Sermon Illustrations for Fourth Sunday of Advent (2020)
Illustration
2 Samuel 7: 1-11, 16
The Hebrew scriptures center on a series of God’s covenants with individuals and with the people of Israel. There’s the covenant with Noah when God promises there will not be another flood. There’s the covenant with Abraham that includes the promise of land and innumerable descendants. There’s the covenant at Sinai that includes the giving of the law. The first two covenants are unconditional. Regardless of what the people do, God will uphold the covenant! The third is conditional. Keep these commandments or there will be consequences.
Which leads to this fourth covenant. in this passage from 2 Samuel. It comes at a pivotal time. After many twists and turns David, though anointed king many years before, finally comes into his own as ruler of a united kingdom. Right off the bat we learn that “the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies….”
David supposes that his next great task is to build a temple, but David’s goals are not important compared to God’s plan. God intends to create an unbreakable covenant with David. “Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever (7:16).”
Problem. The saga of the kings ends with the destruction of the temple, and the end of the monarchy. When some of the people returned to Jerusalem and Judea, they were able to rebuild the temple, but there was no king. God’s promise remained unfulfilled.
This gradually led to a spiritual solution. A Messiah would come, and that Messiah would have to be descended from David. The eternal reign of the Davidic king would be inaugurated by that Messiah. Jesus is that descendant of David. Jesus is the eternal fulfillment of God’s unbreakable covenant.
Frank R.
* * *
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
I am a fan of Michael Oher and the movie made about his life called “The Blind Side.” Sandra Bullock won the 2010 Best Actress Academy Award for her portrayal of Leigh Ann Tuohy in that movie. Though not one hundred percent accurate in depicting Oher’s life, the film shows Leigh Ann, her husband Sean, daughter Collins and son S.J. taking him in and making him a part of their family.
There is a powerful scene in the movie that resonates and resembles how it was in real life. Sean Tuohy has shared this story on different occasions. In telling the story, he talked about how two words changed his family and transformed their lives. When they spotted Michael walking along the road on a cold November morning (the movie depicts it as night) in shorts and a T-shirt, Leigh Ann uttered the two words that changed their world. She told Sean, “Turn around.” They turned the car around, put Michael in their warm vehicle, and ultimately adopted him into their family.
Those words can and do change things. In this text, the Israelites, at Samuel’s urging, repent. “So, they gathered at Mizpah, and drew water and poured it out before the Lord. They fasted that day, and said, “We have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel judged the people of Israel at Mizpah (vs. 6).
“Turn around.” It made a huge difference for the Tuohy’s and Michael Oher. Oher not only dodged the hopelessness of his dysfunctional inner-city upbringing, but became a first-round NFL draft pick for the Baltimore Ravens in 2009. For the Israelites, God fought for them and delivered them from the Philistines.
What would repentance or “turning around” do in your life?
Bill T.
* * *
Romans 16:25-27
How appropriate this close to Christmas that we focus on the Incarnation, that we make clear why believing Jesus is divine and human makes sense. Martin Luther has offered some helpful ways of making sense of this mystery:
For the humanity and divinity are not one natural single being, but in this one indivisible Person they are so unified that one cannot be separated from the other; just as sugar water is still water, but the sugar is blended with the water that the two cannot be separated even though they are not distinct constituents... Just as you find real sugar in sugar water, so the divinity and humanity of Christ form one cake. (Luther’s Works, Vol.23, pp.148-149)
Other times Luther identifies the union of the two natures as like a glowing iron (Luther’s Works, Vol.27, pp.110). In one of his sermons, the first reformer also provided thoughtful reflections on what it all means for everyday life that God has come among as in Christ:
But if you possess faith, your heart cannot do otherwise than laugh for joy and grow free, confident and courageous. For how can the heart remain sorrowful and dejected when it entertains no doubt of God’s kindness to it, and of His attitude as a good friend with whom it may unreservedly and freely enjoy all things? (Complete Sermons, Vol.3/2, p.146)
Mark E.
* * *
Romans 16:25-27
Paul reminds his contemporaries, and us, that we are called to be strengthened through the good news, the proclamation of Jesus Christ. How easy it is to forget that is where our strength comes from. Too often I think I must be the strong one. I can remember many times in my life when I stood strong, even when my heart was breaking, and I really wanted to melt in a puddle of tears. Yet, as the oldest child, I expected of myself, even if my parents didn’t, strength and leadership, control until the chaos or the crisis was past. Maybe that is how I came to feel valued, being in charge, being strong. I am grateful for those around me who remind me I only have to be a child of God. I don’t have to earn being a child of God. It’s a good reminder for all of us. Our strength comes from God, from the good news, from the Christ.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Luke 1:26-38
When royalty have children, it is a big deal. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first son, George, was born on July 22, 2013. The healthy eight-pound, six-ounce boy, the first child of Prince William and Kate Middleton, was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, England. The new prince’s birth had been a highly anticipated event, with reporters camping outside the hospital to get the first glimpse of the new arrival. When his sister, Charlotte, was born two years later, the same excitement and anticipation greeted her arrival.
