Buying the Poor for Silver
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For July 20, 2025:
Buying the Poor for Silver
by Mary Austin
Amos 8:1-12
The message of Amos, sadly, has no expiration date. As he calls the nation of Israel to account for their abuse of poor people, we could use his voice in our time. The prophet’s words are especially timely, as the US begins to make sense of the recent budget bill passed by Congress.
The so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” would give Amos plenty to talk about. If only he would appear in Washington, DC, thundering about “buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals,” or, in our case, tax cuts for the wealthy. He would have lots to say about the cuts to food assistance and health care for the poor. “Hear this, you who trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land,” Amos announces, as we wage war on poor people. Oh, that Amos would come back and roar his message in the halls of Congress.
In the Scriptures
Not being a professional prophet, not being a part of the prophet’s guild, Amos has a unique clarity about Israel’s moral decay. He comes from Judah, speaking to Israel, and brings the perspective of an outsider as he speaks for God. Coming from outside the entwined religious system of king, advisors, and temple, he sees how empty the sacrifices are, and how hollow the words of praise are.
Amos’ message is urgent. There’s no time to waste, as God is ready to give up on the people. As Tyler Mayfield asks, “What societal wrongs are so severe as to cause a sheep breeder to leave his home and country?” He adds, “The prophet is upset at the sight of the oppression of the poor. Amos is clear that sacrifices alone — that is, pious religious rituals only—do not bring praise to God. Proper worship is not the only facet of a vibrant spiritual life. In fact, offering sacrifices to God while treating your neighbor poorly is simply bad religion to Amos. It’s hypocrisy, an offense to the covenant relationship between Israel and God.”
“The end has come upon my people Israel; I will spare them no longer,” God decides. The nation shows no mercy to the poor and so God is removing the divine gift of protection. And, still, God says there’s time to turn back to God. The holy one wants the people to learn. “The time is surely coming, says the Lord GOD, when I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.”
In the News
The nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says the recent budget bill “will raise families’ food and health care costs, increase poverty and hunger, take health coverage away from millions of people, and drive up deficits — all to give costly tax cuts to the wealthy and corporations.”
The American Medical Association notes that the bill “creates new administrative requirements and conditions on eligibility (including work requirements) for patients seeking to enroll in or maintain Medicaid coverage and restricts states’ ability to use provider taxes to finance their Medicaid programs. The bill also “imposes verification requirements for patients receiving premium tax credits, including pre-enrollment verification requirements that will effectively end automatic re-enrollment for these patients. The OBBB does not address the scheduled expiration of enhanced tax credits at the end of 2025.”
In a statement, AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD, said, “Today is a sad and unnecessarily harmful day for patients and health care across the country, and its impact will reverberate for years. Care will be less accessible, and patients may simply forego seeing their physician because the lifelines of Medicaid and CHIP are severed. This is bad for my patients in Flint, Michigan, and it is devastating for the estimated 11.8 million people who will have no health insurance coverage as a result of this bill. The American Medical Association’s mission is promoting the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. This bill moves us in the wrong direction. It will make it harder to access care and make patients sicker. It will make it more likely that acute, treatable illnesses will turn into life-threatening or costly chronic conditions. That is disappointing, maddening, and unacceptable.”
Voters are not in love with the bill and “while passing the law was a key legislative victory, the president and congressional Republicans could face challenges when selling the package to voters. “It is absolutely upside-down. More people dislike it than like it,” said Frank Luntz, a pollster who has helped Republicans with messaging. “The Republicans focused on process — ‘Get it done. Get it to my desk by July 4 so I can sign it’ — rather than explaining why this is good for hardworking taxpayers.” The package fulfills several of Trump’s campaign promises: making many of his 2017 tax cuts permanent, adding provisions for no tax on tips and overtime, and increasing spending on immigration enforcement and the military.”
In the Sermon
As Tyler Mayfield writes, the treatment of the poor in Amos’ time is repugnant to God, and all the pretense of faith won’t be enough to save the people. The prophet says, speaking for God, “The songs of the temple shall become wailings on that day,” when God’s judgment comes. When the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” passed, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson invoked God’s name. “Johnson tweeted: “Soli Deo Gloria,” or “Glory to God alone,” followed by a Bible verse from 2 Corinthians 5:18 — “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” Johnson appeared to compare the reconciling love of God that Christians believe is the source of eternal salvation to the Congressional process of reconciling versions of legislation — in this case, legislation evangelical Christians support but many other Christians do not.”
But is God happy? Does this bill bring glory to God? The God speaking to Amos would say no, don’t do this in my name. The sermon could focus on the delusion that this bill is pleasing to God, and how we’re following the destructive path of ancient Israel.
“The songs of the temple shall become wailings,” God promises through Amos. How will we wail our distress and lament and cry out our repentance? The sermon could tell us how to live with sorrow and disgust in this time, when our actions are so alien to God’s purposes.
Amos is not a professional prophet. He makes his living herding animals and dressing trees and God calls him out of ordinary life to denounce Israel’s collective mistreatment of the poor. The sermon could ask where God is calling us as teachers, nurses, factory workers, and retirees to speak God’s word in our world. How will God use our amateur status to speak an unpolished and yet truthful word?
Amos also makes a considerable sacrifice to leave his work and travel to speak God’s word. The sermon could nudge us to think about what sacrifices we’re making to keep God’s word alive in our world. What can we give up to make funds available to help the hungry, the poor, and the uninsured.
Amos calls us to speak God’s word again to an unjust world, where people are still exploiting the poor and trampling the needy. His message is, to our shame, just as timely as the day he spoke it.
SECOND THOUGHTS
The Business of Business
by Dean Feldmeyer
Amos 8:1-12
You don’t make lasting friendships or win popularity contests by preaching prophetic sermons. Prophetic sermons dig deep into the faults, flaws, foibles, and failings of the human condition and call people to a better, higher way of living. Prophetic preaching is a rough road to travel and, this week, we follow Amos down that road.
Business As Usual
Mitt Romney was running for president when, at the 2011 Iowa State Fair, he announced: “Corporations are people!” It caused something of a backlash, but he wasn’t the first to say it. The concept of corporate personhood dates back to the late 19th century when the US Supreme Court acknowledged that corporations could be considered “persons” under the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law.
So, Mitt was right. Big companies have all the rights of individual people. Got that? So, it then follows that they also had all the moral responsibilities of individual persons as well, right? You know the stuff:
About a week after Romney made his famous (or infamous) speech at the Iowa State Fair, the subject of corporate personhood came up on a local radio talk show that was, that day, hosting a panel of local, influential business leaders.
About 30 minutes into the show, I called in and asked the panel if companies had all the protections of citizenship, did it not follow that they had all of the responsibilities, especially the moral responsibilities of citizenship as well? The response of those business leaders: belly laughs.
Business, they said, when they finally stopped laughing and caught their breath, had only one responsibility and that was to make a profit. The only business of business was money.
* * *
I saw only one episode of Donald Trump’s so-called “reality” TV show, “The Apprentice.” One episode was all I needed, thank you.
It was the second episode of the second season and I stumbled onto it while surfing cable. It was called “Toying with Disaster,” and the men were pitted against the women in a sales contest.
The men’s team was assigned to sell products at a Toys ‘R’ Us store and they chose to focus on basketballs. Sales were meager and they were clearly going to lose until someone came up with the bright idea of having Kwame Jackson, the runner up from the first season, who was substituting for a regular member of the team, and the only African American member of the team, sign basketballs as part of their sales strategy.
Now, understand, Kwame was not an NBA superstar. In fact, there is no public record indicating that he ever played basketball at a competitive or collegiate level. But he and his teammates leaned into stereotypes and prejudices of the public and, without ever saying so, led people to believe that the tall black man signing basketballs was a basketball star. And it worked. People, including little kids spending the money they had earned mowing yards, purchased “autographed” basketballs, and the men won the sales contest.
The women’s team was rightfully incensed. The men, they argued, had won by virtually stealing the money from their customers through lying, cheating, dishonesty, and deception.
Trump allowed that the guys had entered a “grey” area, but he didn’t fire any of them. He congratulated them for their ingenuity. He did fire one man, however. That man had won immunity in another episode, but he renounced it and said he’d rather be judged for his actions and not for some game show gimmick.
Trump fired him on the spot for showing poor judgement.
