Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | OT 31 (2016)
Illustration
Object:
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
There is a scene in a favorite Non Sequitur cartoon that takes place on Mount Sinai. The finger with which God wrote the moral code for the Hebrew people descends from the heavens and points to a large stone tablet with only one commandment. On the stone is written what the cartoonist considers a good summary for the second tablet of the Decalogue. The inscription says: “THE ONE COMMANDMENT: Don’t Be a Jerk.”
The cartoonist continues by portraying Moses standing beside the tablet, shepherd’s staff in hand, peering into the heavens and declaring: “Hey, it works for me, but maybe you need to spell it out for all of the jerks down here.”
We might fast-forward this image a few hundred years to the time of the immanent invasion of the southern kingdom of Judah by the Babylonians. Habakkuk, the prophet some scholars suggest was a bit bewildered by the circumstances of his nation, has replaced Moses in this conversation with the Lord. To paraphrase the words and thoughts of the prophet: “Lord, you sent clarification on how to behave properly, but still many people behave like jerks. In fact, this country is filled with jerks. How long, O Lord, how long do you plan to put up with this kind of behavior?” (Habakkuk 1:1-4 significantly paraphrased).
In the first part of this reading, Habakkuk asks: “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help and you will not listen?” In the second part, the Lord responds (even more significantly paraphrased): “Habakkuk, the Lord your God has taken notice. Your country is indeed filled with jerks. I do, however, have my limits. Trust me on this. The time will come when I am going to straighten things out. And my way of handling this will be harsh.”
Take note -- the conquest of Judah, the fall of Jerusalem, and the Exile follow.
R. Robert C.
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
Disappointed hopes? Donald Trump plays to this with his call to make America great again. Americans need hope. This is a lesson about God’s promise to make things better. Christians are people who can give hope when things seem hopeless.
British philosopher Bertrand Russell has said that “Man needs for happiness, not only the enjoyment of this or that, but hope...” And even Napoleon was a proponent of hope: “Courage is like love [he wrote]; it must have hope for nourishment.” Christians are people who can give hope when it seems hopeless, who can say like Martin Luther King Jr.: “Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop.... I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the promised land” (A Testament of Hope, p. 286).
In the Black church it is said: “God may not come when you want him, but he’s always on time.” God may not solve all the problems we face right now. But he’s already solved a lot of them -- and, miracle of miracles, he may just use us to get the rest of the job done.
Mark E.
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
Maralin Niska was a lyric soprano who sang at the New York City Opera in the 1960s and ’70s. With a superb voice and great stage presence, she was always in demand for upcoming productions. Because of her talents, directors, audiences, and reviewers expected a perfect performance. That troubled Niska, and she expressed her feelings with these words: “It almost means not being a human being, because you feel you have to be perfect every time.”
Application: We are called to be obedient, but we are not called to be perfect.
Ron L.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Who are those who nurtured you in your faith? Do you remember who read the Bible with you, who may have taught you in Sunday school, or who exemplified the kind of Christian you wanted to be? I can remember a few people: my parents, who made sure I studied my catechism and attended Christian education and church even though they, as previously divorced people, couldn’t fully participate in the Roman Catholic sacraments; the first young priest I met, who led our folk music group during worship and was ordained during his time at my home church; the UCC pastor who inspired me to seek ordination 40 years after I had been told by a Sister that I couldn’t be a priest because I was a girl; the seminary professors who nurtured my development; and my colleagues, who continue to inspire me throughout my work as an ordained clergywoman.
In spite of my memories of these folks, I don’t often stop to thank God for their role in my life. Thinking about it now, there are a lot of people who have challenged me and helped me along the way. I need to pray for them as well. Maybe like Paul, Silas, and Timothy, we need to give thanks for the faithfulness of others. It’s a good reminder.
Bonnie B.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
The 1994 Disney movie The Lion King remains one of my favorites today. Most are familiar with it. It is a story of redemption, remembrance, and knowing who you are and what you are supposed to do. One of the more memorable parts in this animated classic occurs when Simba hears the words of his father challenging him: “Remember who you are. You are my son, and the one true King. Remember who you are.”
