Sermon Illustrations for Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2016)
Illustration
Object:
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
I don’t like the idea of being condemned, either because of my actions or my ideas. Desolation is one of the results of condemnation. Back years ago when I participated in the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, we spoke of sin as desolation, as separation from God. Grace provided us with the opportunity of consolation, a renewing of our relationship with God.
This whole passage is about desolation, the desolation of the foolish and sinful people of God who have turned away from the path God has laid before them. The spiritual desolation of the people is reflected in the earthly realm: mountains are quaking, the earth is laid waste, the fertile land has become a desert. Not a pretty picture, but it’s perhaps a metaphor for our souls when we have turned away from the love, generosity, mercy, compassion, and grace of God. Repentance is the solution to condemnation and desolation. Repentance, a turning back toward God, brings us consolation, comforts our souls, and mends our spirits. It’s worth it, no matter the effort it takes -- for feeling grace move through you is a remedy for all kinds of pain.
Bonnie B.
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
It took a long time, but judgment finally came for Oskar Gröning. It’s likely you’ve never heard of him. He was 94 years old when he was sentenced in Poland to a four-year prison term. The crime he committed happened over 70 years ago. Gröning was a SS bookkeeper at the Auschwitz death camp. He’d avoided his date in court for a long time. Different challenges and world circumstances had kept him from his date with justice. But he two came face to face in 2015 at one of the last of the Holocaust trials. Though he was a low-level member of the SS and did not directly kill anyone, Gröning was found guilty of being an accessory to the murder of 300,000 people. In announcing his sentence the judge said, “This is a point that must be made clear. To join the SS and take a safe desk job at Auschwitz was your decision. It was perhaps affected by the era, but it was not because you were unfree. You had freedom to think, yet you asked to join the SS.” Justice was delayed for many years, but it came. The crimes were real. The punishment was meted out. There was no escape.
No escape from justice: it applied to Oskar Gröning, and it applied to Judah. The prophet Jeremiah is announcing the painful proclamation in this passage. The “scorching wind” that was coming was the Babylonian army. Judah was about to be punished for her crimes. Idolatry, disobedience, and wickedness would no longer be tolerated. Chaos and ruin would have their day. Judah would come face to face with justice. The time had come. Punishment was to be meted out. There was no escape.
Bill T.
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
If you have lived in the desert of the American southwest, you have experienced the sirroco winds (sometimes called the Santa Anas), so you know something about the hot desolating winds described by the prophet. All this is prelude to what looks like the de-creation of the world. The scene calls to mind the state of the world in Genesis 1:2. Jeremiah 4:23 uses the same words -- tohu and bohu -- to describe how the earth will once again become formless and void. Instead of a word-creating light, there is now darkness in the heavens. This is the desolation of the world that was.
And it continues. Four times the prophet says “And I looked, and behold...!” and we watch in horror as mountains and hills quake and rock, the creatures and the birds are unmade, and the fertile land becomes a desert. There is one sobering detail missing in Genesis. Whereas at the dawn of time there were no humans at first, and no cities, now there are, and those cities are laid waste and lie in ruins.
As with the passage about the potter, it doesn’t have to be this way -- but if things go on, it will be. There is definitely an environmental twinge to this passage, if for no other reason than the disaster it points to is the direct result of our own choices.
Frank R.
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
These first two verses are indicating total destruction. This wind is coming on them. It is not just to make them better people, but to pronounce judgment. (This is during the Babylonian captivity.)
The assumption is that in the midst of their suffering the people would turn to the Lord, but they act like they don’t even know him. They just want to be clever fools, even though they are still God’s people. It is a choice! God’s punishment should make us turn to him and not just rely on our own cleverness. They have forgotten how to do good.
The destruction is not total. Could it be like the earthquake in Nepal? The people suffered greatly. No, not all the people -- but even those who were not hit directly still felt the pain. Our Christian brothers and sisters over there wondered why this had happened to them. Maybe it was to wake up the non-Christians who did not care to do good, but only used the power that they had to cheat and bribe others. One of the differences between our countries is that if our leaders do bad things it fills the newspapers and they are made to pay for their crimes.
