Emphasis Contributors
Illustration Writers
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Mark Ellingsen
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
The First Lesson is a report of David’s death and Solomon’s ascension to the throne (2:10-12). It is part of a book whose origin as a distinct text derives from the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, which divided the story of Israel’s monarchy into four sections (1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings). The two Books of Kings provide an account of Israel’s history from the death of David through Jehoiachim’s release from a Babylonian prison. There is speculation that these texts are the product of the Deuteronomistic reform of Josiah, but later revised after the Exile in 487 BC.
The First Lesson is a report of David’s death and Solomon’s ascension to the throne (2:10-12). It is part of a book whose origin as a distinct text derives from the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, which divided the story of Israel’s monarchy into four sections (1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings). The two Books of Kings provide an account of Israel’s history from the death of David through Jehoiachim’s release from a Babylonian prison. There is speculation that these texts are the product of the Deuteronomistic reform of Josiah, but later revised after the Exile in 487 BC.
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Bonnie Bates
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
One of Aesop’s fables is about a turtle who envied the ducks who swam in the pond where he lived. He heard their stories describing the wonders of the world that they had seen, and he was filled with a great desire to travel. Being a turtle, though, he was unable to travel far. Finally, two ducks offered to help him. One of the ducks said, “We will each hold an end of a stick in our mouths. You hold the stick in your mouth. We will carry you through the air so that you can see what we see when we fly. But be quiet or you will be sorry.”
The turtle loved the idea. He took hold of the stick and away they went into the sky. The ducks flew up above the trees and circled around the meadow. The turtle was amazed and overjoyed at his new...
One of Aesop’s fables is about a turtle who envied the ducks who swam in the pond where he lived. He heard their stories describing the wonders of the world that they had seen, and he was filled with a great desire to travel. Being a turtle, though, he was unable to travel far. Finally, two ducks offered to help him. One of the ducks said, “We will each hold an end of a stick in our mouths. You hold the stick in your mouth. We will carry you through the air so that you can see what we see when we fly. But be quiet or you will be sorry.”
The turtle loved the idea. He took hold of the stick and away they went into the sky. The ducks flew up above the trees and circled around the meadow. The turtle was amazed and overjoyed at his new...
Lectionary Commentary and Sermon Illustrations
Emphasis Preaching Journal provides in-depth lectionary-based commentary on lectionary texts, plus thousands of sermon illustrations to help you create riveting sermons.For over 45 years, Emphasis has provided subscribers with scripturally sound, lectionary-based commentaries and sermon illustrations that connect with the people in the pews.
For each week, Emphasis writers delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you with several fresh, solid ideas -- based squarely on the lectionary texts -- for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. They look for overall themes that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the themes and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single idea each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, writers suggest several, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs.