In the opening chapter of 2 Thessalonians, Paul lets his readers know why he and his traveling companions pray for them. It is their desire that “God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
In The Lion King, Simba had to be pushed to be what he needed to be. He had to be cajoled to assume the place he was born to have. Paul is praying for his readers, then and now, to be worthy of the call of God. He prays that God will, through his power, bring about every resolve and work of faith. While there seem to be some similarities between this passage and the movie, there is a big difference. Simba was to assume his place to bring glory to himself and his family. The Christians in Thessalonica and today are to become what they are made to be so that the name of Jesus may be glorified. Will you allow God to work in you so that you become you who were intended to be?
Bill T.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
When Paul collected funds for the Christians of Jerusalem (who were suffering from a famine) and the rich Corinthians were failing to meet their pledge, he used the generosity of the poor Macedonians as a goad to prick the Corinthian consciences. The Macedonians included the Thessalonians, about whom (in the opening to this letter) Paul admits he brags openly. There is evidently persecution as well as poverty afflicting this fellowship.
This begs the question -- what have you done as a congregation that caused others to brag about you? I would encourage you to do some self-study during the week as you prepare for your message with others from inside your congregation, as well as perhaps some beyond your congregation within your district. This could definitely be an encouragement... or it could be a wake-up call!
Frank R.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Can your pastor say these kind words about you, his people? I never knew everything about all my people. There were mostly good ones, but there were always a few who didn’t quite make it. It is the pastor’s job to increase the faith of all the membership every week. I don’t think it can be done with one 20-minute sermon every Sunday morning. It takes effort on the part of the membership. It takes the rest of the week in Bible reading and prayer -- that should fit into your daily routine. The next thing (just as important) is that our love for each other should increase constantly -- even if there are differences (such as supporting a different political party or person running for president). That seems to be one of the hottest issues today -- even hotter than some religious issues. Maybe we should show love before we discuss all these other hot issues.
The most important thing to remember is that Jesus died for sinners; not perfect people. He loves people in both parties! He may not agree with some things in either party, but he still shows love and forgiveness. That is our example and our command.
Not only does the pastor pray for everyone, but each member should pray for each other. Some may need our prayers more than others. One may have lost a loved one or come down with a serious illness. They may need special prayers for their spiritual weaknesses and sins -- but we all need prayer! I pray for my wife and kids because I love them. In some ways every congregation is a fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ. We are sons of the Father!
I could notice in every church I served that the people were drawn together by mutual concerns: get well cards, birthday and anniversary cards; warm handshakes, and even hugs, plus kind words. This is something that grows gradually, and new members that come in comment on what a caring congregation we have.
It is interesting to note that in a prior letter Paul was condemning them, and now he is praising them. Things have changed for the better! Was it continuing persecution that increased their faith?
In Nepal, persecution only made the church grow. We are moved by people of any faith who endure persecution. Some have told me that they are even moved by the Jehovah’s Witnesses who sacrifice time and often face rebuffs and insults from people whose doors they knock on. Are the people in our parishes making any sacrifices for the Lord and his church What are we doing to glorify the Lord?
Bob O.
Luke 19:1-10
(See my illustration for this week on Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4)
If we fast-forward another few centuries, we find the imperative “Don’t behave like a jerk” still playing itself out. Our Lord is walking and preaching his way through the streets of Jericho, the ancient city at the edge of the wilderness. As often happens, the Master picks up a crowd of followers as he walks. Something catches his eye as he passes under a large tree. He glances up and sees a man sitting on one of the lower limbs.
It is Zacchaeus, the area tax collector, one of the most hated men in Jericho. He is notorious for his dishonesty, greed, selfishness, and lack of compassion for the less fortunate. This man behaves like a world-class jerk.
Jesus recognizes the man in the tree as Zacchaeus. The Master calls him by name and summons him to climb down from that limb. (We are not told how Jesus became acquainted with the tax collector. Perhaps Jesus recognized him from a derogatory cartoon depiction on the city walls. Since graffiti was ubiquitous in the ancient world, one might expect recognizable caricatures of Jericho’s biggest jerk.)
When an excited Zacchaeus arrives at Jesus’ side, the Lord invites himself to stay at the tax collector’s house that night. When Jesus extends friendship to Zacchaeus, it changes the tax collector’s life. He goes from behaving like a jerk to behaving like a responsible citizen of the community.
