Preaching The Psalmbr...
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Preaching The Psalm
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
This psalm hits the reader with a laser-like precision. Only the most delusional or those awash in denial could miss the point here. Our faith is not one that can be spiritualized to the point of irrelevancy. Our faith has both calling and consequence here and now in the midst of the world's turmoil and craziness. More than that, our faith is bold enough to call the powers of the moment to account. It is a call that has not diminished over time.
"Give the king your justice, O God." These words, and those that follow make it clear that the "principalities and powers" (Colossians 2:15) subscribe to a different operating definition of justice than does God. So it is that the call comes to grant the king God's justice. The tone is oppositional, and it is perhaps worth updating.
Grant the president your justice, O God. Not the justice of disappearing civil rights; not the justice of Guantanamo or Abu Graib, but your justice! If we take our faith seriously, what are we to do with sentiments such as this? There can be no denying that the current "king" has what one radio commentator called a "complex and adversarial relationship with the truth." Nor can it be denied that the nation is bogged down in an immoral and unjust war that is devastating to God's children in Baghdad and Boston -- in Tikrit and Taos.
There's no question about it. This psalm is a summons to the faithful. It is a wake-up call to those who claim a faith in the God of Israel, the God who comes most powerfully to us in Jesus of Nazareth. This God desires justice and fair treatment to the poor, and places the responsibility for this in the hands of the faithful. This God, in fact, would rather we not waste our time in church if our worship does not lead us to acting for justice and for peace (Isaiah 58:2-11; Amos 5:21 ff) in the world.
In a time when churches around the nation wrestle with mission and direction, these words need to be heard. In a day when the church is an object of ridicule because of its hypocrisy, these words need to be lived. And in a day when oppression and violence are "standard operating procedure," our God calls us as never before to take a stand, to speak and act, not for the justice of the king, but for God's justice, in our communities, in our nation, and in our world.
Illustrations for January 6
Isaiah 60:1-6
Isaiah's proclamation that "your light has come," makes most sense after Jesus has entered the world. Jesus is the light of the world, and we who follow him live "in light of Jesus."
David sat at his desk and drew to mind each member of his family. He reviewed his personal problems from the past and his bumpy relationship with each family member. But he'd renewed his devotion to Christ in his fortieth year and was now following Jesus as best he knew. He attended worship regularly, studied the Bible diligently, and shared in Christian fellowship with other men.
At Christmas, he wrote to each of his family members and confessed his mistakes, faults, and sins. Each of them received his personal and deeply felt letter. It was his way, and a profoundly appropriate one, of living "in light of Jesus."
Isaiah 60:1-6
Israel was in desperate circumstances during Isaiah's time, the late eighth century BC. Evil had won the day. Violence and treachery kept everyone on edge. Justice was rarer than river ice in August. People openly disobeyed God and scoffed at him. The Lord was so upset with them that he stopped answering them, but he wasn't done with Israel. He planned to punish them in his own righteousness and bring vengeance on evildoers.
His intention was not to annihilate them, but to bring them renewal. He planned a bright future for them: "Arise, shine, for your light has come." By what means would the Lord bring this about? Some interpreters think that Israel itself would accomplish it, but Israel never did that. It could be done only by the Lord himself. He promised the end of violence and said that Israel would call their "walls Salvation" and their "gates Praise." Verse 18 is a stunning verse, especially when you remember that the word for salvation is the Hebrew word Yeshua -- Jesus. It's time that we start enjoying his light.
Isaiah 60:1-6
The world-famous artist, Bertel Thorwaldsen, made an impressive clay sculpture of the majestic conquering Christ in Copenhagen, Denmark. Left for the night to harden, a strange change took place. In the dampness of the studio the head began to droop and the upraised arms began to sag downward. It appeared it would have to be redone, but the majestic Christ took on new dimension, the head bowed forward and the arms stretched downward in gentle invitation. So the majestic Christ was titled, Come Unto Me. That work by the artist and gravity has inspired millions. Now, in order to see his face, you must kneel at his feet. He reaches out in invitation to you. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest ..." (Matthew 11:28).
