the battlefront. They wouldn't know if that person was alive or dead! Now imagine what it was like for the people of Israel, a nation that had known God so closely, who had seen the presence of God in the wilderness in the form of a pillar of cloud and fire, to not hear from their God again for years. Yet that is what Amos prophesied over Israel, that they would have "famine on the land -- not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord" (v. 11). And before Jesus came, that's exactly what happened -- over 400 years of no word from God.
Craig K.
Amos 8:1-12
Oskar Groning was an SS guard at Auschwitz. One of his responsibilities was to oversee the confiscation of the luggage of the newest Jewish arrivals at the camp. His other duty was to count the money taken from the Jews. He then properly recorded the sum and sent the money and jewelry to Berlin. After his release from prison for war crimes, he shared his thoughts in an interview for a documentary movie. He still believed there was a Jewish conspiracy against the German people and therefore he showed no remorse for his actions. He vocalized his contempt for all Jews when he said, "But surely when it comes to the children you must have realized they couldn't have done anything against you. The children, they are not the enemy at the moment. The enemy is the blood inside them. The enemy is the growing up to become a Jew that is dangerous. Because of that the children were included as well."
It is difficult, if not impossible, for us to comprehend such heartless beliefs. Expressed in the interview was a total disregard for human life, even for those who were mere children. Yet, such behavior is commonplace throughout history and even in the events of this day. It is as true today as it was during the Holocaust and when Amos preached against the callousness of his people in the eighth-century BC. Amos spoke of God's impending and unstoppable judgment upon a citizenry who had a total disregard for the welfare of one's neighbor. Amos vividly recounts their actions and in so doing denounces their greed, dishonesty, and oppression of others.
Ron L.
Amos 8:1-12
It all began at a red light. Kevin Salwen was driving his fourteen-year-old daughter home from a sleepover. While waiting at a traffic light, they saw a black Mercedes on one side and a homeless man begging for food on the other.
"Dad, if that man had a less nice car, that man there could have a meal," Hannah protested. The light changed and they drove home but Hannah would not let the matter drop. She pestered her parents about inequity, insisting that she wanted to do something.
"What do you want us to do?" her mother responded, "Sell our house?" Never make such a statement to a teenager Kevin would learn. Hannah seized upon the idea of selling the luxurious family home and donating half the proceeds to charity, while using the other half to buy a more modest replacement home.
Eventually they did just that. The project -- crazy, impetuous, and utterly inspiring -- is chronicled in a book by her father, The Power of Half. The Salwens' offer an example of a family that came together to make a difference.
It's tough being a prophet and being charged to confront people of their wrong doings. The Old Testament Prophet Amos, speaking the Word of God, challenged the people, "Hear this, you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land." It was a call to change, to pay attention to the poor. It was also a call to action.
Tim S.
Colossians 1:15-28
Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr wrote that "Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore, we must be saved by love."
It is the loving heart of Christ demonstrated on the cross that is the truest test of love. Paul synchronizes it well when he wrote to the Church of Corinth, "(Love) always, protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres" (1 Corinthians 13:7 NIV). When we understand love in those terms we can take off our masks and reveal our true identity. "Only in such an atmosphere of love and acceptance can real trust, intimacy, and openness flourish and grow" (Wynne Gillis). I want to live in that high atmosphere of love!
(Jan Karon, Patches of Godlight [New York: Penguin Press, 2001])
Derl K.
Colossians 1:15-28
You know the story by heart -- perhaps you have this story. The story of a parent who works three jobs so that they can afford to send their child to Catholic school or college; the story of a wife who works full-time so that her husband can follow his dream of grad school; the story of a child who makes room in her already crowded home so that she can care for her aging parents. These are the stories that are lived out every day, stories of sacrifice and love. Like Paul, these hardworking parents, spouses, and children rejoice in their suffering — because the hardship they face is nothing compared to the joy they find in helping someone else realize their dreams or reach their potential.
Leah T.