Zacchaeus benefited significantly from the gracious, Christ-like protocol for dealing with jerks. Many of us jerks in the world today need to hear Christ’s call to come down from the tree and change our ways.
R. Robert C.
Luke 19:1-10
Luc Hoffman was the grandson of the founder of the Roche pharmaceutical and healthcare company, which gave him money, power, and prestige. But his real love was preserving the environment. Hoffman earned his doctorate and then engaged himself in preserving his love of the wetlands. In order to create an international effort for wetlands preservation, he convened the Ramsar Convention (named for the city in Iran where it was held). Dr. Hoffman also established the World Wildlife Fund. He wrote over 60 books and publications, mostly on birds and their habitats.
Application: Jesus discusses the need to make restitution. This can be done in many ways, and for Dr. Hoffman it was in restoring the wetlands that industrialized society destroyed.
Ron L.
Luke 19:1-10
Famed modern Reformed theologian Karl Barth sees this text as a wonderful testimony to God’s care for all in Jesus Christ: “Jesus Christ is the hope of all men, and therefore also of non-Christians, of the heathen, or the theoretically or practically ungodly. How could we limit the positive sign of life in the midst of the times to Christians?” (Church Dogmatics, Vol. IV/3 First Half, p. 364).
This is a story about repentance. Americans have a long way to go on that score. A Barna poll five years ago revealed that only two in five American Christians have made a personal commitment to Christ, and so repented. As a nation, we have a lot of repenting to do about poverty. The U.S. Census Bureau has found that in the last decade we have gone from one in eight American children on food stamps to one in five -- and it is nearly one in two in the case of African-American children. CNN reports that the richest 1% of America owns what the rest of the bottom 99% own! Barth’s point is that repentance is to be a testimony to God’s care for all, even the poor. Famed theologian of the early church Clement of Alexandria wrote: “Riches, then, which benefit also our neighbors, are not to be thrown away. For they are possessions, inasmuch as they are possessed, and goods, inasmuch as they are useful and provided by God for the use of them” (Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 2, p. 595).
We need to ask which economic proposals of the presidential candidates will have Americans best use money this way.
Mark E.
There is a scene in a favorite Non Sequitur cartoon that takes place on Mount Sinai. The finger with which God wrote the moral code for the Hebrew people descends from the heavens and points to a large stone tablet with only one commandment. On the stone is written what the cartoonist considers a good summary for the second tablet of the Decalogue. The inscription says: “THE ONE COMMANDMENT: Don’t Be a Jerk.”
The cartoonist continues by portraying Moses standing beside the tablet, shepherd’s staff in hand, peering into the heavens and declaring: “Hey, it works for me, but maybe you need to spell it out for all of the jerks down here.”
We might fast-forward this image a few hundred years to the time of the immanent invasion of the southern kingdom of Judah by the Babylonians. Habakkuk, the prophet some scholars suggest was a bit bewildered by the circumstances of his nation, has replaced Moses in this conversation with the Lord. To paraphrase the words and thoughts of the prophet: “Lord, you sent clarification on how to behave properly, but still many people behave like jerks. In fact, this country is filled with jerks. How long, O Lord, how long do you plan to put up with this kind of behavior?” (Habakkuk 1:1-4 significantly paraphrased).
In the first part of this reading, Habakkuk asks: “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help and you will not listen?” In the second part, the Lord responds (even more significantly paraphrased): “Habakkuk, the Lord your God has taken notice. Your country is indeed filled with jerks. I do, however, have my limits. Trust me on this. The time will come when I am going to straighten things out. And my way of handling this will be harsh.”
Take note -- the conquest of Judah, the fall of Jerusalem, and the Exile follow.
R. Robert C.
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
Disappointed hopes? Donald Trump plays to this with his call to make America great again. Americans need hope. This is a lesson about God’s promise to make things better. Christians are people who can give hope when things seem hopeless.
British philosopher Bertrand Russell has said that “Man needs for happiness, not only the enjoyment of this or that, but hope...” And even Napoleon was a proponent of hope: “Courage is like love [he wrote]; it must have hope for nourishment.” Christians are people who can give hope when it seems hopeless, who can say like Martin Luther King Jr.: “Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop.... I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the promised land” (A Testament of Hope, p. 286).