Epiphany, the traditional time of the visit of the wise men, reminds us that the truly wise have always knelt in reverence before him.
Ephesians 3:1-12
When the writer of Ephesians speaks of the "mysteries" of the Christian faith, he is not meaning to say, as proponents of the ancient mystery religions used to teach, "This knowledge is secret, and you will obtain it only when you're worthy." Rather, he is saying -- about the very public events of the cross and resurrection of Jesus -- that there is still something of the miraculous about them, things we don't understand.
Martin Luther says somewhere that "The mystery of the humanity of Christ, that he sunk himself into our flesh, is beyond all human understanding." Saint Augustine is well known for having said, "If we have understood, then what we have understood is not God."
"I would rather live in a world where life is surrounded by mystery," writes Harry Emerson Fosdick, "than live in a world so small that my mind could comprehend it."
Ephesians 3:1-12
I have a friend who, for everything she doesn't understand or can't explain, has a simple retort: "It's a mystery." That the earth goes around the sun, why it rains, why she went to the store for milk and came home with bread, why she came down with a cold, and why she can't find her car keys -- it is all a mystery. There is something relaxing in not having to have airtight, rational explanations for everything that happens in life. In this passage, Saint Paul is also comfortable with the idea of mystery -- that some things are meant to not be understood or experienced as totally rational in an a-b-c fashion.
Ephesians 3:1-12
Julie and Craig looked forward to their winter vacation for months. It would be the first time they would travel without their children. The flight was uneventful. The week was fantastic -- filled with sightseeing, skiing, and just being together.
When they arrived at the airport for their return flight, they learned that their flight was delayed; a Midwestern snowstorm was causing delays and cancellations. After waiting over an hour, their flight left but was soon diverted to Denver. They were told that all flights east that night had been cancelled. The only thing they could do was hope that by morning the conditions would improve enough for them to fly home.
They were stuck in the airport with nowhere to go. They did not know a single person in Denver. Craig frantically began calling nearby motels and hotels only to discover that they were all full. The thought of spending the night at the airport and sleeping on the floor did not appeal to them, but they were running out of options.
Overhearing parts of Julie's call home, a gentleman offered to take them to his home where they could spend the night. He explained that he lived twenty miles from the airport and would bring them back the next morning. He told them that his daughter just got married and there was an extra bedroom where they could stay. Julie and Craig looked at each other, not quite sure what to do. The man seemed nice enough, and they were out of options.
They went home with this man, spent the night in his house, and were treated to breakfast the next morning. Craig called the airline to inquire of the first available flight home. He was told that they hoped to be in the air by late morning. As promised, the man took them back to the airport. Julie and Craig thanked him and his wife for their kindness.
Both Craig and Julie were amazed at the hospitality of a stranger. The apostle Paul told his readers about how God's grace was extended to him. "For surely you have already heard of the commission of God's grace that was given me for you...."
Ephesians 3:1-12
Unsearchable riches. In the history of humankind, there have been several commodities and products that have made some men and women incredibly rich: gold, coffee, tea, silk, cotton, diamonds, and in more modern times, railroads, automobiles, web technologies, cable television, and others. In the pursuit of obtaining such unsearchable riches, millions of people's lives have been lost or ruined. In pursuit of enjoying unsearchable riches, people have sold drugs, slaves, women, children, and weapons. Yet all of earth's riches are perishable and are not transferable from this world to the next.
Paul made known the unsearchable riches of Christ, treasures that are freely given to all people with no strings attached. His efforts landed him in prison, much as the efforts of his Lord landed him on the cross. It seems that the riches of this life are more marketable and more desired than the true riches of Christ. Tragic.
Matthew 2:1-12
Church consultant, Lyle Schaller, identifies congregations that are realistically in ministry. They assume that the world (our culture and everyday values) is hostile to Christianity -- no matter how often preachers are invited to prayer breakfasts with politicians or how many invocations they give at social or civil events.
