NULL
Illustration
Object:
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
If you perform a Google search for Mount Vesuvius, you will be met with a variety of pictures of the temperamental volcano. In one picture, the mountain is seen in the far distance, with the ruins of the city of Pompeii in the foreground. Pompeii, along with the city of Herculaneum, was destroyed in a large volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, killing between 10,000 and 25,000 people. In the picture I mentioned earlier, you can even see what looks like burn marks on some of the rubble.
The passage in Jeremiah definitely brings this kind of picture to mind. "I looked on the mountains, and behold, they were quaking, and all the hills moved to and fro…. I looked, and behold, the fruitful land was a desert, and all its cities were laid in ruins before the Lord, before his fierce anger" (vv. 24, 26). I'm not saying this is why these two ancient cities were destroyed, but it definitely should give us pause when thinking about how we view God. Yes, he is a God of infinite love and patience, but his wrath can be just as powerful.
Craig K.
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Someone asked in an adult Sunday school class if there were prophets today. She thought the answer was "no," that prophets were in the past, others in the class agreed while others disagreed. God continues to send people to call our attention to what we neglect. The problem is we do not always like what they have to say.
There was controversy earlier this year when a conservative talk-show host criticized churches for helping the poor. Jim Wallis, who leads the Christian anti-poverty group Sojourners, in Washington DC, responded by stating that much of both the Old and New Testaments contain verses concerning care for the poor. He wrote in his blog, "that we have made our American Bible full of holes when we have ignored the biblical call to social justice." God's justice is caring for the poor and others whose needs are great.
The prophet Jeremiah was called by God to speak God's word to a people who honestly did not always want to hear what he had to say. At times Jeremiah was incensed over what he viewed as injustice, "At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem: A hot wind comes from me out of the bare heights in the desert toward my poor people," Jeremiah exclaimed.
Tim. S.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Rembrandt completed an inspiring painting in 1634 that he titled, "The Descent from the Cross." Standing to the right of the cross, a somberly dressed figure in deep brown-red, is Nicodemus, who received permission to bury Jesus. Seated left, whose colors barely make her visible, is Mary, shown fainting and supported by several women. Gathered in the rear are the apostles, scarcely seen in the dark shadows. The livid color of Christ's body, set off against white linen, surrounded by the dark images, creates an unforgettable impression. Another figure is illuminated as brilliantly as Jesus, a man standing at the top of a ladder, helping to lower the body. The strong blue figure bears a resemblance to the artist. Rembrandt placed himself at the scene of deliverance, for he too had received the words of redemption.
Rembrandt understood the teaching of Paul that we are all forgiven through the cross of Christ. Paul expressed his personal message of salvation very solemnly. Rembrandt used his skill as an artist to convey his personal message of salvation. We too must recognize our sins and then place ourselves on the cross of Christ. In so doing, we will be able to share with others our personal message of salvation.
Ron L.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
One character in the book Les Miserables by Victor Hugo is named Inspector Javert. Javert is a police officer who relentlessly pursues the book's main character, a reformed criminal named Jean Valjean. Even though Valjean has turned his life around and works for the good of society, Javert believes "once a criminal, always a criminal." A turning point in the story is when Valjean, the former criminal, has the inspector at his mercy. Javert thinks that Jean Valjean is going to kill him -- but then Valjean shows mercy. Javert doesn't know what to do. His entire world is turned upside down. Valjean truly is a former criminal. Javert's entire life work has been based on a misconception.
Leah T.
Luke 15:1-10
Karen asked her parents if they would be able to keep her cat while she and her family were away on vacation. Julie knew how much her grandchildren loved their cat -- Betsy. The day before vacation "Betsy" was dropped off at their home. Truthfully the cat was not too much trouble.
One day a delivery person came to the door. As Julie stood with the door open Betsy ran out of the house. In only a matter of seconds the cat was out of sight. Panic set in as Julie and her husband quickly went searching for the cat around the outside of the house and in the shrubbery. Since the cat did not live with them all of her surroundings would be unfamiliar. Julie dreaded the thought of having to tell her grandchildren that their beloved pet was lost.