Kwame Jackson went on to become what his Linkedin account describes as “a noted leadership strategist, global contributor for Newsweek and a frequent political commentator for CNN, MSNBC, FOX, and NewsOne. Best known for his inspiring leadership performance as the Runner-Up on Season 1 of NBC’s Apprentice…”
We live in a culture in which dishonesty is shrugged off as harmless and to be expected in politics and especially in the marketplace where the only business of business is making money. And we just accept the deceit and the dishonesty as “business as usual.”
The prophet, Amos, however, did not.
Ephah Smaller, Shekel Heavier
Amos, a shepherd and keeper of sycamore (fig) trees, was appalled by what he discovered when he ventured into the city where God sent him to do God’s bidding.
Business people were going through the motions of their religious faith, but that faith didn’t extend to the marketplace. They said things at prayer that they didn’t even pretend to practice in business. They sang hymns of grace and righteousness but left them in the sanctuary when the service was over. They claimed to want family values but the only value they exhibited in business was profit. Examples:
Verse 5 — The businesspeople go to church, but their minds aren’t on God but on their sales reports. “How long is this sermon going to last?” they want to know. “I need to be out there doing business and making money.”
And when they are in the marketplace selling grain, they are using false measures to cheat their customers. Especially the poor customers. Wealthy people carried their own, true measures but the poor had to count on the honesty of the merchants — honesty that was in short supply.
Verse 6 — They would cheat the poor and the needy until those necessitous souls were so desperate that they had to go into debt or even sell their land to buy the essentials, like sandals. They had to have sandals to work and they had to borrow the money for sandals from their employer, entrapping them in a circle of indenture.
The remainder of the passage (vv. 8-14) assures the people that there are consequences to be suffered for greed and dishonesty in the marketplace. Once dishonesty becomes commonplace and accepted, the foundations of the culture crack and the culture eventually collapses in on itself.
Consequences
The president lies about immigrants eating cats and dogs in Ohio and his supporters laugh it off. “Hey, it was hyperbole. Exaggeration to make a point. Don’t worry about it.” He routinely breaks his promises and his supporters forgive him because “all politicians do that.” He says he is going to deport only the worst of the worst, the criminals and rapists and gang members, but then we see his ICE agents chasing farm workers across the fields. He says he’ll exempt farm workers, but his agriculture secretary says that they won’t. You can’t take what he says literally, we are told, but you must take it seriously.
A national network news program routinely lies and misleads the public and their defense is that they aren’t really a news program. They’re an entertainment program and everyone knows that…or should know that, so they are exempt from libel and slander laws.
Reality tv shows aren’t real, they’re scripted and manipulated. The “contestants” are coached and assisted, the outcomes are predetermined, and we know that, but we ignore it and watch anyway.
Commercials lie. The sandwiches aren’t as big as they look in the pictures, the clothing never fits that well, the promises of politicians are rarely kept except when doing so guarantees votes.
Labeling can’t be trusted. Look closely and discover that what used to be sold as a pound is now only 12 ounces. What used to be sold as a dozen are, today, only ten. What used to be a gallon is now 60 ounces but still sold in the same container. Nutritional information was never comparable from one product to the next until the government forced manufactures to make it so.
And what is the consequence of all this? We become a culture of liars. Truth and honesty are held to be without value. No one trusts anyone anymore. And we teach our children that it’s all just business as usual. You can’t trust anyone so why bother to be trustworthy yourself?
With every lie, every deception, every dishonesty that we accept as normal, the foundation of our culture, of our country, of our religious faith, begins to crumble. It’s imperceptible at first, until, finally, the whole structure is so weak that all it takes is a stiff breeze to bring it all down upon itself.
The answer?
The NRA says that we should resign ourselves to despair and hopelessness. Arm ourselves against our neighbors and turn our homes into armed camps, fortresses, the modern equivalent of medieval castles.
Amos has a different answer:
Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. (5:24)
If we can do that, and do it resolutely, the consequences will be profoundly different.
…the mountains shall drip sweet wine,
and all the hills shall flow with it.
I will restore the fortunes of my people …
and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine,
and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.
I will plant them upon their land,
and they shall never again be plucked up
out of the land that I have given them… (9:13b-15)
Postscript (Luke 10:38-42)
The Amos and Luke texts for this Sunday deal with the issue of priorities, especially personal priorities. Amos deals with how misplaced personal priorities in the business world affect the overall moral climate and can lead to the downfall of the entire culture.
In the Luke passage, Jesus, taking a gentler track than Amos, points out how misplaced personal priorities weaken relationships. Martha’s personal priorities, which are not bad, only misplaced, lead her to resent her sister and misinterpret Jesus’ role and purpose in being present with them.
Appropriate priorities lead to stronger personal relationships and strong personal relationships lead to a stronger, more authentic culture.
ILLUSTRATIONS
From team member Tom Willadsen:
Amos 8:1-12
A mixed metaphor
The time is surely coming, says the Lord God,
when I will send a famine on the land,
not a famine of bread or a thirst for water,
but of hearing the words of the Lord. (v. 11, NRSV)
Amos delivers a message of judgment and impatience to the Israelites. Even if they went looking for God’s word, they wouldn’t find it. The Lord promises a famine of God’s word, analogous to a famine of food.
I had a classmate in seminary who composed a prayer for her liturgy class that mentioned “a famine for God’s word.” It was a beautiful, well-crafted prayer, but she received an A-. She approached the professor and asked why she did not receive an A; he’d written very positive things on her returned paper.
The professor replied, “A famine for God’s word is a mixed metaphor.”
My classmate replied, “Amos used the same imagery.”
“Well,” he said, “I’d have given Amos an A- too.”
* * *
Genesis 18:1-10a
Who, exactly, were those guys/that guy?
The NRSV has that “the Lord” appeared to Abraham in verse 1. In the second verse Abe saw three men standing near him — he greeted them. In the next verse, he addresses “My Lord.” It is ambiguous; who, exactly, visited Abraham? Maimonides treated this whole story as a vision Abraham had. The story’s oscillating between three men and one man may reflect that different oral traditions are being brought together.
Franz Rosenzweig wrote of this passage, “Abraham is the religious man par excellence for he sees God in the human situation.”
* * *
Genesis 18:1-10a
Abe served them what!?
Abraham was offering conspicuous hospitality to his visitors. The Talmud writes of this moment, “Greater than the reception of God is the practice of hospitality.”
There are two difficulties about Abraham giving these men something to eat.
First, if they were divine messengers, they would not need food. A Midrash of the text explains they only appeared to eat.
Second, Jewish dietary law forbids serving milk and meat at the same meal.
Exodus 23:19 reads, in part, “You shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk” and Exodus 34:26 repeats the prohibition. Well, those rules appeared after Abraham’s death, and you can’t convict him of serving trayf ex post facto.
* * *
Genesis 18:1-10a
Ooh, this lesson ends a little too soon!
The very next words after today’s lection ends are “And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him.” She eavesdrops on God’s conversation with Abraham, and laughs to herself. The Lord hears Sarah’s laughter and asks Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh?” The action continues in v. 15 “But Sarah denied, saying, ‘I did not laugh,’ for she was afraid. He (the Lord) said, ‘Yes, you did laugh.’”
This is a wonderful, playful, delightful scene! Seventeen chapters earlier God was speaking and making everything. “Let there be light.” Now, the creator of the universe is having an argument worthy of a second grade playground:
Why did Sarah laugh?
I didn’t laugh.
Yes, you did.
Nuh-uh.
Uh-uh. (This is my free translation of the original Hebrew text.)
* * * * * *
From team member Nazish Naseem:
Luke 10:38-42
M&M= ?, Navigating Priorities: Insights from Martha and Mary
At the store, I discovered a wide variety of M&M flavors: Peanut, Peanut Butter, Peppermint, Dark Chocolate, Spice, Cherry, and even Carrot Cake. With so many tempting options, it got me thinking about how to choose the best one? Once hosting a prayer service at my home, I found myself washing large pots when a woman asked if I could clean her pot as well. Generously, I agreed, but then she complimented me by saying, “Nazish, you are like Martha.” While I had spent the entire evening serving and assisting others, this comparison left me feeling uneasy and unworthy. Defensively, I responded, “God has given me the gifts of both Martha and Mary.” This moment reminded me of the power in recognizing and embracing our unique gifts. Each of us possesses these gifts, and it’s essential to acknowledge them, as they can all be used to serve others.