God has promised troubles and he will not turn back. Sounds depressing! We are God’s people. Pray that our church will help us endure any suffering that might come to us or our community. Might it help us find the part that will not be totally destroyed? It still sounds like some suffering is inevitable.
It sounds like a message from Donald Trump! But the answer is not a new president but rather a new kingdom that we acknowledge. We must accept the tragedies and endure them. We must wait patiently for God’s wind to relent.
Bob O.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
It may seem a strange thing to say in this heated electoral environment, but I feel sorry for anyone running for public office. Our political system simply does not make available to these folks some of life’s most healing benefits.
For instance, I have always treasured the opportunity to grow intellectually and spiritually. With a proper tipping of a hat in the direction of Paul, the biblical writer, I am always glad when I have a chance to set aside my childlike thoughts, opinions, and conclusions in favor of a more adult perspective. I believe that periodic consideration of “how I have changed my mind” is a proper and beneficial life practice. Changing one’s mind for a good reason is beneficial.
For some reason, we do not extend that opportunity to our political leaders. Changing one’s mind in the political arena opens one to accusations of “flip-flopping.”
The public also seems to believe that it is not proper for a political leader to admit to or to apologize for misspeaking or making a mistake. Political leaders are not even supposed to feel remorse for a foolish spur-of-the-moment comment. Instead of admitting wrongdoing, they are expected to justify it or to blame it on someone else.
The biblical principles delineated in First Timothy 1 are much healthier. Be open to changing your mind. Admit it when your behavior has not been appropriate. Don’t try to justify your previous mistakes. Apologize when you are wrong. Open yourself to the healing mercy of God. The “grace of our Lord will overflow for you with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
R. Robert C.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
The author of this lesson models what Martin Luther once said: “The glory of grace must be magnified even though it cannot be sufficiently praised” (Luther’s Works, Vol. 32, p. 240). Elsewhere he added: “we never correctly praise God unless we first disparage ourselves” (Luther’s Works, Vol. 32, p.162). In the same spirit, the great 20th-century American social ethicist Reinhold Niebuhr noted that an awareness of sin directs us to God: “Nothing true or beautiful 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 are saved by love.”
Mark E.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Pete Fountain was a celebrity in his hometown of New Orleans. He was a great clarinet player best known to many from his frequent appearances on Lawrence Welk’s and Johnny Carson’s television shows. Fountain was renowned for his happy and pleasant personality which made life a joy for those who encountered him, even if it was for a short period during the day. His love of life is reflected in a favorite saying that reflects the atmosphere of New Orleans’ French Quarter: “Let the good times roll.” Each year on Mardi Gras morning, Fountain would lead a parade through the French Quarter that he called his “Half-Fast Walking Club.” It was a time of joy and celebration.
Application: We are told in our reading that we are to celebrate life.
Ron L.
Luke 15:1-10
I once met a real shepherd, a man who raised sheep for a living. Now granted, he wasn’t in first-century Palestine, but it seemed that he would have good advice about being a shepherd. I asked him if a shepherd would really go searching for one lost sheep and leave the rest of the flock unattended. He looked at me as if I were crazy. He shared that no shepherd would be that foolhardy.
Isn’t it nice that God is? Isn’t it good that God will search out the one of us who has wandered away, sending angels and humans in search of the lost one so they can be restored to the flock, to the family? Now practically, humanly, economically that may not make sense, but to God each one of us is so very precious that we are not expendable, we are not be left behind. The next time you are feeling disconnected from God and God’s family, remember that God, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is searching and waiting and hoping you will be found and will return. Even that can help you move closer to the flock of beloved.
Bonnie B.
