Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2017)
Illustration
Exodus 33:12-23
Augustus Toplady wrote many hymns in his life, but “Rock of Ages” is by far his most famous. There was a time, in the early 1900s, when this hymn was in more English hymnals than any other. Not only is it well known among churchgoers, it is also recognizable in popular culture. A 2006 Broadway musical about rock ’n roll (and a corresponding Hollywood film in 2012) adopted the name Rock of Ages.
There is a common story of the hymn being inspired by (and even written from within) a rock cleft that Toplady once took refuge in during a storm. The rock is in Burrington Combe gorge in North Somerset, England, and it has a plaque on it with this claim to fame. However, the story is probably legend.
Most historians believe Toplady was inspired to write the hymn after reading the preface of John and Charles Wesley’s Hymns on the Lord’s Supper, which contains a prayer voicing many of the themes and words that are also found in the hymn. This is ironic, given the poor condition of Toplady’s relationship with John Wesley. They seemed to represent both sides of the Calvinist/Arminian debate that raged at the time.
The first verse -- “Rock of ages, cleft for me; let me hide myself in thee” -- is taken directly from this passage. Moses wanted to see God’s glory. God told him that no one could see his face and live. However, God agreed to put him in a cleft in a rock and put his hand over him as he passed by. Moses would then be able to see God’s back. In the cleft of the rock, one can see God’s glory. In the middle of struggle, strife, and heartache, seek the cleft of the rock.
Bill T.
Exodus 33:12-23
We are reminded in this lesson how awesome and magnificent God is. String Theory in physics offers us insights for contemplating this awesomeness. According to this theory, there could be realities which defy and shatter our ordinary perceptions (dimensions of reality other than those we experience, that our universe in all its expansiveness is but one of many universes, part of a multiverse). And God could be in their realities, the energy and force which makes these expansive realities and holds them together to this day.
Like Moses, we need a rock or covering in order to glimpse at this awesome God and not be swallowed up by him and these realities. We have that covering or rock in Jesus Christ, John Wesley says: “ ‘That rock was Christ’ (1Corinthians 10:4). It is in the clefts of this rock that we are secured from the wrath of God, which would otherwise consume us. God himself will protect those that are thus hid. And it is only through Christ that we have the knowledge of the glory of God. None can see that to their comfort but those that stand upon this rock and take shelter in it” (Commentary on the Bible, p. 89).
This point echoes Martin Luther’s thinking: “Through the only-begotten Son and through the gospel one learns to look directly into God’s face. And when this happens, then everything in man dies; man must then confess that he is a blind and ignorant sinner” (Luther’s Works, Vol. 22, p. 157).
Mark E.
Psalm 99
Vice President Mike Pence said that he followed the Billy Graham rule of never being seen alone in public with another woman. This, of course, was to protect his character from any unfounded accusations that he was having an affair. After the Vice President made reference to the Billy Graham rule, it caused an immediate media reaction. What was not reported, and is probably unknown to most people, is that this really is the Billy Graham rules -- rules as in plural, since there are four rules that Billy Graham followed. They are: 1) Operate with financial transparency; 2) Avoid even the appearance of sexual immorality; 3) Avoid criticizing other pastors and churches; 4) Be painstakingly honest in all publicity. These rules were established by Billy Graham and a group of his friends in 1948 when the young, handsome, and charismatic evangelist was attracting crowds in the tens of thousands.
Application: A central message in our reading is to remain obedient to the decrees of God.
Ron L.
Psalm 99
John Calvin understood the celebration of God’s kingship in this psalm as a significant pillar of our faith, something that makes us want to serve Him: “For there is nothing that more animates and encourages the faithful to render obedience to God, or inspires them with greater zeal to observe his Law, than to find in this course of action that they are the objects of his paternal care” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol. VI/1, p. 76).
Famed Roman Catholic theologian Pierre Teilhard de Chardin powerfully expressed the awesomeness of God. In God and Christ we find everything, all our deepest yearnings and all that is, he claims: “You, Lord Jesus, are the epitome and the crown of all perfection, human and cosmic. No flash of beauty, no enchantment of goodness, no element of force, but finds in you the ultimate refinement and consummation of itself. To possess you is in truth to hold gathered in a single object the perfect assemblage of all that the universe can give us and us dream of” (Hymn of the Universe, pp. 145-146).
Martin Luther reminds us, though, that this awesome God is one in whose lap we may cuddle like children in their mother’s arms (Luther’s Works, Vol. 24, p. 64).
