Sermon Illustrations For Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 (2017)
Illustration
Genesis 29:15-28
During the 2016 presidential campaign, President Obama warned his listeners not to fall for the “okie-doke.” The idea behind this expression is “to fall for something fake” or “to be played for the fool.” I won’t comment on whether the former president is right or wrong in his use of this description about his opponents. This is not a political post. I do, though, like that phrase and think it applies well to the scripture we have today. Jacob, a fellow who normally plays the “okie-doke” on others, has the “okie-doke” played on him.
It’s hard to read this story and not feel badly. Not so much for Jacob; he’s been wheeling and dealing for a while. Not really for Laban, either. He’s in control of this one. It’s hard to not feel badly for Leah. She is a mere pawn in a larger chess match. How must she have felt to wake up in the morning and hear her husband complain that it’s her and not her sister? How did she feel to hear her father say he had to give her before the younger? Clearly women were not treated well in this time, and they often had no say in what happened to them. Leah had to listen as her husband negotiated for another seven years to get the wife he wanted. The ultimate “okie-doke” in this sordid account is played on Leah -- she who was married, but not loved. It does get better for Leah after this horrible start, and God is good to her. Perhaps near the end of his life Jacob sees Leah differently. When Jacob is dying, he asks to be buried by Leah.
The “okie-doke” is not a good thing. We shouldn’t play it on others -- or with God either.
Bill T.
Genesis 29:15-28
A 2010 Barna Research Group poll indicated that one in five Americans think gaining career, money, and success are the most important things in life, while only 16% of the public find religion to play that role in their lives. The message seems to be that if Christianity is going to make an impact on American society it needs to get practical and realistic, to engage the ways of the world. That is exactly what this lesson’s recounting of Jacob winning Rachel as his wife is about. Jacob did what he had to do to win Rachel, even putting up with being outsmarted by his father-in-law Laban. Just like in business and in everyday life, Christians are to do what they have to do in order to get what they need.
Christian realism about doing business was recognized long ago by Martin Luther: “Day and night everybody’s concern is how to make a living. And this stimulates greed to the point where no one is content.... Everyone wants to get on better and have more” (Complete Sermons, Vol. 7, p. 16).
John Calvin echoed similar sentiments regarding Laban’s dishonesty and what that teaches Christians about behaving in the market and in everyday life: “Such an example is certainly worthy of notice, for men seldom err in general principles, and therefore... every man ought to receive what is his due; but as soon as they descend to their own affairs, perverse self-love binds them.... Wherefore, let us learn to restrain ourselves that a desire of our own advantage not prevail to the sacrifice of justice” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol. I/2, pp. 129-130).
Jacob had to live with the evils of Laban and the system in order to win Rachel. He had to make compromises about his sense of right and wrong, keep his cool, in order to gain his love. Most Americans and most Christians in our nation are too idealistic for their own good. A 2010 Gallup poll revealed that less than half of us find compromise a good thing. Maybe that is why our institutions, including the Church, are not working very well. This is a story to teach Christians that compromise is a good thing. It is as Barack Obama once said: “A good compromise... is like a good sentence, or a good piece of music. Everybody can recognize it. They say, ‘it works; it makes sense.’ ” Ludwig Erhard, a German politician of the post-war economic recovery, put it even more sharply: “A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.” If Christians learn these lessons, realize they are compatible with the walk of faith, then our faith commitments may have a better chance of becoming more relevant.
Mark E.
Genesis 29:15-28
As we peruse the news in the course of a week, we encounter many stories that horrify us with the dark side of human nature -- but if we take the time to go beyond the sensationalism of the front page, we will discover many enduring, heartwarming stories that can reaffirm our hope.
The old adage tells us that dogs and cats can’t live together peaceably. But for devotees of the ever-popular board game Monopoly, what will happen when the dog and cat land on the same space? That’s the question asked by Monopoly expert Philip Orbanes in 2013, reviewing the new tokens that were introduced into the game beginning that summer. Fan voting had been completed, and the verdict was in -- the iron was out, since that is an activity of the past, while an overwhelming majority wanted to keep the Scottish terrier. So in place of the iron there now would be a cat.
Reviewing the news over the past several months, it would seem difficult -- indeed, almost unimaginable -- to believe that the cat and dog could dwell in the same space together. Bickering and violence are rampant. The headlines of one week seamlessly blend into the headlines of the next. Only the names of cities and people change, but the stories are repetitive: child abuse, abductions, murder, Ponzi schemes, war casualties, mass shootings, horrible accidents, political corruption. This is such a short list when one sees all the tragic stories crammed onto the front page of the newspaper or the announcement of a “breaking news” story that begins every evening television broadcast.
