Illustrations For July 6, 2008 From The Immediate Word
Children's sermon
Illustration
Preaching
Sermon
Worship
Object:
His Dad's Recliner
Greg always seemed to have trouble sleeping. He and Gail, his wife, had a great life together, and their son, Michael, gave them nothing but joy. Greg's work was going well. His part of the organization was flourishing, and the people in his department respected and trusted him. Because of all the good things going on in his life, Greg was a little mystified over his insomnia.
On their summer vacation, Greg and his family went home to visit his mother. His father had passed away recently, and his mother looked forward to having her son and his family at home with her.
On the first day of their vacation, Greg leaned back in his dad's recliner to take a brief nap. Much to his surprise, he slept for hours. That night, he decided to sleep in the recliner, and result was the same. He slept all night without waking up at all. Almost every night thereafter on his vacation, he slept in his dad's recliner. Something about being there helped him to rest. Similarly, being in the presence of Jesus promises us rest for our souls.
* * *
A Gift for Soldiers
DHL, the world's leading express delivery and logistics company, with the support of a local Chicago-area business and community members delivered thousands of freshly frozen pizzas to U.S. soldiers throughout Iraq in time for Independence Day celebrations. Retired Master Sgt. Mark Evans organized the effort with the support of other veterans and friends. Evans collected enough donations to purchase 2000 pizzas. The pizzas were packaged in temperature-controlled containers and picked up on Friday, June 27. The shipment was flown from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York directly to the Middle East, with delivery to military bases in time for July Fourth celebrations. This heart-warming story reflects Mark Evan's eagerness to give something to soldiers who won't be at home for the July 4 holiday. It illustrates Jesus' eagerness to give rest to the people who come to him.
For more on this story, see Associated Press, "Chicago-Style Pizzas headed to troops in Iraq", Google News
* * *
A Perfect Fit
Everyone can identify with the pain of wearing shoes that don't fit. The discomfort, anxiety, and eventually the blisters make us dread having to wear such instruments of torture of our feet. By contrast, we also know the sheer pleasure of a pair of shoes that fit just right. They are so comfortable that we hardly know we are wearing them, and we look forward to the next time we can put them of our feet. By the same token, some people think that serving Jesus is nothing more than an uncomfortable and dreadful experience. By contrast, Jesus told us that his yoke is easy. In other words, it fits us just right. Serving him suits us better than we realize.
* * *
Psalm 6 can provide both an illustration and liturgical support for those wrestling with deep traumas in their lives.
Since depression is a major malady of our age, it is safe to assume that our congregations hold a number of people suffering from depression of varying degrees. Imagine coming to the prayer of confession, acknowledging that reality, and inviting the congregation to pray Psalm 6 on behalf of all of us who experience various measures of depression. Those who were feeling depressed, who felt their bodies being consumed and their faith being futile, would now hear their neighbors praying on their behalf: "O Lord rebuke me not in thy anger... be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing" (vv.1-2). It would be natural to wonder if God would ever turn to them again (v.3), yet, their hope rests both in the character of God's steadfast love (v.4) and the purpose of God which is fulfilled in praise, but defeated by death (v.5). They may well have become exhausted with the endless pouring out of their grief until all of life seems to be their enemy (vs. 6-7). It is at the bottom of the pit, at the end of their resources, when God's faithfulness takes over. Without objective proof, they find themselves saying along with the rest of the congregation, "Depart from me all you workers of evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping" (v.8).
The people experiencing depression at whatever level are permitted to pour the variety of feelings they may have into and around the words that the congregation is praying on their behalf. The form allows them to not feel totally exposed while at the same time they experience the support of the congregation.
-- Stephen McCutchan, Experiencing the Psalms(Macon, Georgia: Smyths & Helwys, 2000), pp. 48-49
* * *
Psalm 31 can be the framework for a litany by which the congregation can join in corporate prayer for those in deep distress. I have illustrated it with a prayer on behalf of those who have AIDS but one could also substitute any "traumatic illness".
Leader: God, on behalf of those who have AIDS, we give voice for those who may be unable to pray.
People: Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and my body also (31:9).