Evil infiltrates governmental and economic systems as well as each individual. The artist, Pieter Breughel, portrayed this in Adoration of the Kings, depicting the magi arriving at Joseph and Mary's house. Many paintings of this scene seem like a White House reception or only two steps from heaven. This painting depicts a baby wrapped in a burial shroud surrounded by instruments of war and a crowd -- everyone from king to peasant grotesque and uncomprehending. The world is infected by evil. It's not totally evil, but both the magi and Jesus' family must flee. If we forget or deny evil, we're in for major trouble in politics, business, family, and church.
Matthew 2:1-12
Herod had more power than any governor or president in the United States. He answered to no one but Caesar. The police and army did his bidding. Herod regularly executed people that he suspected of wanting his throne. Victims of his suspicious wrath included his wife, his best friend, and three of his own sons. He unmercifully killed any potential rival.
When the wise men arrived looking for the one "born king of the Jews," Herod wanted to kill that newborn infant, too. He couldn't locate the baby, so the enraged king tried to kill every male child two years of age and under. His malevolent plan would have worked under ordinary circumstances. But no king, ruler, Caesar, or dictator could kill Jesus prior to the time God had set. Despite Herod's machinations, Jesus became the eternal king. Our own rulers sometimes do terrible things. But they can do only what God permits. Do you trust God to work his righteous plan or do you fret about the evil rulers of this present age?
Matthew 2:1-12
"... they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasurer chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11). This verse speaks of great generosity. I recently read again about the extreme and excessive generosity that was evident when a customer left a tip of $10,000 for Cindy Kienow in Hutchinson, Kansas. She had faithfully served him for three years. The meal he ordered was only $26. What an amazing display of extreme generosity.
Henry Vandyke tells his story of "The Other Wise Man" also a man of wealth and high position who intended to travel following the star with the other wise men. He was delayed when he gave a gift, a precious jewel, to save the life of a slave. He wanted to find Christ but was always late because he was using his treasures, intended for Christ, to help someone else. Finally, on the day of the crucifixion, he meets Christ. When he apologizes for being late, Jesus tells him, "In as much as you have done it to the least of these ... you have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40 KJV).
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
This psalm hits the reader with a laser-like precision. Only the most delusional or those awash in denial could miss the point here. Our faith is not one that can be spiritualized to the point of irrelevancy. Our faith has both calling and consequence here and now in the midst of the world's turmoil and craziness. More than that, our faith is bold enough to call the powers of the moment to account. It is a call that has not diminished over time.
"Give the king your justice, O God." These words, and those that follow make it clear that the "principalities and powers" (Colossians 2:15) subscribe to a different operating definition of justice than does God. So it is that the call comes to grant the king God's justice. The tone is oppositional, and it is perhaps worth updating.
Grant the president your justice, O God. Not the justice of disappearing civil rights; not the justice of Guantanamo or Abu Graib, but your justice! If we take our faith seriously, what are we to do with sentiments such as this? There can be no denying that the current "king" has what one radio commentator called a "complex and adversarial relationship with the truth." Nor can it be denied that the nation is bogged down in an immoral and unjust war that is devastating to God's children in Baghdad and Boston -- in Tikrit and Taos.
There's no question about it. This psalm is a summons to the faithful. It is a wake-up call to those who claim a faith in the God of Israel, the God who comes most powerfully to us in Jesus of Nazareth. This God desires justice and fair treatment to the poor, and places the responsibility for this in the hands of the faithful. This God, in fact, would rather we not waste our time in church if our worship does not lead us to acting for justice and for peace (Isaiah 58:2-11; Amos 5:21 ff) in the world.
In a time when churches around the nation wrestle with mission and direction, these words need to be heard. In a day when the church is an object of ridicule because of its hypocrisy, these words need to be lived. And in a day when oppression and violence are "standard operating procedure," our God calls us as never before to take a stand, to speak and act, not for the justice of the king, but for God's justice, in our communities, in our nation, and in our world.
Illustrations for January 6
Isaiah 60:1-6
Isaiah's proclamation that "your light has come," makes most sense after Jesus has entered the world. Jesus is the light of the world, and we who follow him live "in light of Jesus."