But if one can get past the first page of newsprint, there are numerous stories of joy and happiness. For example, the most popular commercial on a recent Super Bowl broadcast was a Budweiser ad chronicling the lasting bond between a horse and his trainer, which opened with a brief shot featuring a newborn Clydesdale foal. The foal was given a name as the result of a national contest: “Hope.” Lori Shambro, the brand director for Budweiser, said: “Many of our fans wanted a name to reflect their optimism and spirit, which the name Hope encapsulates beautifully.” Everything in the world is not doom and gloom; the public's choice indicates that for many there is reason for hope and optimism.
Application: Our lesson in Genesis introduces us to the meaning of blessings.
Ron L.
Romans 8:26-39
I love a couple of verses from this scripture passage, but I think those same verses are often misunderstood. One of the verses I love is verse 28: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” So often we hear this misinterpreted as an expectation that only good things should happen to those who do good. But that is not what the passage says. The passage says that all things can work together for good -- for those who love God. It’s not that only good things happen -- believe me, for there has been tragedy in my own life. Yet I continue to love God, be called by God, and try to fulfill that calling on my life. Now, as I look back there were lessons learned from those tragedies, there were angels placed in my life during those tragedies, and I have learned how to support others in similar circumstances. That’s the way all things can work together for good.
The other verse reminds me that I am not alone and that God’s presence in my life cannot be defeated. Nothing can tear apart the relationship I have with God. The verses 38-39 proclaim this: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God’s love cannot be defeated. I will not be left alone and bereft of the presence of God. It’s not that I cannot turn from God, for I certainly can. Yet no matter what I do, no matter what occurs in the world, God will not turn away from me. That is God’s promise and I rest upon it. Don’t you?
Bonnie B.
Romans 8:26-39
If God is for us, who can be against us? Paul is writing to the Roman Christians, who may still be taking many gods into account despite their supposed embrace of monotheism, the worship of the One God. In Homer’s great epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, different gods are backing different heroes in the war between the Greeks and the Trojans. Zeus, Athena, Poseidon all favored different individuals, and those humans caught between the battle of the gods could suffer despite their devotion to their favorite god. More recently, when Virgil wrote the Aeneid, the great epic about Aeneas who fled the destruction of Troy and founded the city of Rome, there came the belief that Jupiter (the Roman version of Zeus) now favored Rome. Aeneas himself was Athena’s mortal son.
Contrast this with the situation that Paul describes. There is only one God. If that God is for us, there is no one, no other god, no other historical or cosmic force that is against us. And God is for us, as Paul so eloquently reminds us.
Frank R.
Romans 8:26-39
Even pastors are not always sure what we should pray for. We all need the Spirit to guide us. One of the assurances is when we realize from time to time that the Spirit has helped us overcome temptation in the past.
Who among us has not looked at someone of the opposite sex and not enjoyed the thought of what it would be like to go to bed with them -- even if we love our mate. We read about actors and yes, even politicians, who have failed to call on the Spirit to help them resist temptations!
The more we have had temptations and had the Spirit save us, the stronger our faith will become. God helps us in our weakness. He must come to us who belong to him, even if we don’t call on him. We are his by the Spirit. God who searches our heart, knows us, and saves us from ourselves.
The bottom line is: do we love him? God will do anything for those who love him. We can love our parent and our mate and count on their love and forgiveness.
God loved us so much that he sent his Son to suffer terrible agony and die for us. What other proof do we need? What evidence do we need to know that a family member has gone to war and suffered for us and our country out of love? That is not always true, but it can be true in many cases and it is not up to us to judge. Sacrifice can be a sign of love, and love is a gift of God. He is the one who justifies us when we love the one who died for us. Nothing can separate us from his love.
In Nepal every congregation prayed for members who suffered for the faith and maybe gave their lives for our Lord. Actually, every Christian in Nepal suffers for his or her faith every day. They are often condemned by non-Christians, and may have lost jobs or other opportunities to live well. Some have gone to jail just for inviting a neighbor to church!
They know that they are always under the love and protection of their Lord. Even in death there is a great reward of eternal life.
Our suffering may be small by comparison with others throughout history, but we are still loved -- and if we remain faithful, we are still promised our reward!
Bob O.