The actions of royalty often are closely and eagerly watched. Philip Yancey in his book, The Jesus I Never Knew, shares this insight about royalty. He writes, “I remember sitting one Christmas season in a beautiful auditorium in London listening to Handel’s Messiah, with a full chorus singing about the day when the glory of the Lord shall be revealed.”
He continues, “I had spent the morning in museums viewing remnants of England’s glory—the crown jewels, a solid gold ruler’s mace, the Lord Mayor’s gilded carriage.” He then ponders, “looking toward the auditorium’s royal box where the queen and her family sat, I caught glimpses of the more typical way rulers strode through the world: with bodyguards, and a trumpet fan-fare, and a flourish of bright clothes and flashing jewelry.”
Yancey’s observation is spot on. What royalty does is big news.
In meek contrast, the announcement of the birth of the King of Kings was low key. The angel Gabriel visited a young girl named Mary and announced that she would carry the Son of God. There were no reporters or livestreams. There was no trumpet fanfare or thousand-voice choirs. It was a simple announcement to a humble girl about the greatest news ever. Mary heard the announcement and submitted to what God had called her to do. Then, the angel left her. What kind of king comes from such an announcement as this? You decide.
Bill T.
* * *
Luke 1:26-38
While we outdo ourselves when it comes to the use of music during the Advent and Christmas season, many pastors are reluctant to utilize art in their worship service, aside from some insipid, general slides to go with the lyrics of a praise song. Yet, over the centuries, our Bible has been interpreted not only in word and in music, but also in stunning, unforgettable art. Have you considered projecting art, or making prints available to illustrate your sermon?
Thing of this scene. All human history pivots on the choice of a Palestinian teenager as she ponders the angel’s incomprehensible message. Use your smart phone or tablet to look up Henry Ossawa Tanner’s “The Annunciation” and Barry Moser’s woodcut of the annunciation from his Caxton Bible. Both are helpful devotional aids in unlocking this pivotal Biblical moment.
History comes to a point in this young woman’s decision. She chose wisely. How will you choose?
Frank R.
The Hebrew scriptures center on a series of God’s covenants with individuals and with the people of Israel. There’s the covenant with Noah when God promises there will not be another flood. There’s the covenant with Abraham that includes the promise of land and innumerable descendants. There’s the covenant at Sinai that includes the giving of the law. The first two covenants are unconditional. Regardless of what the people do, God will uphold the covenant! The third is conditional. Keep these commandments or there will be consequences.
Which leads to this fourth covenant. in this passage from 2 Samuel. It comes at a pivotal time. After many twists and turns David, though anointed king many years before, finally comes into his own as ruler of a united kingdom. Right off the bat we learn that “the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies….”
David supposes that his next great task is to build a temple, but David’s goals are not important compared to God’s plan. God intends to create an unbreakable covenant with David. “Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever (7:16).”
Problem. The saga of the kings ends with the destruction of the temple, and the end of the monarchy. When some of the people returned to Jerusalem and Judea, they were able to rebuild the temple, but there was no king. God’s promise remained unfulfilled.
This gradually led to a spiritual solution. A Messiah would come, and that Messiah would have to be descended from David. The eternal reign of the Davidic king would be inaugurated by that Messiah. Jesus is that descendant of David. Jesus is the eternal fulfillment of God’s unbreakable covenant.
Frank R.
* * *
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
I am a fan of Michael Oher and the movie made about his life called “The Blind Side.” Sandra Bullock won the 2010 Best Actress Academy Award for her portrayal of Leigh Ann Tuohy in that movie. Though not one hundred percent accurate in depicting Oher’s life, the film shows Leigh Ann, her husband Sean, daughter Collins and son S.J. taking him in and making him a part of their family.
There is a powerful scene in the movie that resonates and resembles how it was in real life. Sean Tuohy has shared this story on different occasions. In telling the story, he talked about how two words changed his family and transformed their lives. When they spotted Michael walking along the road on a cold November morning (the movie depicts it as night) in shorts and a T-shirt, Leigh Ann uttered the two words that changed their world. She told Sean, “Turn around.” They turned the car around, put Michael in their warm vehicle, and ultimately adopted him into their family.
Those words can and do change things. In this text, the Israelites, at Samuel’s urging, repent. “So, they gathered at Mizpah, and drew water and poured it out before the Lord. They fasted that day, and said, “We have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel judged the people of Israel at Mizpah (vs. 6).