Mark E.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Faithfulness is its own reward. I cannot remember where or when I first heard that statement, but it seems that as Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica it is what he is saying. Not only has the church heard the words of the gospel, but they have been transformed by the Holy Spirit. Their faithfulness has been proclaimed far and wide, and Paul has heard of it in his travels.
To go through the motions of knowing and proclaiming the gospel is one thing, but to live out the gospel with the power of the Holy Spirit, with lives transformed by faith, is another thing altogether. So many churches come to worship as a means of getting together and getting the support they need from one another. However, that is not the purpose of worship. Worship is an activity of praise to God and an equipping to share the good news of God’s love and grace with the world. Richard Rohr recently noted in one of his devotionals that Jesus didn’t say to the disciples “Worship me.” Rather, Jesus said “Follow me.” It is the following that is important. It is the doing that is important. It is the transformation into conveyers of the gospel, love, and grace of God that is important. We too, just like the church is Thessalonica, are called to live out the transformative power of our faith. May it be so.
Bonnie B.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
It all began with a side trip to Macedonia. Paul and Silas changed the itinerary of their missionary trip in response to a vision that led them first to Philippi and then to Thessalonica (see Acts 17:1-9). There, as in Philippi, they met opposition but succeeded in planting the church of Jesus Christ in a largely Gentile area.
Paul speaks of how they received the good news with joy, despite persecution and hardship. These Thessalonians were an example as well of generosity, despite their poverty. You may recall that Paul had to cajole the Corinthians, on more than one occasion, to fulfill their pledge to support the starving Christians in Jerusalem. The Corinthians were much wealthier, because of the shipping traffic that took advantage of Corinth’s position on the isthmus of the Greek peninsula, allowing a good deal of ocean travel to cut off by either transporting ships a few miles overland on carts or unloading at the port and reloading at another port. The Thessalonians did not have nearly the industry and cash availability of their Corinthian sisters and brothers, yet they seem to have given freely.
We are all wealthy in comparison to most people around the world. Most of us have been blessed beyond measure. Are we ready to respond generously with the gifts of our time, talents, and love?
Frank R.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Since Paul is talking to fellow missionaries, it is helpful to think of a mission field when we read this.
Since I returned from my mission in Nepal, I get letters every week from my former seminary students telling me proudly what they have been doing to spread the word of God. Some send pictures with their letters to show crowds being baptized and brought into their churches.
Like Paul, l love to hear about their success in ministry. It makes me proud of them for their work for the Lord. Their work is evidence of their faith, hope, and love. I can see evidence of the power of God’s Spirit working in them. We all need God’s Spirit for the power to do his work.
Suffering is something you see more in the Lord’s work in non-Christian countries. If we suffer in our own country, it is usually more emotional suffering from those who reject us or curse our efforts and not from physical torture (as was frequently felt in Nepal).
I send copies of the letters I get to all the churches and people I know in the U.S. who give sacrificially for these new Christians. In two years I was able to send over $50,000 for churches, orphanages, schools, and clinics.
It is helpful to the Lord’s work in the world to hear about the great work of missionaries so we can remember them in our prayers.
It is also encouraging to church members today to get recognition and praise from your pastor and fellow members. That helps the church to grow.
Bob O.
Matthew 22:15-22
This story made me laugh, and I thought it might do that for you too. A man on vacation was strolling along outside his hotel in Acapulco, enjoying the sunny Mexican weather. Suddenly he was attracted by the screams of a woman kneeling in front of a child. The man knew enough Spanish to determine that the child had swallowed a coin. Seizing the child by the heels, the man held her up, gave her a few shakes, and an American quarter dropped to the sidewalk.
“Oh, thank you, sir!” cried the woman. “You seemed to know just how to get it out of her. Are you a doctor?”
“No, ma’am,” replied the man. “I’m with the United States IRS!”
With apologies to all those who do great work for the IRS, a lot of people find a kernel of truth in that silly story. The taxman always seems to get what Uncle Sam wants in taxes. Generally, most people don’t like to pay taxes. We like the benefits that the government provides, but few like paying the taxes that bring them.
In this account in Matthew, some of the Pharisees and other religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes. Jesus tells them to give to the emperor what belongs to the emperor. He then adds give to God the things that are his. So, what things are God’s? Our loyalty; our time; our passion; our hearts; our lives. I wonder, are we any more excited about giving to God the things that are his than we are giving to the government that which it is owed?