Down the street they walked, calling Betsy. Julie phoned several neighbors asking them to be on the look out for the missing cat. She worried about the cat, which is an indoor cat with no claws to defend herself. Hours passed and still no cat. As the sun set they thought they would never see Betsy again. She was lost in a strange neighborhood.
After one more search around the house they went to bed, but had difficulty sleeping. Then shortly before 3 a.m. they heard the faint cry of the cat. At first Julie thought she was dreaming, but slowly woke up. Grabbing a bathrobe and turning on the porch light she found the missing cat. Betsy looked frightened by her ordeal. She picked Betsy up and brought her back inside the house, giving her food and milk. A sense of relief and gratitude swept over her -- the lost cat was found.
Jesus told two parables about lost things in response to the "grumbling" of the religious leaders. The first was the shepherd who leaves behind 99 sheep to diligently search for the missing one. The shepherd's only focus is on the one lost sheep and when the missing sheep is found there is great rejoicing. The second short parable is about a woman with ten sliver coins, she loses one and then turns her home upside down searching for the lost coin. When she finds it she invites her neighbors to a party to celebrate. We need to actively search for those who do not yet know Jesus and have a relationship with the church. And when we find them a grand celebration is in order. Jesus said, "Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance."
Tim S.
Luke 15:1-10
During basic training, soldiers in the United States Army are taught what is known as the Soldier's Creed. This statement exemplifies what it means to be an American soldier, highlighting the best qualities of these men and women. One line in the creed says, "I will never leave a fallen comrade." Indeed, the history of the US Army is filled with heroic tales of injured or captured soldiers being rescued by their fellow soldiers, often at the risk of their own lives.
It is that same spirit of self-sacrifice that we see in this passage, as the shepherd leaves his flock behind, risking everything to find that one lost sheep. Even though it is one life that is lost, the Good Shepherd will risk everything to find it. How grateful we should be as Christians that Jesus sought us out and brought us back into the fold!
Craig K.
If you perform a Google search for Mount Vesuvius, you will be met with a variety of pictures of the temperamental volcano. In one picture, the mountain is seen in the far distance, with the ruins of the city of Pompeii in the foreground. Pompeii, along with the city of Herculaneum, was destroyed in a large volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, killing between 10,000 and 25,000 people. In the picture I mentioned earlier, you can even see what looks like burn marks on some of the rubble.
The passage in Jeremiah definitely brings this kind of picture to mind. "I looked on the mountains, and behold, they were quaking, and all the hills moved to and fro…. I looked, and behold, the fruitful land was a desert, and all its cities were laid in ruins before the Lord, before his fierce anger" (vv. 24, 26). I'm not saying this is why these two ancient cities were destroyed, but it definitely should give us pause when thinking about how we view God. Yes, he is a God of infinite love and patience, but his wrath can be just as powerful.
Craig K.
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Someone asked in an adult Sunday school class if there were prophets today. She thought the answer was "no," that prophets were in the past, others in the class agreed while others disagreed. God continues to send people to call our attention to what we neglect. The problem is we do not always like what they have to say.
There was controversy earlier this year when a conservative talk-show host criticized churches for helping the poor. Jim Wallis, who leads the Christian anti-poverty group Sojourners, in Washington DC, responded by stating that much of both the Old and New Testaments contain verses concerning care for the poor. He wrote in his blog, "that we have made our American Bible full of holes when we have ignored the biblical call to social justice." God's justice is caring for the poor and others whose needs are great.
The prophet Jeremiah was called by God to speak God's word to a people who honestly did not always want to hear what he had to say. At times Jeremiah was incensed over what he viewed as injustice, "At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem: A hot wind comes from me out of the bare heights in the desert toward my poor people," Jeremiah exclaimed.