The story of Martha and Mary, found in scripture, resonates with many of us. When Jesus visits their home, Martha is eager to demonstrate her hospitality. She busily cleans, cooks, and organizes, hoping to impress him with a delightful meal. Her intentions are pure and her desire to serve is something we can all relate to. We’ve all felt the pressure to create a perfect environment at some point in our lives.
This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the need to balance our desire to serve and the importance of being present. It’s crucial to appreciate our individual strengths and allow ourselves the grace to embrace both action and contemplation in our lives. This balance is the key to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
* * *
Colossians 1:15- 28
Bridging Connections: Paul’s Invitation to Unity in Faith
As the sun dipped low over the Verrazano Bridge (in New York) casting warm hues across the sky, my husband and I stood hand in hand, gazing at the magnificent structure before us. The bridge, with its steel cables stretching into the horizon, not only offered a breathtaking view but also served as a powerful symbol of unity and understanding, inspiring hope and a sense of connection.
Drawing on Colossians 1:15-2, Paul invites the Colossians onto that bridge, establishing a common ground that transcends their differences and makes them feel included and part of a larger community. And he introduces himself to the believers in the Colossian church with a heart full of connection, even though they have yet to meet face-to-face.
Paul begins by celebrating the remarkable power and beauty of Christ, whom he refers to as the “image of the invisible God.” This is a familiar concept to the Colossians, who lived in a culture rich in diverse beliefs and philosophies. By emphasizing Christ’s preeminence in creation, he aligns himself with their yearning for a greater truth. Just as a skilled navigator draws from the stars to guide a ship home, Paul uses the grandeur of Christ to draw the community together, anchoring their faith in something universally powerful and relatable, inspiring awe and reverence.
Then, he speaks of reconciliation, an idea that resonates deeply with the Colossians. Many of them likely faced personal struggles and division within their community. Paul likens the work of Christ to a healing balm, soothing the wounds of their lives and restoring broken relationships. This analogy finds common ground in their shared experiences of longing for connection and fullness amidst challenges.
Paul doesn’t stop there; he reveals his dedication to their spiritual journey. Like a mentor guiding a group of eager apprentices, he expresses his commitment to help them grow in faith and maturity. Paul paints a picture of a united body of believers working together toward a common purpose, reflecting Christ’s glory. He highlights the hope they all share — the hope of glorifying God and spreading the gospel, a mission that unites us all and gives us a sense of purpose and motivation, instilling a sense of purpose and motivation in the audience.
Ultimately, Paul’s introduction is an invitation to a deeper, more intimate relationship. He calls upon the Colossians to remember that, although they may not yet know him, they are united in Christ, their shared foundation. His message encourages them to recognize their collective identity as a community built on faith, love, and hope. In doing so, Paul not only introduces himself but also creates a heartfelt connection, bridging the gap between him and the Colossians with the truth and love of Christ at its center. This invitation is open to all of us, encouraging us to grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with Christ.
* * *
Psalm 52
The Towering Oak: A Parable of Pride and Downfall
In Psalm 52, we encounter a strong message against those who use their words to harm others, particularly those who are faithful to God. The psalmist paints a vivid picture of the consequences of such actions, comparing a deceitful person to a mighty tree that ultimately meets its downfall.
Envision a majestic oak tree, towering above the vibrant forest. This tree, with its deep roots and massive branches, symbolizes a person of significant influence and power. Yet, beneath its grandeur, a disease lurks, symbolizing the moral decay of arrogance and pride. The tree, in its strength, mocks those around it, hurling insults and spreading poison with its fallen leaves, corrupting the space it occupies.
As the seasons change, a mighty storm approaches. The tree, despite its size, stands against the howling winds and pouring rain with unyielding defiance. Yet, with each crashing gust, the tree begins to shake. Its roots, though deep, cannot hold forever against the relentless force around it. Finally, with a deafening crack, it topples, crashing to the ground. The forest, once overshadowed by its grandeur, rejoices in the sunlight that now breaks through.
This illustration serves as a powerful reminder: those who use their words to attack the faithful may appear strong and untouchable for a time, but their downfall is inevitable. The psalmist’s words echo the truth that God sees and will not remain silent in the face of such unrighteousness. In the end, those who trust in him are like flourishing trees, rooted and secure, absorbing the nourishing light and rain of his grace. It is the power of God’s justice, a justice that we can have faith in, that ensures the proud fall by their own destruction, providing comfort to those who trust in Him.
* * *
Amos 8:1-12
The Prophetic Message: A Warning in the Market Square
In a small village, a prophet named Amos wandered through the dusty streets, his heart weighed down by the burden of a vision he had received. It was early morning, and the sun cast long shadows as he approached the market square. There, he saw people busy with their everyday affairs, trading goods and engaging in lively conversations. Yet, amidst the chatter and laughter, a sense of unease lingered in the air.
Suddenly, Amos turned to the villagers and lifted his voice, drawing their attention. “Listen! I saw a basket of ripe summer fruit,” he proclaimed with a sense of urgency. The villagers paused, intrigued. “This fruit represents the end. Just as it is harvested when ripe, so too will your time come to face the consequences of your actions.”
He continued, painting a vivid picture of the injustices he witnessed. “You trample on the needy and bring ruin to the poor. You long for the Sabbath to end so you can deceive and exploit others.” These were not just general injustices, but specific acts of cruelty and greed that Amos had seen firsthand. With each word, Amos’s passion grew, his voice echoing through the square.
As the villagers listened, their expressions shifted from curiosity to discomfort. They looked at one another, their eyes reflecting the realization of the truth in his words. The air grew thick with tension as Amos warned them of the coming days — a time when silence would fall upon the land. “The songs in the temple will cease, and there will be a famine, not of food, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” This famine, he warned, would be the most devastating consequence of their actions, a spiritual famine that would leave them empty and lost.
His message was both a warning and a plea. Amos urged them to reflect on their actions, to seek justice, and to care for one another. Yet, he knew that many would turn away, their hearts hardened against the truth.
As he finished, the villagers stood in silence, contemplating the weight of his message. Some felt a spark of remorse, while others dismissed his words, too consumed by their pursuits. But in that moment, the vision of a basket of ripe fruit lingered, a reminder that time is fleeting, and the choices we make shape our destiny. This moment of contemplation, this pause in their busy lives, was a crucial part of the narrative, a moment when they were forced to confront the truth of Amos’s words.
Amos turned and walked away, knowing his role was to speak the truth, even when it fell on deaf ears. The village remained, caught in the tension of a choice between repentance and denial, a powerful reminder of the consequences that await those who neglect justice and mercy. The weight of their decision hung heavy in the air.
* * * * * *
From team member Chris Keating:
Genesis 18:1-10a
Abraham’s hospitality
As the story goes, Abraham is sitting in the shade, cooling himself as he recuperates from being circumcised, when three strangers appear. Whether or not Abraham realizes that it was the Lord who was appearing to him isn’t clear, but that does not detract from the meaning of the story. When Abraham sees the men appearing, he sets aside his ice pack and jumps up to welcome his guests. Abraham’s faithful generosity was the inspiration for St. Andrei Rublev’s famous icon The Hospitality of Abraham(1411), and the center of the religious traditions bearing Abraham’s name.
* * *
Genesis 18:1-10a
In the cool of the day
Abraham was sitting under a tent, but he could have been in a rocking chair on a big front porch. While porches were once a standard feature of American homes, they have become somewhat of an endangered species. Porches began retreating from public spaces after World War II, as television and air conditioning moved gatherings indoors. (For more on this, see my recent book Sermons from the Porch, published by CSS Publishing.) It’s significant to note that Abraham’s respite from the hot summer sun provides the sort of imaginative, open-air space where God’s dream can be experienced.
* * *
Genesis 18:1-10a
Let’s get the party started
Noting the documented decline in face-to-face social gatherings, writer Kitty Ruskin asks “Where are all the parties now?”
It’s more than just a dip in attendance at nightclubs and bars, says Ruskin. It’s a widespread dip in house parties and hosted social events, and well-documented party avoidance by 20-somethings. Ruskin observes that:
These days, socializing is all very proper: we consult our diaries to arrange the next get-together, sometimes two, three weeks in advance. We agree that we need to be home by 10 pm so that we can be in bed by 11, latest. This structure is ever so slightly suffocating. It’s too prim, too predictable. Of course, when we do manage to meet and catch up on each other’s lives, it’s lovely. But we don’t meet to let loose and invite spontaneity into our lives. House parties provided a space to do just that — once you stepped through that front door and into a throng of chattering, laughing bodies, you forgot all about your work deadlines and list of chores. You were just there to have fun.