Leader: For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away (31:10).
People: I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me (31:11).
Leader: For I hear whispering of many -- terror all around -- as they scheme together against me as they plot to take my life (31:13).
People: Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God (31:5).
Leader: Let the lying lips be stilled, that speak insolently against the righteous with pride and contempt (31:18).
People: I had said in my alarm, "I am driven far from your sight," (31:22).
Leader: But you heard my supplications, when I cried out to you for help (31:22).
People: My times are in your hands; ... let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love! (31:15a, 16)
Leader: O how abundant is your goodness that you have laid up for those who fear you (31:19).
People: Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord (31:24).
-- Stephen McCutchan, Experiencing the Psalms(Macon, Georgia: Smyths & Helwys, 2000), pp. 51
* * *
Sometimes the burden that we are bearing is created by our own unwillingness to trust that God can work in whatever circumstances as Paul mentioned in Romans 8:28.
The present moment is never unbearable if you live in it fully. What is unbearable is to have your body here at 10 a.m. and your mind at 6 p.m.; your body in Bombay and our mind in San Francisco.
-- Anthony de Mello, The Heart of the Enlightened(New York: Doubleday, 1997), p. 162
* * *
From a man who suffered so much from the burden of melancholy as it was called then, of depression, as we call it now, come this amazing proclamation:
Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be.
-- Abraham Lincoln.
* * *
Martin Luther no doubt understood St. Paul's inner turmoil as mentioned in today's epistle. It is as if a war were underway within the human heart. Paul. Luther and the sober believer will no doubt humbly admit to the truth of that inner struggle:
The will is a beast of burden. If God mounts it, it wishes and goes as God wills; if Satan mounts it, it wishes and goes as Satan wills; Nor can it choose its rider... the riders contend for its possession.
* * *
On our national holiday weekend, it would do us well to remember what some of our skeptics have said about patriotism in the past… a patriotism that is blind and unquestioning is just as dangerous as a blind unthinking faith….
Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.
-- Samuel Johnson, English poet, critic, and writer (1709-1784)
That's an astounding statement from a British Patriot during the American Revolution.
From Mark Twain comes yet another acerbic wit:
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.
Greg always seemed to have trouble sleeping. He and Gail, his wife, had a great life together, and their son, Michael, gave them nothing but joy. Greg's work was going well. His part of the organization was flourishing, and the people in his department respected and trusted him. Because of all the good things going on in his life, Greg was a little mystified over his insomnia.
On their summer vacation, Greg and his family went home to visit his mother. His father had passed away recently, and his mother looked forward to having her son and his family at home with her.
On the first day of their vacation, Greg leaned back in his dad's recliner to take a brief nap. Much to his surprise, he slept for hours. That night, he decided to sleep in the recliner, and result was the same. He slept all night without waking up at all. Almost every night thereafter on his vacation, he slept in his dad's recliner. Something about being there helped him to rest. Similarly, being in the presence of Jesus promises us rest for our souls.
* * *
A Gift for Soldiers
DHL, the world's leading express delivery and logistics company, with the support of a local Chicago-area business and community members delivered thousands of freshly frozen pizzas to U.S. soldiers throughout Iraq in time for Independence Day celebrations. Retired Master Sgt. Mark Evans organized the effort with the support of other veterans and friends. Evans collected enough donations to purchase 2000 pizzas. The pizzas were packaged in temperature-controlled containers and picked up on Friday, June 27. The shipment was flown from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York directly to the Middle East, with delivery to military bases in time for July Fourth celebrations. This heart-warming story reflects Mark Evan's eagerness to give something to soldiers who won't be at home for the July 4 holiday. It illustrates Jesus' eagerness to give rest to the people who come to him.
For more on this story, see Associated Press, "Chicago-Style Pizzas headed to troops in Iraq", Google News
* * *
A Perfect Fit
Everyone can identify with the pain of wearing shoes that don't fit. The discomfort, anxiety, and eventually the blisters make us dread having to wear such instruments of torture of our feet. By contrast, we also know the sheer pleasure of a pair of shoes that fit just right. They are so comfortable that we hardly know we are wearing them, and we look forward to the next time we can put them of our feet. By the same token, some people think that serving Jesus is nothing more than an uncomfortable and dreadful experience. By contrast, Jesus told us that his yoke is easy. In other words, it fits us just right. Serving him suits us better than we realize.