Tim. S.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Rembrandt completed an inspiring painting in 1634 that he titled, "The Descent from the Cross." Standing to the right of the cross, a somberly dressed figure in deep brown-red, is Nicodemus, who received permission to bury Jesus. Seated left, whose colors barely make her visible, is Mary, shown fainting and supported by several women. Gathered in the rear are the apostles, scarcely seen in the dark shadows. The livid color of Christ's body, set off against white linen, surrounded by the dark images, creates an unforgettable impression. Another figure is illuminated as brilliantly as Jesus, a man standing at the top of a ladder, helping to lower the body. The strong blue figure bears a resemblance to the artist. Rembrandt placed himself at the scene of deliverance, for he too had received the words of redemption.
Rembrandt understood the teaching of Paul that we are all forgiven through the cross of Christ. Paul expressed his personal message of salvation very solemnly. Rembrandt used his skill as an artist to convey his personal message of salvation. We too must recognize our sins and then place ourselves on the cross of Christ. In so doing, we will be able to share with others our personal message of salvation.
Ron L.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
One character in the book Les Miserables by Victor Hugo is named Inspector Javert. Javert is a police officer who relentlessly pursues the book's main character, a reformed criminal named Jean Valjean. Even though Valjean has turned his life around and works for the good of society, Javert believes "once a criminal, always a criminal." A turning point in the story is when Valjean, the former criminal, has the inspector at his mercy. Javert thinks that Jean Valjean is going to kill him -- but then Valjean shows mercy. Javert doesn't know what to do. His entire world is turned upside down. Valjean truly is a former criminal. Javert's entire life work has been based on a misconception.
Leah T.
Luke 15:1-10
Karen asked her parents if they would be able to keep her cat while she and her family were away on vacation. Julie knew how much her grandchildren loved their cat -- Betsy. The day before vacation "Betsy" was dropped off at their home. Truthfully the cat was not too much trouble.
One day a delivery person came to the door. As Julie stood with the door open Betsy ran out of the house. In only a matter of seconds the cat was out of sight. Panic set in as Julie and her husband quickly went searching for the cat around the outside of the house and in the shrubbery. Since the cat did not live with them all of her surroundings would be unfamiliar. Julie dreaded the thought of having to tell her grandchildren that their beloved pet was lost.
Down the street they walked, calling Betsy. Julie phoned several neighbors asking them to be on the look out for the missing cat. She worried about the cat, which is an indoor cat with no claws to defend herself. Hours passed and still no cat. As the sun set they thought they would never see Betsy again. She was lost in a strange neighborhood.
After one more search around the house they went to bed, but had difficulty sleeping. Then shortly before 3 a.m. they heard the faint cry of the cat. At first Julie thought she was dreaming, but slowly woke up. Grabbing a bathrobe and turning on the porch light she found the missing cat. Betsy looked frightened by her ordeal. She picked Betsy up and brought her back inside the house, giving her food and milk. A sense of relief and gratitude swept over her -- the lost cat was found.
Jesus told two parables about lost things in response to the "grumbling" of the religious leaders. The first was the shepherd who leaves behind 99 sheep to diligently search for the missing one. The shepherd's only focus is on the one lost sheep and when the missing sheep is found there is great rejoicing. The second short parable is about a woman with ten sliver coins, she loses one and then turns her home upside down searching for the lost coin. When she finds it she invites her neighbors to a party to celebrate. We need to actively search for those who do not yet know Jesus and have a relationship with the church. And when we find them a grand celebration is in order. Jesus said, "Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance."
Tim S.
Luke 15:1-10
During basic training, soldiers in the United States Army are taught what is known as the Soldier's Creed. This statement exemplifies what it means to be an American soldier, highlighting the best qualities of these men and women. One line in the creed says, "I will never leave a fallen comrade." Indeed, the history of the US Army is filled with heroic tales of injured or captured soldiers being rescued by their fellow soldiers, often at the risk of their own lives.
It is that same spirit of self-sacrifice that we see in this passage, as the shepherd leaves his flock behind, risking everything to find that one lost sheep. Even though it is one life that is lost, the Good Shepherd will risk everything to find it. How grateful we should be as Christians that Jesus sought us out and brought us back into the fold!
Craig K.