* * *
Luke 10: 38-42
Driven by distractions
Luke has filled this chapter with memorable stories, parables, and incidents from Jesus’ life as the foundation of Jesus’ travels toward Jerusalem. The famous Mary vs. Martha sibling snit concludes the chapter, offering another insight for understanding the church’s mission.
Mary and Martha each have incredible gifts for ministry. Martha has generously opened her house to Jesus, an indicator that she is among his benefactors. Meanwhile, Mary has been focused on listening to Jesus, offering her devoted attention. The point is not that Jesus is elevating contemplation over acts of service. Instead, he gently reminds Martha that she has been “worried and distracted about many things.”
Jesus points out that Martha’s multitasking has diverted her energy from what is truly important. Researchers seem to agree with Jesus. While many praise multitasking, the reality is that our brains are rarely able to effectively process multiple tasks simultaneously. Recent studies show that multitasking hampers our overall performance.
Likewise, generalized anxiety and feelings of extreme fear can become disruptive forces in daily life.
Rather than adopting the traditional understanding that Jesus is elevating Mary’s devotion over Martha’s acts of service, consider that something else might be at play. The actions of both women reveal the strength of their devotion to Jesus. Martha is a dedicated disciple who has opened her home to Jesus and his company. That is a considerable gift and certainly as important as sitting at Jesus’ feet in prayer. It’s not Martha’s concern for logistics that earns Jesus’ gentle rebuke. Rather, he notes that she is “worried and distracted by many things.”
Several members of my family, including myself, wrestle with the implications of ADHD in everyday life. Dr. Edward Hallowell’s book Driven to Distraction offers practical insights for managing and thriving with ADHD. Hallowell’s book was first printed in 1994, but has been regularly updated to include updates in scientific literature.
* * * * * *
WORSHIP
by George Reed
Call to Worship
One: O LORD, who may abide in your tent?
All: Who may dwell on your holy hill?
One: Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right.
All: Those who speak the truth from their heart;
One: Those who do not take a bribe against the innocent.
All: Those who do these things shall never be moved.
OR
One: God calls us together that we might be better disciples.
All: We know we have failed and want to do better.
One: Jesus comes to show us the way to abundant life for all.
All: We will heed his words and follow him in service.
One: The Spirit longs to fill us with the compassion of the Christ.
All: We open our hearts that love may overflow from us.
Hymns and Songs
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
UMH: 103
H82: 423
PH: 263
GTG: 12
NCH: 1
CH: 66
LBW: 526
ELW: 834
W&P: 48
AMEC: 71
STLT: 273
Renew: 46
The Care the Eagle Gives Her Young
UMH: 118
NCH: 468
CH: 76
There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
UMH: 121
H82: 4659/470
PH: 298
GTG: 435
NCH: 23
CH: 73
LBW: 290
ELW: 587/588
W&P: 61
AMEC: 78
STLT: 213
If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee
UMH: 142
H82: 635
PH: 282
GTG: 816
NCH: 410
LBW: 453
ELW: 769
W&P: 429
Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
UMH: 173
H82: 6/7
PH: 462/463
GTG: 662
LBW: 265
ELW: 563
W&P: 91
Seek Ye First
UMH: 405
H82: 711
PH: 333
GTG: 175
CH: 354
W&P: 349
Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
UMH: 427
H82: 609
PH: 408
GTG: 343
NCH: 543
CH: 665
LBW: 429
ELW: 719
W&P: 591
AMEC: 561
O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee
UMH: 430
H82: 659/660
PH: 357
GTG: 738
NNBH: 445
NCH: 503
CH: 602
LBW: 492
ELW: 818
W&P: 589
AMEC: 299
Jesu, Jesu
UMH: 432
H82: 602
PH: 367
GTG: 203
NCH: 498
CH: 600
ELW: 708
W&P: 273
Renew: 289
All Who Love and Serve your City
UMH: 433
H82: 570/571
PH: 413
GTG: 351
CH: 670
LBW: 436
ELW: 724
W&P: 625
O God of Every Nation
UMH: 435
H82: 607
PH: 289
GTG: 756
CH: 680
LBW: 416
ELW: 713
W&P: 626
Make Me a Servant
CCB: 90
We Are His Hands
CCB: 85
Music Resources Key
UMH: United Methodist Hymnal
H82: The Hymnal 1982
PH: Presbyterian Hymnal
GTG: Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal
AAHH: African American Heritage Hymnal
NNBH: The New National Baptist Hymnal
NCH: The New Century Hymnal
CH: Chalice Hymnal
LBW: Lutheran Book of Worship
ELW: Evangelical Lutheran Worship
W&P: Worship & Praise
AMEC: African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal
STLT: Singing the Living Tradition
CCB: Cokesbury Chorus Book
Renew: Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship
Prayer for the Day/Collect
O God who is the very foundation of all life:
Grant us the wisdom to see all people as your children
so that we may treat everyone with dignity and grace;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
OR
We praise you, O God, because you are the very foundation of life. You hold all your people in your loving hands. Help us to understand that so that we may treat everyone with dignity and grace. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
One: Let us confess to God and before one another our sins and especially when we place our gain over the needs of others.
All: We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. You created us as your family and gave us a world that provides abundantly for all yet we allow people to suffer want while others have more than they can use. We have spurned your desire to see all your children fed and blessed. We have stored up our treasures here on earth instead of in heaven. Forgive us and move us to change our ways and bless your children in need. Amen.
One: God desires all to be blessed. Receive God’s grace and use it to bless those in need.
Prayers of the People
Blessed are you, O God our Creator, supplier of all our needs. You are blessed because you are a blessing to all you created.
(The following paragraph may be used if a separate prayer of confession has not been used.)
We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. You created us as your family and gave us a world that provides abundantly for all yet we allow people to suffer want while others have more than they can use. We have spurned your desire to see all your children fed and blessed. We have stored up our treasures here on earth instead of in heaven. Forgive us and move us to change our ways and bless your children in need.
We give you thanks for all the ways in which you express your love for your children. We thank you for the abundance of the earth and for its beauty. We have been blessed with those who have taken care of us and brought us up. We thank you for their care. We thank you for the blessings we receive when we share with others from our bounty.
(Other thanksgivings may be offered.)
We pray for the needs of your children. Even as we lift up to you the poor and needy, we are aware that you desire to care for them through our hands. Give us the will to not just pray for them but to act on their behalf. May we truly work so that your will is done here on earth as it is in heaven.
(Other intercessions may be offered.)
Hear us as we pray for others: (Time for silent or spoken prayer.)
All these things we ask in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ who taught us to pray saying:
Our Father....Amen.
(Or if the Our Father is not used at this point in the service.)
All this we ask in the name of the blessed and Holy Trinity. Amen.
* * * * * *
CHILDREN’S SERMON
Reconciliation
by Katy Stenta
Colossians 1:15-28
In this letter Paul talks a lot about the word reconciliation — about how he is friends with people he has not even met.
Isn’t it amazing how that works? That God brings us into relationship with people that we know, don’t know, or maybe even fighting with?
One word for that is reconciliation, which is used here. Another good word for that is atonement — which is a great word because the meaning is hidden within the word: At-One-ment
It means that, even though we are still ourselves, we learn how to get along and be in friendships with one another.
Some grownups think that means we all have to look or act the same. Do you think God wants us all to be the same? (No.)
No, God wouldn’t have made so many kinds of birds, dogs, or kitties if God wanted everything to be the same. (Be prepared for cute conversations about animals.)
We are all different, but God wants us to get along. Some people call this getting along in the peaceable kin(g)dom. That is the relationship Paul is dreaming about here.
Let’s dream and pray for it too.
Dear God,
Thank you
For helping us
To remember
Reconciliation
And
Atonement.
Help us
To be ourselves
And in
Relationship
With one another.
Amen.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Immediate Word, July 20, 2025 issue.
Copyright 2025 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to The Immediate Word service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons and in worship and classroom settings only. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
- Buying the Poor for Silver by Mary Austin based on Amos 8:1-12.
- Second Thoughts: The Business of Business by Dean Feldmeyer based on Amos 8:1-12.
- Sermon illustrations by Tom Willadsen, Chris Keating.
- Worship resources by George Reed.
- Children’s sermon: Reconciliation by Katy Stenta based on Colossians 1:15-28.