Luke 10:38-42
The term "workaholic" often comes as part of a joke, like "What can you do with a workaholic? Clone them!" However, all joking aside, workaholism can be a major problem for many people here in America. According to a study by the New York-based Center for Work-Life Policy, 45% of business executives put in more than 60 hours a week in their work and/or are on call 24 hours a day. There is even a "Workaholics Anonymous" organization designed after the Alcoholics Anonymous model to help people who cannot pull themselves away from their work.
Now, there is nothing wrong with working hard, but there are times when we have to sit and rest and spend some quiet time with the Lord. In this account, Martha was the busy worker wanting Mary to help out, but Mary knew the value of sitting at Jesus' feet, spending time in his presence, and listening to his voice. Maybe we should do the same.
Craig K.
Luke 10:38-42
The women's and children shelter became a mission project for the women's circle at church. The women would take turns talking with the women or playing games or reading stories to the children. Each month at the meeting the women would share their experiences volunteering their time helping out the local shelter. The maximum the women or children could stay at the shelter was just two months, which made establishing sustaining relationships difficult but not impossible.
At one of the women's meeting, Wendy said she would like to host a dinner at her home for the women and children that she met from the shelter. She told how she kept in touch with several after they left the shelter. Everyone agreed that this would be a wonderful idea -- a good home cooked meal.
Wendy no more than got into her car when she began having second thoughts, "Do we have enough space? Should I use the good china? I've never cooked a meal for so many people before? What if the food is no good?" Deep inside she felt this was a worthy project that she undertook.
She began cooking before sunrise. While the meat was in the oven she again cleaned her house wanting to make a good impression. She rearranged the place cards. Before she realized it she became lost in the details, wanting everything to be perfect. She was stressed out when one of the women from church came to help her. Her friend reminded her why she undertook such a project -- to show God's love to people who had experienced difficult times. Wendy took a deep breath and said a prayer seeking guidance.
The dinner was appreciated. All the women, from the church and shelter, had a good time. On the way out one of the women from the shelter said she could not believe that someone who go to so much trouble for her. Tears streamed down Wendy's face.
Sometimes we lose sight of why we do what we do. We get lost in the details instead of looking at the bigger picture. That was Martha's problem, she focused on the details failing to seize the unique opportunity to sit at Jesus' feet and learn from him.
Tim S.
Luke 10:38-42
In filming the movie Jesus of Nazareth, Ernest Borgnine played the role of the centurion who stood at the foot of the cross, looking up into the face of the crucified Jesus of Nazareth. Since this was a movie, actors only came on the set when needed; so instead of having the actor portraying Jesus before him, Borgnine stared at an "X" chalk mark. In such a sterile setting Borgnine had a difficult time capturing the emotions that the Roman soldier must have experienced at this tragic moment. In order to feel the part, Borgnine asked someone to read Luke's account of the crucifixion. As the words were being read Borgnine felt more and more uncomfortable. He felt ashamed. He was the same as the first centurion who failed to acknowledge the Son of God prior to the confrontation on the cross. Then something miraculous happened. The chalk mark suddenly was transformed into the face of Jesus, lifelike and clear. Captivated by the revelation, Borgnine realized how the centurion who first stood at the foot of the cross must have been affected. In all sincerity he repeated the soldier's words, "Certainly this man was innocent!"
To look into the face of Jesus, to hold the hem of his garment, to listen to his teachings, to be invited to share a meal at his table, to be touched by his hand, and to receive the comfort of his blessing will change a person forever. If you choose to come into the presence of Jesus you will be empowered by his grace and mercy. Your sins will be forgiven, strength will be restored to your weary body, and your self-esteem will be enhanced. You will have the assurance that the promises of the gospels are for all believers. The message we have from Mary is that she was able to be still long enough to look into the face of Jesus and understand. We must protect ourselves from imitating Martha that we are so busy doing the work of the church we fail to grasp the meaning of the church.
Ron L.