Luke 15:1-10
Shoppers packed the store on this particular day. The cacophony of mixed voices was loud enough to drown out the music that droned on in the background. The young mother was regretting she’d come on this day. She wanted to take advantage of the slashed prices, but since her husband was working she had to bring her four-year-old daughter with her. Normally it was fine that Sarah came along with her. She was bright and inquisitive, and they had many good conversations and learning moments while doing the errands of the day. On this day, though, it was a madhouse. People were everywhere -- pushing, shoving, and getting angry. Watching Sarah and watching out for the mob was a challenge. It was more than a challenge. Soon it became a problem. It started innocently enough. Sarah was too old to stay in the cart the whole time, so her mother let her stand. They were next to a rack of discounted summer clothes. Several others were there too. Some of the clothes had gotten mixed up on the racks, and a few folks were arguing about what went where and who had it first. The young mom, for just a moment, was distracted by the threat one irate woman made to another. She turned her head to look. Sarah was also distracted. She saw some incredible swimming suits just behind where they were standing. She walked over to that rack. At that moment, while her mom wasn’t looking, a big crowd of teens pushed through. They were loud and unconcerned with those around them. When the young mom looked back, Sarah was gone. She panicked. Her little girl was lost! How could it be? Instantly every horrific story she’d ever read about missing children flooded her mind. She called out, “Sarah! Sarah! Come here.”
This is not one of those tragic stories, however. In less than a minute the young mom found Sarah examining a mermaid bathing suit. She was overjoyed. Tears filled her eyes. What was lost was found. She hugged Sarah tightly and left the store. They’d come back another day.
Sometimes things get lost. It can happen to sheep, coins, and even people. Not everyone has the same reaction to the lost thing. For some, it’s just a coin; it’s only one lamb; it’s not my kid. But for the one to whom the lost thing is precious, it is a big deal. Jesus cares about lost things, especially lost people.
Bill T.
Luke 15:1-10
It’s significant that Jesus speaks of a woman searching for the lost coin. In this prelude to the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus likens God’s desire to save every soul with the persistence this woman brings to cleaning out what was probably a single-room dwelling. Women in the ancient world were often in charge of money. This is consistent in modern times with the choice made by many banks to give microloans in the developing world to women and not to men. Women buy the equipment to run a small business, paying back the loan and using profits to expand their simple trade. Men who receive microloans often spend the money on food and drink. Your families may operate in different ways, but in Jesus’ time there was a recognition that financial management was often best left in the hands of the woman, rich or poor, who managed the household.
Frank R.
Luke 15:1-10
Isn’t this what church is about? Aren’t we supposed to reach out to sinners? But don’t some turn away from a church that has invited known sinners? Tax collectors might be fine as long as they are honest, but not sinners.
When I was a church pastor and a part-time prison chaplain, everything was fine until I invited to church a couple of former inmates who had just been released. When I invited them to give a testimony one Sunday of how they came to their faith, I was criticized by the church council for inviting “sinners” to speak. After the congregation got to know them, they were more ready to accept them. I suggested that we were all sinners. That always hurts! Most of our members thought that their sins were so small they weren’t worth worrying about. (Did they think Jesus wasted his time for them?) That should get them to think. Why are they taking the Lord’s Supper if they don’t feel guilty?
One of the sins Jesus mentions is lack of humility -- like thinking you are better than most other people! There are also sins of the mind, as when you look lustfully at a pretty girl in the church or are jealous of a wealthy member. Jesus has a long list! Pastors are sometimes condemned when they concentrate on those sins in a sermon.
That doesn’t mean we should commit a few more sins so God will be happier when we repent. It sounds like there are a few whose sins are not so bad, but don’t they still need Jesus? Didn’t he die for them? Didn’t he die for you?
My wife and I have seven children. One became an alcoholic when his wife died. We were really hurt by that, but then one day he turned around and got a job helping other alcoholics and druggies. He was loved by them. He was also loved by us for turning around and becoming a new person -- he was the lost coin!
God feels the same. We still love the other six children, and always will. The blessing is that the other six are also happy because of him turning around and then helping others.
Our churches should be happy when those who have left the faith (or had none) turn around and come to the Lord. These people should be received with joy. Every church should have an AA, if nothing else!
We love our children in spite of their sins, and God loves us in spite of ours. He may rejoice even if our sins were not all that bad, as long as we give them to him.