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
What is the “coolest” thing I own? What is it that I consider my most important collectible? It’s a 1955 Jackie Robinson baseball card. That’s the treasure of my collection. I don’t remember for sure, but I think I got it when I was in elementary school. A high school guy apparently outgrew his collection and his mom gave it to me. It’s the most valuable card I own. It might be worth the most money, but I have other cards that have monetary value too. That’s not what makes it special. It’s the most valued because I like it the most. I respect Jackie Robinson and what he did for baseball and for our culture. That card is important to me.
As I look at these parables that Jesus tells in Matthew 13, we find out how he wants us to see the kingdom of God. Throughout the parables, the kingdom’s worth is shown. The kingdom of God is like a treasure hidden in a field that, once discovered, is worth selling all you have to buy the field. It’s like a merchant who finds a pearl of such value that he sells all he has to get it. There is nothing more precious or valuable than God’s kingdom. It’s worth all that we hold dear -- even a Jackie Robinson baseball card.
Bill T.
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
A 2006 Associated Press poll indicated that Americans like instant gratification, as it discerned that American impatience with waiting in line or being placed on delayed holds during phone calls begins to kick in after the first five minutes. Little has likely changed in the last decade.
The parables in this lesson are about growing God’s Kingdom, that in time (as the mustard seed grows, yeast rises, a hidden treasure or a pearl of great price are found) it grows. Martin Luther testifies to the patience we need in working for the Lord, aware that the results are not always readily apparent. As he once put it: “I cannot foresee the fruit of my teaching, which people are to be converted and which not... who are you, after all, to search out these things? Do your duty and leave the results to God” (What Luther Says, p. 928).
There’s no need to be so impatient when you focus on the beauty of God’s word. Then our response will take care of itself as we focus. Medieval mystic Catherine of Siena compellingly described this beauty of God: “Immeasurable love! By revealing this you have given me a bittersweet medicine so that I might rise up once and for all from the sickness of foolish indifference and run to you with concern and eager longing” (In Her Words, p. 201).
Mark E.
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
The United States Postal Service released a Rosa Parks “forever” stamp in 2013, honoring the 100th birthday of the prominent civil rights activist renowned for her role in the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott. At the stamp’s unveiling ceremony, Deputy Postmaster General Ronald Stroman said: “Let this stamp be a symbol of her courage and determination. And let it remind us to never forget the indignities of days gone by -- and to never stop fighting for the aspirations of generations yet unborn.” There is good news as we remember good people.
Application: The Rosa Parks stamp and other symbols can introduce us to the meaning of heaven.
Ron L.
During the 2016 presidential campaign, President Obama warned his listeners not to fall for the “okie-doke.” The idea behind this expression is “to fall for something fake” or “to be played for the fool.” I won’t comment on whether the former president is right or wrong in his use of this description about his opponents. This is not a political post. I do, though, like that phrase and think it applies well to the scripture we have today. Jacob, a fellow who normally plays the “okie-doke” on others, has the “okie-doke” played on him.
It’s hard to read this story and not feel badly. Not so much for Jacob; he’s been wheeling and dealing for a while. Not really for Laban, either. He’s in control of this one. It’s hard to not feel badly for Leah. She is a mere pawn in a larger chess match. How must she have felt to wake up in the morning and hear her husband complain that it’s her and not her sister? How did she feel to hear her father say he had to give her before the younger? Clearly women were not treated well in this time, and they often had no say in what happened to them. Leah had to listen as her husband negotiated for another seven years to get the wife he wanted. The ultimate “okie-doke” in this sordid account is played on Leah -- she who was married, but not loved. It does get better for Leah after this horrible start, and God is good to her. Perhaps near the end of his life Jacob sees Leah differently. When Jacob is dying, he asks to be buried by Leah.
The “okie-doke” is not a good thing. We shouldn’t play it on others -- or with God either.
Bill T.
Genesis 29:15-28
A 2010 Barna Research Group poll indicated that one in five Americans think gaining career, money, and success are the most important things in life, while only 16% of the public find religion to play that role in their lives. The message seems to be that if Christianity is going to make an impact on American society it needs to get practical and realistic, to engage the ways of the world. That is exactly what this lesson’s recounting of Jacob winning Rachel as his wife is about. Jacob did what he had to do to win Rachel, even putting up with being outsmarted by his father-in-law Laban. Just like in business and in everyday life, Christians are to do what they have to do in order to get what they need.
Christian realism about doing business was recognized long ago by Martin Luther: “Day and night everybody’s concern is how to make a living. And this stimulates greed to the point where no one is content.... Everyone wants to get on better and have more” (Complete Sermons, Vol. 7, p. 16).