David sat at his desk and drew to mind each member of his family. He reviewed his personal problems from the past and his bumpy relationship with each family member. But he'd renewed his devotion to Christ in his fortieth year and was now following Jesus as best he knew. He attended worship regularly, studied the Bible diligently, and shared in Christian fellowship with other men.
At Christmas, he wrote to each of his family members and confessed his mistakes, faults, and sins. Each of them received his personal and deeply felt letter. It was his way, and a profoundly appropriate one, of living "in light of Jesus."
Isaiah 60:1-6
Israel was in desperate circumstances during Isaiah's time, the late eighth century BC. Evil had won the day. Violence and treachery kept everyone on edge. Justice was rarer than river ice in August. People openly disobeyed God and scoffed at him. The Lord was so upset with them that he stopped answering them, but he wasn't done with Israel. He planned to punish them in his own righteousness and bring vengeance on evildoers.
His intention was not to annihilate them, but to bring them renewal. He planned a bright future for them: "Arise, shine, for your light has come." By what means would the Lord bring this about? Some interpreters think that Israel itself would accomplish it, but Israel never did that. It could be done only by the Lord himself. He promised the end of violence and said that Israel would call their "walls Salvation" and their "gates Praise." Verse 18 is a stunning verse, especially when you remember that the word for salvation is the Hebrew word Yeshua -- Jesus. It's time that we start enjoying his light.
Isaiah 60:1-6
The world-famous artist, Bertel Thorwaldsen, made an impressive clay sculpture of the majestic conquering Christ in Copenhagen, Denmark. Left for the night to harden, a strange change took place. In the dampness of the studio the head began to droop and the upraised arms began to sag downward. It appeared it would have to be redone, but the majestic Christ took on new dimension, the head bowed forward and the arms stretched downward in gentle invitation. So the majestic Christ was titled, Come Unto Me. That work by the artist and gravity has inspired millions. Now, in order to see his face, you must kneel at his feet. He reaches out in invitation to you. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest ..." (Matthew 11:28).
Epiphany, the traditional time of the visit of the wise men, reminds us that the truly wise have always knelt in reverence before him.
Ephesians 3:1-12
When the writer of Ephesians speaks of the "mysteries" of the Christian faith, he is not meaning to say, as proponents of the ancient mystery religions used to teach, "This knowledge is secret, and you will obtain it only when you're worthy." Rather, he is saying -- about the very public events of the cross and resurrection of Jesus -- that there is still something of the miraculous about them, things we don't understand.
Martin Luther says somewhere that "The mystery of the humanity of Christ, that he sunk himself into our flesh, is beyond all human understanding." Saint Augustine is well known for having said, "If we have understood, then what we have understood is not God."
"I would rather live in a world where life is surrounded by mystery," writes Harry Emerson Fosdick, "than live in a world so small that my mind could comprehend it."
Ephesians 3:1-12
I have a friend who, for everything she doesn't understand or can't explain, has a simple retort: "It's a mystery." That the earth goes around the sun, why it rains, why she went to the store for milk and came home with bread, why she came down with a cold, and why she can't find her car keys -- it is all a mystery. There is something relaxing in not having to have airtight, rational explanations for everything that happens in life. In this passage, Saint Paul is also comfortable with the idea of mystery -- that some things are meant to not be understood or experienced as totally rational in an a-b-c fashion.
Ephesians 3:1-12
Julie and Craig looked forward to their winter vacation for months. It would be the first time they would travel without their children. The flight was uneventful. The week was fantastic -- filled with sightseeing, skiing, and just being together.
When they arrived at the airport for their return flight, they learned that their flight was delayed; a Midwestern snowstorm was causing delays and cancellations. After waiting over an hour, their flight left but was soon diverted to Denver. They were told that all flights east that night had been cancelled. The only thing they could do was hope that by morning the conditions would improve enough for them to fly home.
They were stuck in the airport with nowhere to go. They did not know a single person in Denver. Craig frantically began calling nearby motels and hotels only to discover that they were all full. The thought of spending the night at the airport and sleeping on the floor did not appeal to them, but they were running out of options.