In the Black church it is said: “God may not come when you want him, but he’s always on time.” God may not solve all the problems we face right now. But he’s already solved a lot of them -- and, miracle of miracles, he may just use us to get the rest of the job done.
Mark E.
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
Maralin Niska was a lyric soprano who sang at the New York City Opera in the 1960s and ’70s. With a superb voice and great stage presence, she was always in demand for upcoming productions. Because of her talents, directors, audiences, and reviewers expected a perfect performance. That troubled Niska, and she expressed her feelings with these words: “It almost means not being a human being, because you feel you have to be perfect every time.”
Application: We are called to be obedient, but we are not called to be perfect.
Ron L.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Who are those who nurtured you in your faith? Do you remember who read the Bible with you, who may have taught you in Sunday school, or who exemplified the kind of Christian you wanted to be? I can remember a few people: my parents, who made sure I studied my catechism and attended Christian education and church even though they, as previously divorced people, couldn’t fully participate in the Roman Catholic sacraments; the first young priest I met, who led our folk music group during worship and was ordained during his time at my home church; the UCC pastor who inspired me to seek ordination 40 years after I had been told by a Sister that I couldn’t be a priest because I was a girl; the seminary professors who nurtured my development; and my colleagues, who continue to inspire me throughout my work as an ordained clergywoman.
In spite of my memories of these folks, I don’t often stop to thank God for their role in my life. Thinking about it now, there are a lot of people who have challenged me and helped me along the way. I need to pray for them as well. Maybe like Paul, Silas, and Timothy, we need to give thanks for the faithfulness of others. It’s a good reminder.
Bonnie B.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
The 1994 Disney movie The Lion King remains one of my favorites today. Most are familiar with it. It is a story of redemption, remembrance, and knowing who you are and what you are supposed to do. One of the more memorable parts in this animated classic occurs when Simba hears the words of his father challenging him: “Remember who you are. You are my son, and the one true King. Remember who you are.”
In the opening chapter of 2 Thessalonians, Paul lets his readers know why he and his traveling companions pray for them. It is their desire that “God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
In The Lion King, Simba had to be pushed to be what he needed to be. He had to be cajoled to assume the place he was born to have. Paul is praying for his readers, then and now, to be worthy of the call of God. He prays that God will, through his power, bring about every resolve and work of faith. While there seem to be some similarities between this passage and the movie, there is a big difference. Simba was to assume his place to bring glory to himself and his family. The Christians in Thessalonica and today are to become what they are made to be so that the name of Jesus may be glorified. Will you allow God to work in you so that you become you who were intended to be?
Bill T.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
When Paul collected funds for the Christians of Jerusalem (who were suffering from a famine) and the rich Corinthians were failing to meet their pledge, he used the generosity of the poor Macedonians as a goad to prick the Corinthian consciences. The Macedonians included the Thessalonians, about whom (in the opening to this letter) Paul admits he brags openly. There is evidently persecution as well as poverty afflicting this fellowship.
This begs the question -- what have you done as a congregation that caused others to brag about you? I would encourage you to do some self-study during the week as you prepare for your message with others from inside your congregation, as well as perhaps some beyond your congregation within your district. This could definitely be an encouragement... or it could be a wake-up call!
Frank R.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Can your pastor say these kind words about you, his people? I never knew everything about all my people. There were mostly good ones, but there were always a few who didn’t quite make it. It is the pastor’s job to increase the faith of all the membership every week. I don’t think it can be done with one 20-minute sermon every Sunday morning. It takes effort on the part of the membership. It takes the rest of the week in Bible reading and prayer -- that should fit into your daily routine. The next thing (just as important) is that our love for each other should increase constantly -- even if there are differences (such as supporting a different political party or person running for president). That seems to be one of the hottest issues today -- even hotter than some religious issues. Maybe we should show love before we discuss all these other hot issues.
The most important thing to remember is that Jesus died for sinners; not perfect people. He loves people in both parties! He may not agree with some things in either party, but he still shows love and forgiveness. That is our example and our command.
Not only does the pastor pray for everyone, but each member should pray for each other. Some may need our prayers more than others. One may have lost a loved one or come down with a serious illness. They may need special prayers for their spiritual weaknesses and sins -- but we all need prayer! I pray for my wife and kids because I love them. In some ways every congregation is a fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ. We are sons of the Father!