Buying the Poor for Silverby Mary Austin
Amos 8:1-12
The message of Amos, sadly, has no expiration date. As he calls the nation of Israel to account for their abuse of poor people, we could use his voice in our time. The prophet’s words are especially timely, as the US begins to make sense of the recent budget bill passed by Congress.
The so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” would give Amos plenty to talk about. If only he would appear in Washington, DC, thundering about “buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals,” or, in our case, tax cuts for the wealthy. He would have lots to say about the cuts to food assistance and health care for the poor. “Hear this, you who trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land,” Amos announces, as we wage war on poor people. Oh, that Amos would come back and roar his message in the halls of Congress.
In the Scriptures
Not being a professional prophet, not being a part of the prophet’s guild, Amos has a unique clarity about Israel’s moral decay. He comes from Judah, speaking to Israel, and brings the perspective of an outsider as he speaks for God. Coming from outside the entwined religious system of king, advisors, and temple, he sees how empty the sacrifices are, and how hollow the words of praise are.
Amos’ message is urgent. There’s no time to waste, as God is ready to give up on the people. As Tyler Mayfield asks, “What societal wrongs are so severe as to cause a sheep breeder to leave his home and country?” He adds, “The prophet is upset at the sight of the oppression of the poor. Amos is clear that sacrifices alone — that is, pious religious rituals only—do not bring praise to God. Proper worship is not the only facet of a vibrant spiritual life. In fact, offering sacrifices to God while treating your neighbor poorly is simply bad religion to Amos. It’s hypocrisy, an offense to the covenant relationship between Israel and God.”
“The end has come upon my people Israel; I will spare them no longer,” God decides. The nation shows no mercy to the poor and so God is removing the divine gift of protection. And, still, God says there’s time to turn back to God. The holy one wants the people to learn. “The time is surely coming, says the Lord GOD, when I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.”
In the News
The nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says the recent budget bill “will raise families’ food and health care costs, increase poverty and hunger, take health coverage away from millions of people, and drive up deficits — all to give costly tax cuts to the wealthy and corporations.”
The American Medical Association notes that the bill “creates new administrative requirements and conditions on eligibility (including work requirements) for patients seeking to enroll in or maintain Medicaid coverage and restricts states’ ability to use provider taxes to finance their Medicaid programs. The bill also “imposes verification requirements for patients receiving premium tax credits, including pre-enrollment verification requirements that will effectively end automatic re-enrollment for these patients. The OBBB does not address the scheduled expiration of enhanced tax credits at the end of 2025.”
In a statement, AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD, said, “Today is a sad and unnecessarily harmful day for patients and health care across the country, and its impact will reverberate for years. Care will be less accessible, and patients may simply forego seeing their physician because the lifelines of Medicaid and CHIP are severed. This is bad for my patients in Flint, Michigan, and it is devastating for the estimated 11.8 million people who will have no health insurance coverage as a result of this bill. The American Medical Association’s mission is promoting the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. This bill moves us in the wrong direction. It will make it harder to access care and make patients sicker. It will make it more likely that acute, treatable illnesses will turn into life-threatening or costly chronic conditions. That is disappointing, maddening, and unacceptable.”
Voters are not in love with the bill and “while passing the law was a key legislative victory, the president and congressional Republicans could face challenges when selling the package to voters. “It is absolutely upside-down. More people dislike it than like it,” said Frank Luntz, a pollster who has helped Republicans with messaging. “The Republicans focused on process — ‘Get it done. Get it to my desk by July 4 so I can sign it’ — rather than explaining why this is good for hardworking taxpayers.” The package fulfills several of Trump’s campaign promises: making many of his 2017 tax cuts permanent, adding provisions for no tax on tips and overtime, and increasing spending on immigration enforcement and the military.”
In the Sermon
As Tyler Mayfield writes, the treatment of the poor in Amos’ time is repugnant to God, and all the pretense of faith won’t be enough to save the people. The prophet says, speaking for God, “The songs of the temple shall become wailings on that day,” when God’s judgment comes. When the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” passed, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson invoked God’s name. “Johnson tweeted: “Soli Deo Gloria,” or “Glory to God alone,” followed by a Bible verse from 2 Corinthians 5:18 — “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” Johnson appeared to compare the reconciling love of God that Christians believe is the source of eternal salvation to the Congressional process of reconciling versions of legislation — in this case, legislation evangelical Christians support but many other Christians do not.”
But is God happy? Does this bill bring glory to God? The God speaking to Amos would say no, don’t do this in my name. The sermon could focus on the delusion that this bill is pleasing to God, and how we’re following the destructive path of ancient Israel.
“The songs of the temple shall become wailings,” God promises through Amos. How will we wail our distress and lament and cry out our repentance? The sermon could tell us how to live with sorrow and disgust in this time, when our actions are so alien to God’s purposes.
Amos is not a professional prophet. He makes his living herding animals and dressing trees and God calls him out of ordinary life to denounce Israel’s collective mistreatment of the poor. The sermon could ask where God is calling us as teachers, nurses, factory workers, and retirees to speak God’s word in our world. How will God use our amateur status to speak an unpolished and yet truthful word?
Amos also makes a considerable sacrifice to leave his work and travel to speak God’s word. The sermon could nudge us to think about what sacrifices we’re making to keep God’s word alive in our world. What can we give up to make funds available to help the hungry, the poor, and the uninsured.
Amos calls us to speak God’s word again to an unjust world, where people are still exploiting the poor and trampling the needy. His message is, to our shame, just as timely as the day he spoke it.
SECOND THOUGHTSThe Business of Business
by Dean Feldmeyer
Amos 8:1-12
You don’t make lasting friendships or win popularity contests by preaching prophetic sermons. Prophetic sermons dig deep into the faults, flaws, foibles, and failings of the human condition and call people to a better, higher way of living. Prophetic preaching is a rough road to travel and, this week, we follow Amos down that road.
Business As Usual
Mitt Romney was running for president when, at the 2011 Iowa State Fair, he announced: “Corporations are people!” It caused something of a backlash, but he wasn’t the first to say it. The concept of corporate personhood dates back to the late 19th century when the US Supreme Court acknowledged that corporations could be considered “persons” under the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law.
So, Mitt was right. Big companies have all the rights of individual people. Got that? So, it then follows that they also had all the moral responsibilities of individual persons as well, right? You know the stuff:
- Act with honesty and fairness.
- Uphold justice even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular.
- Take responsibility for your actions, especially when they affect others.
- Treat others with dignity, regardless of background or beliefs.
- Stand up against injustice, discrimination, or abuse of power.
- Practice empathy and kindness, especially toward the vulnerable.
- Protect the environment and resources for future generations.
- Sacrifice personal gain when necessary for the welfare of others.
- Promote peace and reconciliation, especially in divided times.
About a week after Romney made his famous (or infamous) speech at the Iowa State Fair, the subject of corporate personhood came up on a local radio talk show that was, that day, hosting a panel of local, influential business leaders.
About 30 minutes into the show, I called in and asked the panel if companies had all the protections of citizenship, did it not follow that they had all of the responsibilities, especially the moral responsibilities of citizenship as well? The response of those business leaders: belly laughs.
Business, they said, when they finally stopped laughing and caught their breath, had only one responsibility and that was to make a profit. The only business of business was money.
* * *
I saw only one episode of Donald Trump’s so-called “reality” TV show, “The Apprentice.” One episode was all I needed, thank you.
It was the second episode of the second season and I stumbled onto it while surfing cable. It was called “Toying with Disaster,” and the men were pitted against the women in a sales contest.
The men’s team was assigned to sell products at a Toys ‘R’ Us store and they chose to focus on basketballs. Sales were meager and they were clearly going to lose until someone came up with the bright idea of having Kwame Jackson, the runner up from the first season, who was substituting for a regular member of the team, and the only African American member of the team, sign basketballs as part of their sales strategy.
Now, understand, Kwame was not an NBA superstar. In fact, there is no public record indicating that he ever played basketball at a competitive or collegiate level. But he and his teammates leaned into stereotypes and prejudices of the public and, without ever saying so, led people to believe that the tall black man signing basketballs was a basketball star. And it worked. People, including little kids spending the money they had earned mowing yards, purchased “autographed” basketballs, and the men won the sales contest.
The women’s team was rightfully incensed. The men, they argued, had won by virtually stealing the money from their customers through lying, cheating, dishonesty, and deception.