Bill T.
Matthew 22:15-22
Jesus’ comments on giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s could be taken as advocating the separation of church and state. For too many Americans this is regarded as relegating faith purely to the private sphere, that it should have no impact on politics and how we vote. Martin Luther offered some good advice on the difference faith can and should make to those engaged in the political process: “For this reason I know of no law to prescribe for a prince; instead I will simply instruct his heart and mind.... First he must give consideration and attention to his subjects, and really devote himself to it. This he does when he directs his every thought to making himself useful and beneficial to them, when instead of thinking, ‘The land and people belong to me, I will do what pleases me’ ” (Luther’s Works, Vol. 45, pp. 119, 121). America would be a lot better off with politicians and voters operating on these principles.
Faith informs politics in other ways, providing Christians with a sense of realism which eminent 20th-century social ethicist Reinhold Niebuhr once noted: “Since all political and moral striving results in frustration as well as fulfillment, the tasks of building community requires faith which is not too easily destroyed by frustration. Such a faith must understand the moral ambiguities of history and know them not merely as accidents or as the consequence of malevolence of this man or that nation; it must understand them as permanent characteristics of man’s historic existence” (Reinhold Niebuhr, p. 131).
Mark E.
Matthew 22:15-22
A cathedral is being built in Mejorada del Campo, Spain, and it is being constructed by just one man. Justo Gallego, 91, is the monk who has been laboring for over five decades to build his Cathedral of Faith. The cathedral, which has a 125-foot cupola, has been constructed from scraps Gallego has found around town. He has received no public funding, no church funding, but he has received some private donations. Eight years after joining a monastery, Gallego caught tuberculous and was told to leave, as it was feared that others would contract the disease. After recovering in a hospital, Gallego returned to his hometown of Mejorada del Campo and began construction of his Cathedral of Faith. Gallego said he began the project as an act of faith, motivated in part by his desire to make amends for the desecration he witnessed during the Spanish Civil War. Gallego said, “I saw the Communists destroy all the churches here, with people laughing and dancing in the ruins. But when you believe, you can then also rebuild with your own hands a beautiful place.”
Application: A central message in our reading is a message of obedience.
Ron L.
Augustus Toplady wrote many hymns in his life, but “Rock of Ages” is by far his most famous. There was a time, in the early 1900s, when this hymn was in more English hymnals than any other. Not only is it well known among churchgoers, it is also recognizable in popular culture. A 2006 Broadway musical about rock ’n roll (and a corresponding Hollywood film in 2012) adopted the name Rock of Ages.
There is a common story of the hymn being inspired by (and even written from within) a rock cleft that Toplady once took refuge in during a storm. The rock is in Burrington Combe gorge in North Somerset, England, and it has a plaque on it with this claim to fame. However, the story is probably legend.
Most historians believe Toplady was inspired to write the hymn after reading the preface of John and Charles Wesley’s Hymns on the Lord’s Supper, which contains a prayer voicing many of the themes and words that are also found in the hymn. This is ironic, given the poor condition of Toplady’s relationship with John Wesley. They seemed to represent both sides of the Calvinist/Arminian debate that raged at the time.
The first verse -- “Rock of ages, cleft for me; let me hide myself in thee” -- is taken directly from this passage. Moses wanted to see God’s glory. God told him that no one could see his face and live. However, God agreed to put him in a cleft in a rock and put his hand over him as he passed by. Moses would then be able to see God’s back. In the cleft of the rock, one can see God’s glory. In the middle of struggle, strife, and heartache, seek the cleft of the rock.
Bill T.
Exodus 33:12-23
We are reminded in this lesson how awesome and magnificent God is. String Theory in physics offers us insights for contemplating this awesomeness. According to this theory, there could be realities which defy and shatter our ordinary perceptions (dimensions of reality other than those we experience, that our universe in all its expansiveness is but one of many universes, part of a multiverse). And God could be in their realities, the energy and force which makes these expansive realities and holds them together to this day.
Like Moses, we need a rock or covering in order to glimpse at this awesome God and not be swallowed up by him and these realities. We have that covering or rock in Jesus Christ, John Wesley says: “ ‘That rock was Christ’ (1Corinthians 10:4). It is in the clefts of this rock that we are secured from the wrath of God, which would otherwise consume us. God himself will protect those that are thus hid. And it is only through Christ that we have the knowledge of the glory of God. None can see that to their comfort but those that stand upon this rock and take shelter in it” (Commentary on the Bible, p. 89).