Bob O.
I don’t like the idea of being condemned, either because of my actions or my ideas. Desolation is one of the results of condemnation. Back years ago when I participated in the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, we spoke of sin as desolation, as separation from God. Grace provided us with the opportunity of consolation, a renewing of our relationship with God.
This whole passage is about desolation, the desolation of the foolish and sinful people of God who have turned away from the path God has laid before them. The spiritual desolation of the people is reflected in the earthly realm: mountains are quaking, the earth is laid waste, the fertile land has become a desert. Not a pretty picture, but it’s perhaps a metaphor for our souls when we have turned away from the love, generosity, mercy, compassion, and grace of God. Repentance is the solution to condemnation and desolation. Repentance, a turning back toward God, brings us consolation, comforts our souls, and mends our spirits. It’s worth it, no matter the effort it takes -- for feeling grace move through you is a remedy for all kinds of pain.
Bonnie B.
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
It took a long time, but judgment finally came for Oskar Gröning. It’s likely you’ve never heard of him. He was 94 years old when he was sentenced in Poland to a four-year prison term. The crime he committed happened over 70 years ago. Gröning was a SS bookkeeper at the Auschwitz death camp. He’d avoided his date in court for a long time. Different challenges and world circumstances had kept him from his date with justice. But he two came face to face in 2015 at one of the last of the Holocaust trials. Though he was a low-level member of the SS and did not directly kill anyone, Gröning was found guilty of being an accessory to the murder of 300,000 people. In announcing his sentence the judge said, “This is a point that must be made clear. To join the SS and take a safe desk job at Auschwitz was your decision. It was perhaps affected by the era, but it was not because you were unfree. You had freedom to think, yet you asked to join the SS.” Justice was delayed for many years, but it came. The crimes were real. The punishment was meted out. There was no escape.
No escape from justice: it applied to Oskar Gröning, and it applied to Judah. The prophet Jeremiah is announcing the painful proclamation in this passage. The “scorching wind” that was coming was the Babylonian army. Judah was about to be punished for her crimes. Idolatry, disobedience, and wickedness would no longer be tolerated. Chaos and ruin would have their day. Judah would come face to face with justice. The time had come. Punishment was to be meted out. There was no escape.
Bill T.
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
If you have lived in the desert of the American southwest, you have experienced the sirroco winds (sometimes called the Santa Anas), so you know something about the hot desolating winds described by the prophet. All this is prelude to what looks like the de-creation of the world. The scene calls to mind the state of the world in Genesis 1:2. Jeremiah 4:23 uses the same words -- tohu and bohu -- to describe how the earth will once again become formless and void. Instead of a word-creating light, there is now darkness in the heavens. This is the desolation of the world that was.
And it continues. Four times the prophet says “And I looked, and behold...!” and we watch in horror as mountains and hills quake and rock, the creatures and the birds are unmade, and the fertile land becomes a desert. There is one sobering detail missing in Genesis. Whereas at the dawn of time there were no humans at first, and no cities, now there are, and those cities are laid waste and lie in ruins.
As with the passage about the potter, it doesn’t have to be this way -- but if things go on, it will be. There is definitely an environmental twinge to this passage, if for no other reason than the disaster it points to is the direct result of our own choices.
Frank R.
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
These first two verses are indicating total destruction. This wind is coming on them. It is not just to make them better people, but to pronounce judgment. (This is during the Babylonian captivity.)
The assumption is that in the midst of their suffering the people would turn to the Lord, but they act like they don’t even know him. They just want to be clever fools, even though they are still God’s people. It is a choice! God’s punishment should make us turn to him and not just rely on our own cleverness. They have forgotten how to do good.
The destruction is not total. Could it be like the earthquake in Nepal? The people suffered greatly. No, not all the people -- but even those who were not hit directly still felt the pain. Our Christian brothers and sisters over there wondered why this had happened to them. Maybe it was to wake up the non-Christians who did not care to do good, but only used the power that they had to cheat and bribe others. One of the differences between our countries is that if our leaders do bad things it fills the newspapers and they are made to pay for their crimes.