Trump allowed that the guys had entered a “grey” area, but he didn’t fire any of them. He congratulated them for their ingenuity. He did fire one man, however. That man had won immunity in another episode, but he renounced it and said he’d rather be judged for his actions and not for some game show gimmick.
Trump fired him on the spot for showing poor judgement.
Kwame Jackson went on to become what his Linkedin account describes as “a noted leadership strategist, global contributor for Newsweek and a frequent political commentator for CNN, MSNBC, FOX, and NewsOne. Best known for his inspiring leadership performance as the Runner-Up on Season 1 of NBC’s Apprentice…”
We live in a culture in which dishonesty is shrugged off as harmless and to be expected in politics and especially in the marketplace where the only business of business is making money. And we just accept the deceit and the dishonesty as “business as usual.”
The prophet, Amos, however, did not.
Ephah Smaller, Shekel Heavier
Amos, a shepherd and keeper of sycamore (fig) trees, was appalled by what he discovered when he ventured into the city where God sent him to do God’s bidding.
Business people were going through the motions of their religious faith, but that faith didn’t extend to the marketplace. They said things at prayer that they didn’t even pretend to practice in business. They sang hymns of grace and righteousness but left them in the sanctuary when the service was over. They claimed to want family values but the only value they exhibited in business was profit. Examples:
Verse 5 — The businesspeople go to church, but their minds aren’t on God but on their sales reports. “How long is this sermon going to last?” they want to know. “I need to be out there doing business and making money.”
And when they are in the marketplace selling grain, they are using false measures to cheat their customers. Especially the poor customers. Wealthy people carried their own, true measures but the poor had to count on the honesty of the merchants — honesty that was in short supply.
Verse 6 — They would cheat the poor and the needy until those necessitous souls were so desperate that they had to go into debt or even sell their land to buy the essentials, like sandals. They had to have sandals to work and they had to borrow the money for sandals from their employer, entrapping them in a circle of indenture.
The remainder of the passage (vv. 8-14) assures the people that there are consequences to be suffered for greed and dishonesty in the marketplace. Once dishonesty becomes commonplace and accepted, the foundations of the culture crack and the culture eventually collapses in on itself.
Consequences
The president lies about immigrants eating cats and dogs in Ohio and his supporters laugh it off. “Hey, it was hyperbole. Exaggeration to make a point. Don’t worry about it.” He routinely breaks his promises and his supporters forgive him because “all politicians do that.” He says he is going to deport only the worst of the worst, the criminals and rapists and gang members, but then we see his ICE agents chasing farm workers across the fields. He says he’ll exempt farm workers, but his agriculture secretary says that they won’t. You can’t take what he says literally, we are told, but you must take it seriously.
A national network news program routinely lies and misleads the public and their defense is that they aren’t really a news program. They’re an entertainment program and everyone knows that…or should know that, so they are exempt from libel and slander laws.
Reality tv shows aren’t real, they’re scripted and manipulated. The “contestants” are coached and assisted, the outcomes are predetermined, and we know that, but we ignore it and watch anyway.
Commercials lie. The sandwiches aren’t as big as they look in the pictures, the clothing never fits that well, the promises of politicians are rarely kept except when doing so guarantees votes.
Labeling can’t be trusted. Look closely and discover that what used to be sold as a pound is now only 12 ounces. What used to be sold as a dozen are, today, only ten. What used to be a gallon is now 60 ounces but still sold in the same container. Nutritional information was never comparable from one product to the next until the government forced manufactures to make it so.
And what is the consequence of all this? We become a culture of liars. Truth and honesty are held to be without value. No one trusts anyone anymore. And we teach our children that it’s all just business as usual. You can’t trust anyone so why bother to be trustworthy yourself?
With every lie, every deception, every dishonesty that we accept as normal, the foundation of our culture, of our country, of our religious faith, begins to crumble. It’s imperceptible at first, until, finally, the whole structure is so weak that all it takes is a stiff breeze to bring it all down upon itself.
The answer?
The NRA says that we should resign ourselves to despair and hopelessness. Arm ourselves against our neighbors and turn our homes into armed camps, fortresses, the modern equivalent of medieval castles.
Amos has a different answer:
Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. (5:24)
If we can do that, and do it resolutely, the consequences will be profoundly different.
…the mountains shall drip sweet wine,
and all the hills shall flow with it.
I will restore the fortunes of my people …
and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine,
and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.
I will plant them upon their land,
and they shall never again be plucked up
out of the land that I have given them… (9:13b-15)
Postscript (Luke 10:38-42)
The Amos and Luke texts for this Sunday deal with the issue of priorities, especially personal priorities. Amos deals with how misplaced personal priorities in the business world affect the overall moral climate and can lead to the downfall of the entire culture.
In the Luke passage, Jesus, taking a gentler track than Amos, points out how misplaced personal priorities weaken relationships. Martha’s personal priorities, which are not bad, only misplaced, lead her to resent her sister and misinterpret Jesus’ role and purpose in being present with them.
Appropriate priorities lead to stronger personal relationships and strong personal relationships lead to a stronger, more authentic culture.
ILLUSTRATIONS
From team member Tom Willadsen:Amos 8:1-12
A mixed metaphor
The time is surely coming, says the Lord God,
when I will send a famine on the land,
not a famine of bread or a thirst for water,
but of hearing the words of the Lord. (v. 11, NRSV)
Amos delivers a message of judgment and impatience to the Israelites. Even if they went looking for God’s word, they wouldn’t find it. The Lord promises a famine of God’s word, analogous to a famine of food.
I had a classmate in seminary who composed a prayer for her liturgy class that mentioned “a famine for God’s word.” It was a beautiful, well-crafted prayer, but she received an A-. She approached the professor and asked why she did not receive an A; he’d written very positive things on her returned paper.
The professor replied, “A famine for God’s word is a mixed metaphor.”
My classmate replied, “Amos used the same imagery.”
“Well,” he said, “I’d have given Amos an A- too.”
* * *
Genesis 18:1-10a
Who, exactly, were those guys/that guy?
The NRSV has that “the Lord” appeared to Abraham in verse 1. In the second verse Abe saw three men standing near him — he greeted them. In the next verse, he addresses “My Lord.” It is ambiguous; who, exactly, visited Abraham? Maimonides treated this whole story as a vision Abraham had. The story’s oscillating between three men and one man may reflect that different oral traditions are being brought together.
Franz Rosenzweig wrote of this passage, “Abraham is the religious man par excellence for he sees God in the human situation.”
* * *
Genesis 18:1-10a
Abe served them what!?
Abraham was offering conspicuous hospitality to his visitors. The Talmud writes of this moment, “Greater than the reception of God is the practice of hospitality.”
There are two difficulties about Abraham giving these men something to eat.
First, if they were divine messengers, they would not need food. A Midrash of the text explains they only appeared to eat.
Second, Jewish dietary law forbids serving milk and meat at the same meal.
Exodus 23:19 reads, in part, “You shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk” and Exodus 34:26 repeats the prohibition. Well, those rules appeared after Abraham’s death, and you can’t convict him of serving trayf ex post facto.
* * *
Genesis 18:1-10a
Ooh, this lesson ends a little too soon!
The very next words after today’s lection ends are “And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him.” She eavesdrops on God’s conversation with Abraham, and laughs to herself. The Lord hears Sarah’s laughter and asks Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh?” The action continues in v. 15 “But Sarah denied, saying, ‘I did not laugh,’ for she was afraid. He (the Lord) said, ‘Yes, you did laugh.’”
This is a wonderful, playful, delightful scene! Seventeen chapters earlier God was speaking and making everything. “Let there be light.” Now, the creator of the universe is having an argument worthy of a second grade playground:
Why did Sarah laugh?
I didn’t laugh.
Yes, you did.
Nuh-uh.
Uh-uh. (This is my free translation of the original Hebrew text.)
* * * * * *
From team member Nazish Naseem:Luke 10:38-42
M&M= ?, Navigating Priorities: Insights from Martha and Mary
At the store, I discovered a wide variety of M&M flavors: Peanut, Peanut Butter, Peppermint, Dark Chocolate, Spice, Cherry, and even Carrot Cake. With so many tempting options, it got me thinking about how to choose the best one? Once hosting a prayer service at my home, I found myself washing large pots when a woman asked if I could clean her pot as well. Generously, I agreed, but then she complimented me by saying, “Nazish, you are like Martha.” While I had spent the entire evening serving and assisting others, this comparison left me feeling uneasy and unworthy. Defensively, I responded, “God has given me the gifts of both Martha and Mary.” This moment reminded me of the power in recognizing and embracing our unique gifts. Each of us possesses these gifts, and it’s essential to acknowledge them, as they can all be used to serve others.