I could notice in every church I served that the people were drawn together by mutual concerns: get well cards, birthday and anniversary cards; warm handshakes, and even hugs, plus kind words. This is something that grows gradually, and new members that come in comment on what a caring congregation we have.
It is interesting to note that in a prior letter Paul was condemning them, and now he is praising them. Things have changed for the better! Was it continuing persecution that increased their faith?
In Nepal, persecution only made the church grow. We are moved by people of any faith who endure persecution. Some have told me that they are even moved by the Jehovah’s Witnesses who sacrifice time and often face rebuffs and insults from people whose doors they knock on. Are the people in our parishes making any sacrifices for the Lord and his church What are we doing to glorify the Lord?
Bob O.
Luke 19:1-10
(See my illustration for this week on Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4)
If we fast-forward another few centuries, we find the imperative “Don’t behave like a jerk” still playing itself out. Our Lord is walking and preaching his way through the streets of Jericho, the ancient city at the edge of the wilderness. As often happens, the Master picks up a crowd of followers as he walks. Something catches his eye as he passes under a large tree. He glances up and sees a man sitting on one of the lower limbs.
It is Zacchaeus, the area tax collector, one of the most hated men in Jericho. He is notorious for his dishonesty, greed, selfishness, and lack of compassion for the less fortunate. This man behaves like a world-class jerk.
Jesus recognizes the man in the tree as Zacchaeus. The Master calls him by name and summons him to climb down from that limb. (We are not told how Jesus became acquainted with the tax collector. Perhaps Jesus recognized him from a derogatory cartoon depiction on the city walls. Since graffiti was ubiquitous in the ancient world, one might expect recognizable caricatures of Jericho’s biggest jerk.)
When an excited Zacchaeus arrives at Jesus’ side, the Lord invites himself to stay at the tax collector’s house that night. When Jesus extends friendship to Zacchaeus, it changes the tax collector’s life. He goes from behaving like a jerk to behaving like a responsible citizen of the community.
Zacchaeus benefited significantly from the gracious, Christ-like protocol for dealing with jerks. Many of us jerks in the world today need to hear Christ’s call to come down from the tree and change our ways.
R. Robert C.
Luke 19:1-10
Luc Hoffman was the grandson of the founder of the Roche pharmaceutical and healthcare company, which gave him money, power, and prestige. But his real love was preserving the environment. Hoffman earned his doctorate and then engaged himself in preserving his love of the wetlands. In order to create an international effort for wetlands preservation, he convened the Ramsar Convention (named for the city in Iran where it was held). Dr. Hoffman also established the World Wildlife Fund. He wrote over 60 books and publications, mostly on birds and their habitats.
Application: Jesus discusses the need to make restitution. This can be done in many ways, and for Dr. Hoffman it was in restoring the wetlands that industrialized society destroyed.
Ron L.
Luke 19:1-10
Famed modern Reformed theologian Karl Barth sees this text as a wonderful testimony to God’s care for all in Jesus Christ: “Jesus Christ is the hope of all men, and therefore also of non-Christians, of the heathen, or the theoretically or practically ungodly. How could we limit the positive sign of life in the midst of the times to Christians?” (Church Dogmatics, Vol. IV/3 First Half, p. 364).
This is a story about repentance. Americans have a long way to go on that score. A Barna poll five years ago revealed that only two in five American Christians have made a personal commitment to Christ, and so repented. As a nation, we have a lot of repenting to do about poverty. The U.S. Census Bureau has found that in the last decade we have gone from one in eight American children on food stamps to one in five -- and it is nearly one in two in the case of African-American children. CNN reports that the richest 1% of America owns what the rest of the bottom 99% own! Barth’s point is that repentance is to be a testimony to God’s care for all, even the poor. Famed theologian of the early church Clement of Alexandria wrote: “Riches, then, which benefit also our neighbors, are not to be thrown away. For they are possessions, inasmuch as they are possessed, and goods, inasmuch as they are useful and provided by God for the use of them” (Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 2, p. 595).
We need to ask which economic proposals of the presidential candidates will have Americans best use money this way.
Mark E.