God has promised troubles and he will not turn back. Sounds depressing! We are God’s people. Pray that our church will help us endure any suffering that might come to us or our community. Might it help us find the part that will not be totally destroyed? It still sounds like some suffering is inevitable.
It sounds like a message from Donald Trump! But the answer is not a new president but rather a new kingdom that we acknowledge. We must accept the tragedies and endure them. We must wait patiently for God’s wind to relent.
Bob O.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
It may seem a strange thing to say in this heated electoral environment, but I feel sorry for anyone running for public office. Our political system simply does not make available to these folks some of life’s most healing benefits.
For instance, I have always treasured the opportunity to grow intellectually and spiritually. With a proper tipping of a hat in the direction of Paul, the biblical writer, I am always glad when I have a chance to set aside my childlike thoughts, opinions, and conclusions in favor of a more adult perspective. I believe that periodic consideration of “how I have changed my mind” is a proper and beneficial life practice. Changing one’s mind for a good reason is beneficial.
For some reason, we do not extend that opportunity to our political leaders. Changing one’s mind in the political arena opens one to accusations of “flip-flopping.”
The public also seems to believe that it is not proper for a political leader to admit to or to apologize for misspeaking or making a mistake. Political leaders are not even supposed to feel remorse for a foolish spur-of-the-moment comment. Instead of admitting wrongdoing, they are expected to justify it or to blame it on someone else.
The biblical principles delineated in First Timothy 1 are much healthier. Be open to changing your mind. Admit it when your behavior has not been appropriate. Don’t try to justify your previous mistakes. Apologize when you are wrong. Open yourself to the healing mercy of God. The “grace of our Lord will overflow for you with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
R. Robert C.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
The author of this lesson models what Martin Luther once said: “The glory of grace must be magnified even though it cannot be sufficiently praised” (Luther’s Works, Vol. 32, p. 240). Elsewhere he added: “we never correctly praise God unless we first disparage ourselves” (Luther’s Works, Vol. 32, p.162). In the same spirit, the great 20th-century American social ethicist Reinhold Niebuhr noted that an awareness of sin directs us to God: “Nothing true or beautiful 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 are saved by love.”
Mark E.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Pete Fountain was a celebrity in his hometown of New Orleans. He was a great clarinet player best known to many from his frequent appearances on Lawrence Welk’s and Johnny Carson’s television shows. Fountain was renowned for his happy and pleasant personality which made life a joy for those who encountered him, even if it was for a short period during the day. His love of life is reflected in a favorite saying that reflects the atmosphere of New Orleans’ French Quarter: “Let the good times roll.” Each year on Mardi Gras morning, Fountain would lead a parade through the French Quarter that he called his “Half-Fast Walking Club.” It was a time of joy and celebration.
Application: We are told in our reading that we are to celebrate life.
Ron L.
Luke 15:1-10
I once met a real shepherd, a man who raised sheep for a living. Now granted, he wasn’t in first-century Palestine, but it seemed that he would have good advice about being a shepherd. I asked him if a shepherd would really go searching for one lost sheep and leave the rest of the flock unattended. He looked at me as if I were crazy. He shared that no shepherd would be that foolhardy.
Isn’t it nice that God is? Isn’t it good that God will search out the one of us who has wandered away, sending angels and humans in search of the lost one so they can be restored to the flock, to the family? Now practically, humanly, economically that may not make sense, but to God each one of us is so very precious that we are not expendable, we are not be left behind. The next time you are feeling disconnected from God and God’s family, remember that God, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is searching and waiting and hoping you will be found and will return. Even that can help you move closer to the flock of beloved.
Bonnie B.