The story of Martha and Mary, found in scripture, resonates with many of us. When Jesus visits their home, Martha is eager to demonstrate her hospitality. She busily cleans, cooks, and organizes, hoping to impress him with a delightful meal. Her intentions are pure and her desire to serve is something we can all relate to. We’ve all felt the pressure to create a perfect environment at some point in our lives.
This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the need to balance our desire to serve and the importance of being present. It’s crucial to appreciate our individual strengths and allow ourselves the grace to embrace both action and contemplation in our lives. This balance is the key to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
* * *
Colossians 1:15- 28
Bridging Connections: Paul’s Invitation to Unity in Faith
As the sun dipped low over the Verrazano Bridge (in New York) casting warm hues across the sky, my husband and I stood hand in hand, gazing at the magnificent structure before us. The bridge, with its steel cables stretching into the horizon, not only offered a breathtaking view but also served as a powerful symbol of unity and understanding, inspiring hope and a sense of connection.
Drawing on Colossians 1:15-2, Paul invites the Colossians onto that bridge, establishing a common ground that transcends their differences and makes them feel included and part of a larger community. And he introduces himself to the believers in the Colossian church with a heart full of connection, even though they have yet to meet face-to-face. Paul begins by celebrating the remarkable power and beauty of Christ, whom he refers to as the “image of the invisible God.” This is a familiar concept to the Colossians, who lived in a culture rich in diverse beliefs and philosophies. By emphasizing Christ’s preeminence in creation, he aligns himself with their yearning for a greater truth. Just as a skilled navigator draws from the stars to guide a ship home, Paul uses the grandeur of Christ to draw the community together, anchoring their faith in something universally powerful and relatable, inspiring awe and reverence.
Then, he speaks of reconciliation, an idea that resonates deeply with the Colossians. Many of them likely faced personal struggles and division within their community. Paul likens the work of Christ to a healing balm, soothing the wounds of their lives and restoring broken relationships. This analogy finds common ground in their shared experiences of longing for connection and fullness amidst challenges.
Paul doesn’t stop there; he reveals his dedication to their spiritual journey. Like a mentor guiding a group of eager apprentices, he expresses his commitment to help them grow in faith and maturity. Paul paints a picture of a united body of believers working together toward a common purpose, reflecting Christ’s glory. He highlights the hope they all share — the hope of glorifying God and spreading the gospel, a mission that unites us all and gives us a sense of purpose and motivation, instilling a sense of purpose and motivation in the audience.
Ultimately, Paul’s introduction is an invitation to a deeper, more intimate relationship. He calls upon the Colossians to remember that, although they may not yet know him, they are united in Christ, their shared foundation. His message encourages them to recognize their collective identity as a community built on faith, love, and hope. In doing so, Paul not only introduces himself but also creates a heartfelt connection, bridging the gap between him and the Colossians with the truth and love of Christ at its center. This invitation is open to all of us, encouraging us to grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with Christ.
* * *
Psalm 52
The Towering Oak: A Parable of Pride and Downfall
In Psalm 52, we encounter a strong message against those who use their words to harm others, particularly those who are faithful to God. The psalmist paints a vivid picture of the consequences of such actions, comparing a deceitful person to a mighty tree that ultimately meets its downfall.
Envision a majestic oak tree, towering above the vibrant forest. This tree, with its deep roots and massive branches, symbolizes a person of significant influence and power. Yet, beneath its grandeur, a disease lurks, symbolizing the moral decay of arrogance and pride. The tree, in its strength, mocks those around it, hurling insults and spreading poison with its fallen leaves, corrupting the space it occupies.
As the seasons change, a mighty storm approaches. The tree, despite its size, stands against the howling winds and pouring rain with unyielding defiance. Yet, with each crashing gust, the tree begins to shake. Its roots, though deep, cannot hold forever against the relentless force around it. Finally, with a deafening crack, it topples, crashing to the ground. The forest, once overshadowed by its grandeur, rejoices in the sunlight that now breaks through.
This illustration serves as a powerful reminder: those who use their words to attack the faithful may appear strong and untouchable for a time, but their downfall is inevitable. The psalmist’s words echo the truth that God sees and will not remain silent in the face of such unrighteousness. In the end, those who trust in him are like flourishing trees, rooted and secure, absorbing the nourishing light and rain of his grace. It is the power of God’s justice, a justice that we can have faith in, that ensures the proud fall by their own destruction, providing comfort to those who trust in Him.
* * *
Amos 8:1-12
The Prophetic Message: A Warning in the Market Square
In a small village, a prophet named Amos wandered through the dusty streets, his heart weighed down by the burden of a vision he had received. It was early morning, and the sun cast long shadows as he approached the market square. There, he saw people busy with their everyday affairs, trading goods and engaging in lively conversations. Yet, amidst the chatter and laughter, a sense of unease lingered in the air.
Suddenly, Amos turned to the villagers and lifted his voice, drawing their attention. “Listen! I saw a basket of ripe summer fruit,” he proclaimed with a sense of urgency. The villagers paused, intrigued. “This fruit represents the end. Just as it is harvested when ripe, so too will your time come to face the consequences of your actions.”
He continued, painting a vivid picture of the injustices he witnessed. “You trample on the needy and bring ruin to the poor. You long for the Sabbath to end so you can deceive and exploit others.” These were not just general injustices, but specific acts of cruelty and greed that Amos had seen firsthand. With each word, Amos’s passion grew, his voice echoing through the square.
As the villagers listened, their expressions shifted from curiosity to discomfort. They looked at one another, their eyes reflecting the realization of the truth in his words. The air grew thick with tension as Amos warned them of the coming days — a time when silence would fall upon the land. “The songs in the temple will cease, and there will be a famine, not of food, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” This famine, he warned, would be the most devastating consequence of their actions, a spiritual famine that would leave them empty and lost.
His message was both a warning and a plea. Amos urged them to reflect on their actions, to seek justice, and to care for one another. Yet, he knew that many would turn away, their hearts hardened against the truth.
As he finished, the villagers stood in silence, contemplating the weight of his message. Some felt a spark of remorse, while others dismissed his words, too consumed by their pursuits. But in that moment, the vision of a basket of ripe fruit lingered, a reminder that time is fleeting, and the choices we make shape our destiny. This moment of contemplation, this pause in their busy lives, was a crucial part of the narrative, a moment when they were forced to confront the truth of Amos’s words.
Amos turned and walked away, knowing his role was to speak the truth, even when it fell on deaf ears. The village remained, caught in the tension of a choice between repentance and denial, a powerful reminder of the consequences that await those who neglect justice and mercy. The weight of their decision hung heavy in the air.
* * * * * *
From team member Chris Keating:Genesis 18:1-10a
Abraham’s hospitality
As the story goes, Abraham is sitting in the shade, cooling himself as he recuperates from being circumcised, when three strangers appear. Whether or not Abraham realizes that it was the Lord who was appearing to him isn’t clear, but that does not detract from the meaning of the story. When Abraham sees the men appearing, he sets aside his ice pack and jumps up to welcome his guests. Abraham’s faithful generosity was the inspiration for St. Andrei Rublev’s famous icon The Hospitality of Abraham(1411), and the center of the religious traditions bearing Abraham’s name.
* * *
Genesis 18:1-10a
In the cool of the day
Abraham was sitting under a tent, but he could have been in a rocking chair on a big front porch. While porches were once a standard feature of American homes, they have become somewhat of an endangered species. Porches began retreating from public spaces after World War II, as television and air conditioning moved gatherings indoors. (For more on this, see my recent book Sermons from the Porch, published by CSS Publishing.) It’s significant to note that Abraham’s respite from the hot summer sun provides the sort of imaginative, open-air space where God’s dream can be experienced.
* * *
Genesis 18:1-10a
Let’s get the party started
Noting the documented decline in face-to-face social gatherings, writer Kitty Ruskin asks “Where are all the parties now?”