John Calvin echoed similar sentiments regarding Laban’s dishonesty and what that teaches Christians about behaving in the market and in everyday life: “Such an example is certainly worthy of notice, for men seldom err in general principles, and therefore... every man ought to receive what is his due; but as soon as they descend to their own affairs, perverse self-love binds them.... Wherefore, let us learn to restrain ourselves that a desire of our own advantage not prevail to the sacrifice of justice” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol. I/2, pp. 129-130).
Jacob had to live with the evils of Laban and the system in order to win Rachel. He had to make compromises about his sense of right and wrong, keep his cool, in order to gain his love. Most Americans and most Christians in our nation are too idealistic for their own good. A 2010 Gallup poll revealed that less than half of us find compromise a good thing. Maybe that is why our institutions, including the Church, are not working very well. This is a story to teach Christians that compromise is a good thing. It is as Barack Obama once said: “A good compromise... is like a good sentence, or a good piece of music. Everybody can recognize it. They say, ‘it works; it makes sense.’ ” Ludwig Erhard, a German politician of the post-war economic recovery, put it even more sharply: “A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.” If Christians learn these lessons, realize they are compatible with the walk of faith, then our faith commitments may have a better chance of becoming more relevant.
Mark E.
Genesis 29:15-28
As we peruse the news in the course of a week, we encounter many stories that horrify us with the dark side of human nature -- but if we take the time to go beyond the sensationalism of the front page, we will discover many enduring, heartwarming stories that can reaffirm our hope.
The old adage tells us that dogs and cats can’t live together peaceably. But for devotees of the ever-popular board game Monopoly, what will happen when the dog and cat land on the same space? That’s the question asked by Monopoly expert Philip Orbanes in 2013, reviewing the new tokens that were introduced into the game beginning that summer. Fan voting had been completed, and the verdict was in -- the iron was out, since that is an activity of the past, while an overwhelming majority wanted to keep the Scottish terrier. So in place of the iron there now would be a cat.
Reviewing the news over the past several months, it would seem difficult -- indeed, almost unimaginable -- to believe that the cat and dog could dwell in the same space together. Bickering and violence are rampant. The headlines of one week seamlessly blend into the headlines of the next. Only the names of cities and people change, but the stories are repetitive: child abuse, abductions, murder, Ponzi schemes, war casualties, mass shootings, horrible accidents, political corruption. This is such a short list when one sees all the tragic stories crammed onto the front page of the newspaper or the announcement of a “breaking news” story that begins every evening television broadcast.
But if one can get past the first page of newsprint, there are numerous stories of joy and happiness. For example, the most popular commercial on a recent Super Bowl broadcast was a Budweiser ad chronicling the lasting bond between a horse and his trainer, which opened with a brief shot featuring a newborn Clydesdale foal. The foal was given a name as the result of a national contest: “Hope.” Lori Shambro, the brand director for Budweiser, said: “Many of our fans wanted a name to reflect their optimism and spirit, which the name Hope encapsulates beautifully.” Everything in the world is not doom and gloom; the public's choice indicates that for many there is reason for hope and optimism.
Application: Our lesson in Genesis introduces us to the meaning of blessings.
Ron L.
Romans 8:26-39
I love a couple of verses from this scripture passage, but I think those same verses are often misunderstood. One of the verses I love is verse 28: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” So often we hear this misinterpreted as an expectation that only good things should happen to those who do good. But that is not what the passage says. The passage says that all things can work together for good -- for those who love God. It’s not that only good things happen -- believe me, for there has been tragedy in my own life. Yet I continue to love God, be called by God, and try to fulfill that calling on my life. Now, as I look back there were lessons learned from those tragedies, there were angels placed in my life during those tragedies, and I have learned how to support others in similar circumstances. That’s the way all things can work together for good.
The other verse reminds me that I am not alone and that God’s presence in my life cannot be defeated. Nothing can tear apart the relationship I have with God. The verses 38-39 proclaim this: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God’s love cannot be defeated. I will not be left alone and bereft of the presence of God. It’s not that I cannot turn from God, for I certainly can. Yet no matter what I do, no matter what occurs in the world, God will not turn away from me. That is God’s promise and I rest upon it. Don’t you?
Bonnie B.
Romans 8:26-39
If God is for us, who can be against us? Paul is writing to the Roman Christians, who may still be taking many gods into account despite their supposed embrace of monotheism, the worship of the One God. In Homer’s great epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, different gods are backing different heroes in the war between the Greeks and the Trojans. Zeus, Athena, Poseidon all favored different individuals, and those humans caught between the battle of the gods could suffer despite their devotion to their favorite god. More recently, when Virgil wrote the Aeneid, the great epic about Aeneas who fled the destruction of Troy and founded the city of Rome, there came the belief that Jupiter (the Roman version of Zeus) now favored Rome. Aeneas himself was Athena’s mortal son.