Luke 15:1-10
Shoppers packed the store on this particular day. The cacophony of mixed voices was loud enough to drown out the music that droned on in the background. The young mother was regretting she’d come on this day. She wanted to take advantage of the slashed prices, but since her husband was working she had to bring her four-year-old daughter with her. Normally it was fine that Sarah came along with her. She was bright and inquisitive, and they had many good conversations and learning moments while doing the errands of the day. On this day, though, it was a madhouse. People were everywhere -- pushing, shoving, and getting angry. Watching Sarah and watching out for the mob was a challenge. It was more than a challenge. Soon it became a problem. It started innocently enough. Sarah was too old to stay in the cart the whole time, so her mother let her stand. They were next to a rack of discounted summer clothes. Several others were there too. Some of the clothes had gotten mixed up on the racks, and a few folks were arguing about what went where and who had it first. The young mom, for just a moment, was distracted by the threat one irate woman made to another. She turned her head to look. Sarah was also distracted. She saw some incredible swimming suits just behind where they were standing. She walked over to that rack. At that moment, while her mom wasn’t looking, a big crowd of teens pushed through. They were loud and unconcerned with those around them. When the young mom looked back, Sarah was gone. She panicked. Her little girl was lost! How could it be? Instantly every horrific story she’d ever read about missing children flooded her mind. She called out, “Sarah! Sarah! Come here.”
This is not one of those tragic stories, however. In less than a minute the young mom found Sarah examining a mermaid bathing suit. She was overjoyed. Tears filled her eyes. What was lost was found. She hugged Sarah tightly and left the store. They’d come back another day.
Sometimes things get lost. It can happen to sheep, coins, and even people. Not everyone has the same reaction to the lost thing. For some, it’s just a coin; it’s only one lamb; it’s not my kid. But for the one to whom the lost thing is precious, it is a big deal. Jesus cares about lost things, especially lost people.
Bill T.
Luke 15:1-10
It’s significant that Jesus speaks of a woman searching for the lost coin. In this prelude to the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus likens God’s desire to save every soul with the persistence this woman brings to cleaning out what was probably a single-room dwelling. Women in the ancient world were often in charge of money. This is consistent in modern times with the choice made by many banks to give microloans in the developing world to women and not to men. Women buy the equipment to run a small business, paying back the loan and using profits to expand their simple trade. Men who receive microloans often spend the money on food and drink. Your families may operate in different ways, but in Jesus’ time there was a recognition that financial management was often best left in the hands of the woman, rich or poor, who managed the household.
Frank R.
Luke 15:1-10
Isn’t this what church is about? Aren’t we supposed to reach out to sinners? But don’t some turn away from a church that has invited known sinners? Tax collectors might be fine as long as they are honest, but not sinners.
When I was a church pastor and a part-time prison chaplain, everything was fine until I invited to church a couple of former inmates who had just been released. When I invited them to give a testimony one Sunday of how they came to their faith, I was criticized by the church council for inviting “sinners” to speak. After the congregation got to know them, they were more ready to accept them. I suggested that we were all sinners. That always hurts! Most of our members thought that their sins were so small they weren’t worth worrying about. (Did they think Jesus wasted his time for them?) That should get them to think. Why are they taking the Lord’s Supper if they don’t feel guilty?
One of the sins Jesus mentions is lack of humility -- like thinking you are better than most other people! There are also sins of the mind, as when you look lustfully at a pretty girl in the church or are jealous of a wealthy member. Jesus has a long list! Pastors are sometimes condemned when they concentrate on those sins in a sermon.
That doesn’t mean we should commit a few more sins so God will be happier when we repent. It sounds like there are a few whose sins are not so bad, but don’t they still need Jesus? Didn’t he die for them? Didn’t he die for you?
My wife and I have seven children. One became an alcoholic when his wife died. We were really hurt by that, but then one day he turned around and got a job helping other alcoholics and druggies. He was loved by them. He was also loved by us for turning around and becoming a new person -- he was the lost coin!
God feels the same. We still love the other six children, and always will. The blessing is that the other six are also happy because of him turning around and then helping others.
Our churches should be happy when those who have left the faith (or had none) turn around and come to the Lord. These people should be received with joy. Every church should have an AA, if nothing else!
We love our children in spite of their sins, and God loves us in spite of ours. He may rejoice even if our sins were not all that bad, as long as we give them to him.
Bob O.