This point echoes Martin Luther’s thinking: “Through the only-begotten Son and through the gospel one learns to look directly into God’s face. And when this happens, then everything in man dies; man must then confess that he is a blind and ignorant sinner” (Luther’s Works, Vol. 22, p. 157).
Mark E.
Psalm 99
Vice President Mike Pence said that he followed the Billy Graham rule of never being seen alone in public with another woman. This, of course, was to protect his character from any unfounded accusations that he was having an affair. After the Vice President made reference to the Billy Graham rule, it caused an immediate media reaction. What was not reported, and is probably unknown to most people, is that this really is the Billy Graham rules -- rules as in plural, since there are four rules that Billy Graham followed. They are: 1) Operate with financial transparency; 2) Avoid even the appearance of sexual immorality; 3) Avoid criticizing other pastors and churches; 4) Be painstakingly honest in all publicity. These rules were established by Billy Graham and a group of his friends in 1948 when the young, handsome, and charismatic evangelist was attracting crowds in the tens of thousands.
Application: A central message in our reading is to remain obedient to the decrees of God.
Ron L.
Psalm 99
John Calvin understood the celebration of God’s kingship in this psalm as a significant pillar of our faith, something that makes us want to serve Him: “For there is nothing that more animates and encourages the faithful to render obedience to God, or inspires them with greater zeal to observe his Law, than to find in this course of action that they are the objects of his paternal care” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol. VI/1, p. 76).
Famed Roman Catholic theologian Pierre Teilhard de Chardin powerfully expressed the awesomeness of God. In God and Christ we find everything, all our deepest yearnings and all that is, he claims: “You, Lord Jesus, are the epitome and the crown of all perfection, human and cosmic. No flash of beauty, no enchantment of goodness, no element of force, but finds in you the ultimate refinement and consummation of itself. To possess you is in truth to hold gathered in a single object the perfect assemblage of all that the universe can give us and us dream of” (Hymn of the Universe, pp. 145-146).
Martin Luther reminds us, though, that this awesome God is one in whose lap we may cuddle like children in their mother’s arms (Luther’s Works, Vol. 24, p. 64).
Mark E.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Faithfulness is its own reward. I cannot remember where or when I first heard that statement, but it seems that as Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica it is what he is saying. Not only has the church heard the words of the gospel, but they have been transformed by the Holy Spirit. Their faithfulness has been proclaimed far and wide, and Paul has heard of it in his travels.
To go through the motions of knowing and proclaiming the gospel is one thing, but to live out the gospel with the power of the Holy Spirit, with lives transformed by faith, is another thing altogether. So many churches come to worship as a means of getting together and getting the support they need from one another. However, that is not the purpose of worship. Worship is an activity of praise to God and an equipping to share the good news of God’s love and grace with the world. Richard Rohr recently noted in one of his devotionals that Jesus didn’t say to the disciples “Worship me.” Rather, Jesus said “Follow me.” It is the following that is important. It is the doing that is important. It is the transformation into conveyers of the gospel, love, and grace of God that is important. We too, just like the church is Thessalonica, are called to live out the transformative power of our faith. May it be so.
Bonnie B.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
It all began with a side trip to Macedonia. Paul and Silas changed the itinerary of their missionary trip in response to a vision that led them first to Philippi and then to Thessalonica (see Acts 17:1-9). There, as in Philippi, they met opposition but succeeded in planting the church of Jesus Christ in a largely Gentile area.
Paul speaks of how they received the good news with joy, despite persecution and hardship. These Thessalonians were an example as well of generosity, despite their poverty. You may recall that Paul had to cajole the Corinthians, on more than one occasion, to fulfill their pledge to support the starving Christians in Jerusalem. The Corinthians were much wealthier, because of the shipping traffic that took advantage of Corinth’s position on the isthmus of the Greek peninsula, allowing a good deal of ocean travel to cut off by either transporting ships a few miles overland on carts or unloading at the port and reloading at another port. The Thessalonians did not have nearly the industry and cash availability of their Corinthian sisters and brothers, yet they seem to have given freely.
We are all wealthy in comparison to most people around the world. Most of us have been blessed beyond measure. Are we ready to respond generously with the gifts of our time, talents, and love?
Frank R.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Since Paul is talking to fellow missionaries, it is helpful to think of a mission field when we read this.