“Turn around.” It made a huge difference for the Tuohy’s and Michael Oher. Oher not only dodged the hopelessness of his dysfunctional inner-city upbringing, but became a first-round NFL draft pick for the Baltimore Ravens in 2009. For the Israelites, God fought for them and delivered them from the Philistines.
What would repentance or “turning around” do in your life?
Bill T.
* * *
Romans 16:25-27
How appropriate this close to Christmas that we focus on the Incarnation, that we make clear why believing Jesus is divine and human makes sense. Martin Luther has offered some helpful ways of making sense of this mystery:
For the humanity and divinity are not one natural single being, but in this one indivisible Person they are so unified that one cannot be separated from the other; just as sugar water is still water, but the sugar is blended with the water that the two cannot be separated even though they are not distinct constituents... Just as you find real sugar in sugar water, so the divinity and humanity of Christ form one cake. (Luther’s Works, Vol.23, pp.148-149)
Other times Luther identifies the union of the two natures as like a glowing iron (Luther’s Works, Vol.27, pp.110). In one of his sermons, the first reformer also provided thoughtful reflections on what it all means for everyday life that God has come among as in Christ:
But if you possess faith, your heart cannot do otherwise than laugh for joy and grow free, confident and courageous. For how can the heart remain sorrowful and dejected when it entertains no doubt of God’s kindness to it, and of His attitude as a good friend with whom it may unreservedly and freely enjoy all things? (Complete Sermons, Vol.3/2, p.146)
Mark E.
* * *
Romans 16:25-27
Paul reminds his contemporaries, and us, that we are called to be strengthened through the good news, the proclamation of Jesus Christ. How easy it is to forget that is where our strength comes from. Too often I think I must be the strong one. I can remember many times in my life when I stood strong, even when my heart was breaking, and I really wanted to melt in a puddle of tears. Yet, as the oldest child, I expected of myself, even if my parents didn’t, strength and leadership, control until the chaos or the crisis was past. Maybe that is how I came to feel valued, being in charge, being strong. I am grateful for those around me who remind me I only have to be a child of God. I don’t have to earn being a child of God. It’s a good reminder for all of us. Our strength comes from God, from the good news, from the Christ.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Luke 1:26-38
When royalty have children, it is a big deal. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first son, George, was born on July 22, 2013. The healthy eight-pound, six-ounce boy, the first child of Prince William and Kate Middleton, was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, England. The new prince’s birth had been a highly anticipated event, with reporters camping outside the hospital to get the first glimpse of the new arrival. When his sister, Charlotte, was born two years later, the same excitement and anticipation greeted her arrival.
The actions of royalty often are closely and eagerly watched. Philip Yancey in his book, The Jesus I Never Knew, shares this insight about royalty. He writes, “I remember sitting one Christmas season in a beautiful auditorium in London listening to Handel’s Messiah, with a full chorus singing about the day when the glory of the Lord shall be revealed.”
He continues, “I had spent the morning in museums viewing remnants of England’s glory—the crown jewels, a solid gold ruler’s mace, the Lord Mayor’s gilded carriage.” He then ponders, “looking toward the auditorium’s royal box where the queen and her family sat, I caught glimpses of the more typical way rulers strode through the world: with bodyguards, and a trumpet fan-fare, and a flourish of bright clothes and flashing jewelry.”
Yancey’s observation is spot on. What royalty does is big news.
In meek contrast, the announcement of the birth of the King of Kings was low key. The angel Gabriel visited a young girl named Mary and announced that she would carry the Son of God. There were no reporters or livestreams. There was no trumpet fanfare or thousand-voice choirs. It was a simple announcement to a humble girl about the greatest news ever. Mary heard the announcement and submitted to what God had called her to do. Then, the angel left her. What kind of king comes from such an announcement as this? You decide.
Bill T.
* * *
Luke 1:26-38
While we outdo ourselves when it comes to the use of music during the Advent and Christmas season, many pastors are reluctant to utilize art in their worship service, aside from some insipid, general slides to go with the lyrics of a praise song. Yet, over the centuries, our Bible has been interpreted not only in word and in music, but also in stunning, unforgettable art. Have you considered projecting art, or making prints available to illustrate your sermon?
Thing of this scene. All human history pivots on the choice of a Palestinian teenager as she ponders the angel’s incomprehensible message. Use your smart phone or tablet to look up Henry Ossawa Tanner’s “The Annunciation” and Barry Moser’s woodcut of the annunciation from his Caxton Bible. Both are helpful devotional aids in unlocking this pivotal Biblical moment.
History comes to a point in this young woman’s decision. She chose wisely. How will you choose?
Frank R.