Contrast this with the situation that Paul describes. There is only one God. If that God is for us, there is no one, no other god, no other historical or cosmic force that is against us. And God is for us, as Paul so eloquently reminds us.
Frank R.
Romans 8:26-39
Even pastors are not always sure what we should pray for. We all need the Spirit to guide us. One of the assurances is when we realize from time to time that the Spirit has helped us overcome temptation in the past.
Who among us has not looked at someone of the opposite sex and not enjoyed the thought of what it would be like to go to bed with them -- even if we love our mate. We read about actors and yes, even politicians, who have failed to call on the Spirit to help them resist temptations!
The more we have had temptations and had the Spirit save us, the stronger our faith will become. God helps us in our weakness. He must come to us who belong to him, even if we don’t call on him. We are his by the Spirit. God who searches our heart, knows us, and saves us from ourselves.
The bottom line is: do we love him? God will do anything for those who love him. We can love our parent and our mate and count on their love and forgiveness.
God loved us so much that he sent his Son to suffer terrible agony and die for us. What other proof do we need? What evidence do we need to know that a family member has gone to war and suffered for us and our country out of love? That is not always true, but it can be true in many cases and it is not up to us to judge. Sacrifice can be a sign of love, and love is a gift of God. He is the one who justifies us when we love the one who died for us. Nothing can separate us from his love.
In Nepal every congregation prayed for members who suffered for the faith and maybe gave their lives for our Lord. Actually, every Christian in Nepal suffers for his or her faith every day. They are often condemned by non-Christians, and may have lost jobs or other opportunities to live well. Some have gone to jail just for inviting a neighbor to church!
They know that they are always under the love and protection of their Lord. Even in death there is a great reward of eternal life.
Our suffering may be small by comparison with others throughout history, but we are still loved -- and if we remain faithful, we are still promised our reward!
Bob O.
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
What is the “coolest” thing I own? What is it that I consider my most important collectible? It’s a 1955 Jackie Robinson baseball card. That’s the treasure of my collection. I don’t remember for sure, but I think I got it when I was in elementary school. A high school guy apparently outgrew his collection and his mom gave it to me. It’s the most valuable card I own. It might be worth the most money, but I have other cards that have monetary value too. That’s not what makes it special. It’s the most valued because I like it the most. I respect Jackie Robinson and what he did for baseball and for our culture. That card is important to me.
As I look at these parables that Jesus tells in Matthew 13, we find out how he wants us to see the kingdom of God. Throughout the parables, the kingdom’s worth is shown. The kingdom of God is like a treasure hidden in a field that, once discovered, is worth selling all you have to buy the field. It’s like a merchant who finds a pearl of such value that he sells all he has to get it. There is nothing more precious or valuable than God’s kingdom. It’s worth all that we hold dear -- even a Jackie Robinson baseball card.
Bill T.
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
A 2006 Associated Press poll indicated that Americans like instant gratification, as it discerned that American impatience with waiting in line or being placed on delayed holds during phone calls begins to kick in after the first five minutes. Little has likely changed in the last decade.
The parables in this lesson are about growing God’s Kingdom, that in time (as the mustard seed grows, yeast rises, a hidden treasure or a pearl of great price are found) it grows. Martin Luther testifies to the patience we need in working for the Lord, aware that the results are not always readily apparent. As he once put it: “I cannot foresee the fruit of my teaching, which people are to be converted and which not... who are you, after all, to search out these things? Do your duty and leave the results to God” (What Luther Says, p. 928).
There’s no need to be so impatient when you focus on the beauty of God’s word. Then our response will take care of itself as we focus. Medieval mystic Catherine of Siena compellingly described this beauty of God: “Immeasurable love! By revealing this you have given me a bittersweet medicine so that I might rise up once and for all from the sickness of foolish indifference and run to you with concern and eager longing” (In Her Words, p. 201).
Mark E.
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
The United States Postal Service released a Rosa Parks “forever” stamp in 2013, honoring the 100th birthday of the prominent civil rights activist renowned for her role in the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott. At the stamp’s unveiling ceremony, Deputy Postmaster General Ronald Stroman said: “Let this stamp be a symbol of her courage and determination. And let it remind us to never forget the indignities of days gone by -- and to never stop fighting for the aspirations of generations yet unborn.” There is good news as we remember good people.
Application: The Rosa Parks stamp and other symbols can introduce us to the meaning of heaven.
Ron L.