Since I returned from my mission in Nepal, I get letters every week from my former seminary students telling me proudly what they have been doing to spread the word of God. Some send pictures with their letters to show crowds being baptized and brought into their churches.
Like Paul, l love to hear about their success in ministry. It makes me proud of them for their work for the Lord. Their work is evidence of their faith, hope, and love. I can see evidence of the power of God’s Spirit working in them. We all need God’s Spirit for the power to do his work.
Suffering is something you see more in the Lord’s work in non-Christian countries. If we suffer in our own country, it is usually more emotional suffering from those who reject us or curse our efforts and not from physical torture (as was frequently felt in Nepal).
I send copies of the letters I get to all the churches and people I know in the U.S. who give sacrificially for these new Christians. In two years I was able to send over $50,000 for churches, orphanages, schools, and clinics.
It is helpful to the Lord’s work in the world to hear about the great work of missionaries so we can remember them in our prayers.
It is also encouraging to church members today to get recognition and praise from your pastor and fellow members. That helps the church to grow.
Bob O.
Matthew 22:15-22
This story made me laugh, and I thought it might do that for you too. A man on vacation was strolling along outside his hotel in Acapulco, enjoying the sunny Mexican weather. Suddenly he was attracted by the screams of a woman kneeling in front of a child. The man knew enough Spanish to determine that the child had swallowed a coin. Seizing the child by the heels, the man held her up, gave her a few shakes, and an American quarter dropped to the sidewalk.
“Oh, thank you, sir!” cried the woman. “You seemed to know just how to get it out of her. Are you a doctor?”
“No, ma’am,” replied the man. “I’m with the United States IRS!”
With apologies to all those who do great work for the IRS, a lot of people find a kernel of truth in that silly story. The taxman always seems to get what Uncle Sam wants in taxes. Generally, most people don’t like to pay taxes. We like the benefits that the government provides, but few like paying the taxes that bring them.
In this account in Matthew, some of the Pharisees and other religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes. Jesus tells them to give to the emperor what belongs to the emperor. He then adds give to God the things that are his. So, what things are God’s? Our loyalty; our time; our passion; our hearts; our lives. I wonder, are we any more excited about giving to God the things that are his than we are giving to the government that which it is owed?
Bill T.
Matthew 22:15-22
Jesus’ comments on giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s could be taken as advocating the separation of church and state. For too many Americans this is regarded as relegating faith purely to the private sphere, that it should have no impact on politics and how we vote. Martin Luther offered some good advice on the difference faith can and should make to those engaged in the political process: “For this reason I know of no law to prescribe for a prince; instead I will simply instruct his heart and mind.... First he must give consideration and attention to his subjects, and really devote himself to it. This he does when he directs his every thought to making himself useful and beneficial to them, when instead of thinking, ‘The land and people belong to me, I will do what pleases me’ ” (Luther’s Works, Vol. 45, pp. 119, 121). America would be a lot better off with politicians and voters operating on these principles.
Faith informs politics in other ways, providing Christians with a sense of realism which eminent 20th-century social ethicist Reinhold Niebuhr once noted: “Since all political and moral striving results in frustration as well as fulfillment, the tasks of building community requires faith which is not too easily destroyed by frustration. Such a faith must understand the moral ambiguities of history and know them not merely as accidents or as the consequence of malevolence of this man or that nation; it must understand them as permanent characteristics of man’s historic existence” (Reinhold Niebuhr, p. 131).
Mark E.
Matthew 22:15-22
A cathedral is being built in Mejorada del Campo, Spain, and it is being constructed by just one man. Justo Gallego, 91, is the monk who has been laboring for over five decades to build his Cathedral of Faith. The cathedral, which has a 125-foot cupola, has been constructed from scraps Gallego has found around town. He has received no public funding, no church funding, but he has received some private donations. Eight years after joining a monastery, Gallego caught tuberculous and was told to leave, as it was feared that others would contract the disease. After recovering in a hospital, Gallego returned to his hometown of Mejorada del Campo and began construction of his Cathedral of Faith. Gallego said he began the project as an act of faith, motivated in part by his desire to make amends for the desecration he witnessed during the Spanish Civil War. Gallego said, “I saw the Communists destroy all the churches here, with people laughing and dancing in the ruins. But when you believe, you can then also rebuild with your own hands a beautiful place.”
Application: A central message in our reading is a message of obedience.
Ron L.