Overhearing parts of Julie's call home, a gentleman offered to take them to his home where they could spend the night. He explained that he lived twenty miles from the airport and would bring them back the next morning. He told them that his daughter just got married and there was an extra bedroom where they could stay. Julie and Craig looked at each other, not quite sure what to do. The man seemed nice enough, and they were out of options.
They went home with this man, spent the night in his house, and were treated to breakfast the next morning. Craig called the airline to inquire of the first available flight home. He was told that they hoped to be in the air by late morning. As promised, the man took them back to the airport. Julie and Craig thanked him and his wife for their kindness.
Both Craig and Julie were amazed at the hospitality of a stranger. The apostle Paul told his readers about how God's grace was extended to him. "For surely you have already heard of the commission of God's grace that was given me for you...."
Ephesians 3:1-12
Unsearchable riches. In the history of humankind, there have been several commodities and products that have made some men and women incredibly rich: gold, coffee, tea, silk, cotton, diamonds, and in more modern times, railroads, automobiles, web technologies, cable television, and others. In the pursuit of obtaining such unsearchable riches, millions of people's lives have been lost or ruined. In pursuit of enjoying unsearchable riches, people have sold drugs, slaves, women, children, and weapons. Yet all of earth's riches are perishable and are not transferable from this world to the next.
Paul made known the unsearchable riches of Christ, treasures that are freely given to all people with no strings attached. His efforts landed him in prison, much as the efforts of his Lord landed him on the cross. It seems that the riches of this life are more marketable and more desired than the true riches of Christ. Tragic.
Matthew 2:1-12
Church consultant, Lyle Schaller, identifies congregations that are realistically in ministry. They assume that the world (our culture and everyday values) is hostile to Christianity -- no matter how often preachers are invited to prayer breakfasts with politicians or how many invocations they give at social or civil events.
Evil infiltrates governmental and economic systems as well as each individual. The artist, Pieter Breughel, portrayed this in Adoration of the Kings, depicting the magi arriving at Joseph and Mary's house. Many paintings of this scene seem like a White House reception or only two steps from heaven. This painting depicts a baby wrapped in a burial shroud surrounded by instruments of war and a crowd -- everyone from king to peasant grotesque and uncomprehending. The world is infected by evil. It's not totally evil, but both the magi and Jesus' family must flee. If we forget or deny evil, we're in for major trouble in politics, business, family, and church.
Matthew 2:1-12
Herod had more power than any governor or president in the United States. He answered to no one but Caesar. The police and army did his bidding. Herod regularly executed people that he suspected of wanting his throne. Victims of his suspicious wrath included his wife, his best friend, and three of his own sons. He unmercifully killed any potential rival.
When the wise men arrived looking for the one "born king of the Jews," Herod wanted to kill that newborn infant, too. He couldn't locate the baby, so the enraged king tried to kill every male child two years of age and under. His malevolent plan would have worked under ordinary circumstances. But no king, ruler, Caesar, or dictator could kill Jesus prior to the time God had set. Despite Herod's machinations, Jesus became the eternal king. Our own rulers sometimes do terrible things. But they can do only what God permits. Do you trust God to work his righteous plan or do you fret about the evil rulers of this present age?
Matthew 2:1-12
"... they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasurer chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11). This verse speaks of great generosity. I recently read again about the extreme and excessive generosity that was evident when a customer left a tip of $10,000 for Cindy Kienow in Hutchinson, Kansas. She had faithfully served him for three years. The meal he ordered was only $26. What an amazing display of extreme generosity.
Henry Vandyke tells his story of "The Other Wise Man" also a man of wealth and high position who intended to travel following the star with the other wise men. He was delayed when he gave a gift, a precious jewel, to save the life of a slave. He wanted to find Christ but was always late because he was using his treasures, intended for Christ, to help someone else. Finally, on the day of the crucifixion, he meets Christ. When he apologizes for being late, Jesus tells him, "In as much as you have done it to the least of these ... you have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40 KJV).