It’s more than just a dip in attendance at nightclubs and bars, says Ruskin. It’s a widespread dip in house parties and hosted social events, and well-documented party avoidance by 20-somethings. Ruskin observes that:
These days, socializing is all very proper: we consult our diaries to arrange the next get-together, sometimes two, three weeks in advance. We agree that we need to be home by 10 pm so that we can be in bed by 11, latest. This structure is ever so slightly suffocating. It’s too prim, too predictable. Of course, when we do manage to meet and catch up on each other’s lives, it’s lovely. But we don’t meet to let loose and invite spontaneity into our lives. House parties provided a space to do just that — once you stepped through that front door and into a throng of chattering, laughing bodies, you forgot all about your work deadlines and list of chores. You were just there to have fun.
* * *
Luke 10: 38-42
Driven by distractions
Luke has filled this chapter with memorable stories, parables, and incidents from Jesus’ life as the foundation of Jesus’ travels toward Jerusalem. The famous Mary vs. Martha sibling snit concludes the chapter, offering another insight for understanding the church’s mission.
Mary and Martha each have incredible gifts for ministry. Martha has generously opened her house to Jesus, an indicator that she is among his benefactors. Meanwhile, Mary has been focused on listening to Jesus, offering her devoted attention. The point is not that Jesus is elevating contemplation over acts of service. Instead, he gently reminds Martha that she has been “worried and distracted about many things.”
Jesus points out that Martha’s multitasking has diverted her energy from what is truly important. Researchers seem to agree with Jesus. While many praise multitasking, the reality is that our brains are rarely able to effectively process multiple tasks simultaneously. Recent studies show that multitasking hampers our overall performance.
Likewise, generalized anxiety and feelings of extreme fear can become disruptive forces in daily life.
Rather than adopting the traditional understanding that Jesus is elevating Mary’s devotion over Martha’s acts of service, consider that something else might be at play. The actions of both women reveal the strength of their devotion to Jesus. Martha is a dedicated disciple who has opened her home to Jesus and his company. That is a considerable gift and certainly as important as sitting at Jesus’ feet in prayer. It’s not Martha’s concern for logistics that earns Jesus’ gentle rebuke. Rather, he notes that she is “worried and distracted by many things.”
Several members of my family, including myself, wrestle with the implications of ADHD in everyday life. Dr. Edward Hallowell’s book Driven to Distraction offers practical insights for managing and thriving with ADHD. Hallowell’s book was first printed in 1994, but has been regularly updated to include updates in scientific literature.
* * * * * *
WORSHIPby George Reed
Call to Worship
One: O LORD, who may abide in your tent?
All: Who may dwell on your holy hill?
One: Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right.
All: Those who speak the truth from their heart;
One: Those who do not take a bribe against the innocent.
All: Those who do these things shall never be moved.
OR
One: God calls us together that we might be better disciples.
All: We know we have failed and want to do better.
One: Jesus comes to show us the way to abundant life for all.
All: We will heed his words and follow him in service.
One: The Spirit longs to fill us with the compassion of the Christ.
All: We open our hearts that love may overflow from us.
Hymns and Songs
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
UMH: 103
H82: 423
PH: 263
GTG: 12
NCH: 1
CH: 66
LBW: 526
ELW: 834
W&P: 48
AMEC: 71
STLT: 273
Renew: 46
The Care the Eagle Gives Her Young
UMH: 118
NCH: 468
CH: 76
There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
UMH: 121
H82: 4659/470
PH: 298
GTG: 435
NCH: 23
CH: 73
LBW: 290
ELW: 587/588
W&P: 61
AMEC: 78
STLT: 213
If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee
UMH: 142
H82: 635
PH: 282
GTG: 816
NCH: 410
LBW: 453
ELW: 769
W&P: 429
Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
UMH: 173
H82: 6/7
PH: 462/463
GTG: 662
LBW: 265
ELW: 563
W&P: 91
Seek Ye First
UMH: 405
H82: 711
PH: 333
GTG: 175
CH: 354
W&P: 349
Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
UMH: 427
H82: 609
PH: 408
GTG: 343
NCH: 543
CH: 665
LBW: 429
ELW: 719
W&P: 591
AMEC: 561
O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee
UMH: 430
H82: 659/660
PH: 357
GTG: 738
NNBH: 445
NCH: 503
CH: 602
LBW: 492
ELW: 818
W&P: 589
AMEC: 299
Jesu, Jesu
UMH: 432
H82: 602
PH: 367
GTG: 203
NCH: 498
CH: 600
ELW: 708
W&P: 273
Renew: 289
All Who Love and Serve your City
UMH: 433
H82: 570/571
PH: 413
GTG: 351
CH: 670
LBW: 436
ELW: 724
W&P: 625
O God of Every Nation
UMH: 435
H82: 607
PH: 289
GTG: 756
CH: 680
LBW: 416
ELW: 713
W&P: 626
Make Me a Servant
CCB: 90
We Are His Hands
CCB: 85
Music Resources Key
UMH: United Methodist Hymnal
H82: The Hymnal 1982
PH: Presbyterian Hymnal
GTG: Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal
AAHH: African American Heritage Hymnal
NNBH: The New National Baptist Hymnal
NCH: The New Century Hymnal
CH: Chalice Hymnal
LBW: Lutheran Book of Worship
ELW: Evangelical Lutheran Worship
W&P: Worship & Praise
AMEC: African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal
STLT: Singing the Living Tradition
CCB: Cokesbury Chorus Book
Renew: Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship
Prayer for the Day/Collect
O God who is the very foundation of all life:
Grant us the wisdom to see all people as your children
so that we may treat everyone with dignity and grace;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
OR
We praise you, O God, because you are the very foundation of life. You hold all your people in your loving hands. Help us to understand that so that we may treat everyone with dignity and grace. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
One: Let us confess to God and before one another our sins and especially when we place our gain over the needs of others.
All: We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. You created us as your family and gave us a world that provides abundantly for all yet we allow people to suffer want while others have more than they can use. We have spurned your desire to see all your children fed and blessed. We have stored up our treasures here on earth instead of in heaven. Forgive us and move us to change our ways and bless your children in need. Amen.
One: God desires all to be blessed. Receive God’s grace and use it to bless those in need.
Prayers of the People
Blessed are you, O God our Creator, supplier of all our needs. You are blessed because you are a blessing to all you created.
(The following paragraph may be used if a separate prayer of confession has not been used.)
We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. You created us as your family and gave us a world that provides abundantly for all yet we allow people to suffer want while others have more than they can use. We have spurned your desire to see all your children fed and blessed. We have stored up our treasures here on earth instead of in heaven. Forgive us and move us to change our ways and bless your children in need.
We give you thanks for all the ways in which you express your love for your children. We thank you for the abundance of the earth and for its beauty. We have been blessed with those who have taken care of us and brought us up. We thank you for their care. We thank you for the blessings we receive when we share with others from our bounty.
(Other thanksgivings may be offered.)
We pray for the needs of your children. Even as we lift up to you the poor and needy, we are aware that you desire to care for them through our hands. Give us the will to not just pray for them but to act on their behalf. May we truly work so that your will is done here on earth as it is in heaven.
(Other intercessions may be offered.)
Hear us as we pray for others: (Time for silent or spoken prayer.)
All these things we ask in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ who taught us to pray saying:
Our Father....Amen.
(Or if the Our Father is not used at this point in the service.)
All this we ask in the name of the blessed and Holy Trinity. Amen.
* * * * * *
CHILDREN’S SERMONReconciliation
by Katy Stenta
Colossians 1:15-28
In this letter Paul talks a lot about the word reconciliation — about how he is friends with people he has not even met.
Isn’t it amazing how that works? That God brings us into relationship with people that we know, don’t know, or maybe even fighting with?
One word for that is reconciliation, which is used here. Another good word for that is atonement — which is a great word because the meaning is hidden within the word: At-One-ment
It means that, even though we are still ourselves, we learn how to get along and be in friendships with one another.
Some grownups think that means we all have to look or act the same. Do you think God wants us all to be the same? (No.)
No, God wouldn’t have made so many kinds of birds, dogs, or kitties if God wanted everything to be the same. (Be prepared for cute conversations about animals.)
We are all different, but God wants us to get along. Some people call this getting along in the peaceable kin(g)dom. That is the relationship Paul is dreaming about here.
Let’s dream and pray for it too.
Dear God,
Thank you
For helping us
To remember
Reconciliation
And
Atonement.
Help us
To be ourselves
And in
Relationship
With one another.
Amen.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Immediate Word, July 20, 2025 issue.
Copyright 2025 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to The Immediate Word service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons and in worship and classroom settings only. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