* * *
Psalm 6 can provide both an illustration and liturgical support for those wrestling with deep traumas in their lives.
Since depression is a major malady of our age, it is safe to assume that our congregations hold a number of people suffering from depression of varying degrees. Imagine coming to the prayer of confession, acknowledging that reality, and inviting the congregation to pray Psalm 6 on behalf of all of us who experience various measures of depression. Those who were feeling depressed, who felt their bodies being consumed and their faith being futile, would now hear their neighbors praying on their behalf: "O Lord rebuke me not in thy anger... be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing" (vv.1-2). It would be natural to wonder if God would ever turn to them again (v.3), yet, their hope rests both in the character of God's steadfast love (v.4) and the purpose of God which is fulfilled in praise, but defeated by death (v.5). They may well have become exhausted with the endless pouring out of their grief until all of life seems to be their enemy (vs. 6-7). It is at the bottom of the pit, at the end of their resources, when God's faithfulness takes over. Without objective proof, they find themselves saying along with the rest of the congregation, "Depart from me all you workers of evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping" (v.8).
The people experiencing depression at whatever level are permitted to pour the variety of feelings they may have into and around the words that the congregation is praying on their behalf. The form allows them to not feel totally exposed while at the same time they experience the support of the congregation.
-- Stephen McCutchan, Experiencing the Psalms(Macon, Georgia: Smyths & Helwys, 2000), pp. 48-49
* * *
Psalm 31 can be the framework for a litany by which the congregation can join in corporate prayer for those in deep distress. I have illustrated it with a prayer on behalf of those who have AIDS but one could also substitute any "traumatic illness".
Leader: God, on behalf of those who have AIDS, we give voice for those who may be unable to pray.
People: Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and my body also (31:9).
Leader: For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away (31:10).
People: I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me (31:11).
Leader: For I hear whispering of many -- terror all around -- as they scheme together against me as they plot to take my life (31:13).
People: Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God (31:5).
Leader: Let the lying lips be stilled, that speak insolently against the righteous with pride and contempt (31:18).
People: I had said in my alarm, "I am driven far from your sight," (31:22).
Leader: But you heard my supplications, when I cried out to you for help (31:22).
People: My times are in your hands; ... let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love! (31:15a, 16)
Leader: O how abundant is your goodness that you have laid up for those who fear you (31:19).
People: Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord (31:24).
-- Stephen McCutchan, Experiencing the Psalms(Macon, Georgia: Smyths & Helwys, 2000), pp. 51
* * *
Sometimes the burden that we are bearing is created by our own unwillingness to trust that God can work in whatever circumstances as Paul mentioned in Romans 8:28.
The present moment is never unbearable if you live in it fully. What is unbearable is to have your body here at 10 a.m. and your mind at 6 p.m.; your body in Bombay and our mind in San Francisco.
-- Anthony de Mello, The Heart of the Enlightened(New York: Doubleday, 1997), p. 162
* * *
From a man who suffered so much from the burden of melancholy as it was called then, of depression, as we call it now, come this amazing proclamation:
Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be.
-- Abraham Lincoln.
* * *
Martin Luther no doubt understood St. Paul's inner turmoil as mentioned in today's epistle. It is as if a war were underway within the human heart. Paul. Luther and the sober believer will no doubt humbly admit to the truth of that inner struggle:
The will is a beast of burden. If God mounts it, it wishes and goes as God wills; if Satan mounts it, it wishes and goes as Satan wills; Nor can it choose its rider... the riders contend for its possession.
* * *
On our national holiday weekend, it would do us well to remember what some of our skeptics have said about patriotism in the past… a patriotism that is blind and unquestioning is just as dangerous as a blind unthinking faith….
Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.
-- Samuel Johnson, English poet, critic, and writer (1709-1784)
That's an astounding statement from a British Patriot during the American Revolution.
From Mark Twain comes yet another acerbic wit:
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.
