Proper 21
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle A
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1-7 (C)
Here we have another "miracle" for the Israelites on their way to a new homeland. Frankly, I always struggle with a desire to honor the traditions and beliefs of the Old Testament on the one hand, and a desire to find natural explanations for material events on the other hand. I will be frank to say that while I have no trouble believing in the miracle of God's grace and love, in the power of prayer, and the miracle of survival after death, I do find myself having an extremely difficult time believing that God has ever suspended natural laws at all, but especially for one group of people who seem, if truth be told, to have had very little appreciation for such beneficence. All I can pledge to the reader is a promise not to let this doubt interfere with the task of making ancient reports relevant to a listening congregation today. What I cannot do however, in the case of a text like this, is suggest that if, for example, a person gets lost in the woods, God will make water pour out of a stone so he won't get thirsty. What God may do is work through the person's mind to help lead the way to safety. Perhaps the best use of this story is a symbolic one, as Paul has done, suggesting this rock symbolizes Jesus Christ.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 18:25-28 (RC); Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 (E)
Ezekiel declares God's defense of the rewards for righteous conduct and punishment for "wickedness." The people are upset with this, calling God unfair. Ezekiel disputes that, warning that anyone can save his or her life by turning from wickedness to righteousness.
Lesson 2: Philippians 2:1-13 (C, E); Philippians 2:1-11 (RC)
This is one of the New Testament's most important passages. Its theology answers an otherwise perplexing theological dilemma. It is this: If Jesus was human, lacking any access to powers you and I don't have; if he had to live with anxiety about the future, and uncertainty about death -- then he could, indeed, be said to have lived as we live, and it could be said that God suffered for a time as we suffer. But how, then, can we perceive Jesus as divine? On the other hand, if Jesus was divine, unique among humanity, able to do miracles if he chose, knowledgeable about life after death as we are not, then he would be divine indeed. But then we could hardly reason that he ever had any firsthand understanding of the struggles you and I go through in life. Ah! But Paul has given us an answer. Jesus was, indeed, divine, "was in the form of God," but he gave that up. He "emptied himself, taking the form of slave." Thus, Jesus was at once inherently divine, yet voluntarily limited himself to get a taste of what it's like to face the real world without a divine backup plan. Then, after Jesus fulfilled his life's work, remained faithful, even to the point he allowed himself to be crucified, God restored him to divinity, "highly exalted him," that we might, as we try to do, declare with our lives "that Jesus Christ is Lord."
We should add the initial suggestion of Paul: "Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus." Obviously it applies in a different way, since divinity is out of the question for us. But a certain kind of humility is in order. I have a dear friend who, many years ago, received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from a fine university. He never mentioned it and I was at first unaware of the honor. Finally, when I learned of it, I said to him: "I just heard that you received a D.D." His reply: "What did you do, giggle?"
Gospel: Matthew 21:23-32 (C); Matthew 21:28-32 (RC, E)
Focusing on verses 28-32, we have another story made up by Jesus to help us understand our relationship with God. A man with two sons asked both of them to do some work. One son agreed, but failed to follow through. The other son argued and expressed unwillingness, but when push came to shove, he did as asked. Jesus then posed the question: "Which one did the will of the father?"
I identify with the boy who argued with his dad, then dutifully did as asked. Not now. I'm a little more mature now. But that was me in the teen years. Every kid has to assert some independence as he grows from childhood to adulthood. The boy was obedient, did his share, but he had to let Dad know he was never going to be a pushover. A little spunk is to be admired, and while as a parent I might not let my kid know this, I think I'd secretly be amused, especially if a kid of mine finally did as asked.
The other boy was a different case. He was unreliable, well on his way to being a con artist. Tell 'em what they want to hear, but don't put yourself out. That's how the second kid saw things. And of course Jesus was inviting us to identify ourselves with one boy or the other. He knew we're all a little bit obstreperous at times, inclined to show our independence, even from God. That may not be wise. We will probably see the day when we realize what a mistake that is. But we do it. We all do. Jesus said no one is good. Paul said all have sinned and fall short. God obviously understands, maybe even smiles in the dark, as long as we finally come around and do as God wills for us.
Then there's the religious hypocrite. Forgive me for saying so, but they abound. They're the folks who talk a good religious game, have definite ideas about what others should and should not do, but when the time comes to put their Christianity into practice -- by being loving and forgiving -- they sometimes are a total failure. I don't think God is terribly interested in our choice of church, or our preferences as to worship styles (several of my friends like contemporary worship -- I don't, but I doubt that God cares either way). What God does care about is the way we treat each other. Any parent with more than one child will understand how terribly important it is to us that our children be loving and close as they grow up. Of course God wants us to worship also, but the highest form of worship is to show love for another, especially someone in need.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Faithful Companion"
Text: Exodus 17:1-7
Theme: As expressed, I can't in good conscience present this as a historical report. What it does do is affirm that God watches over us in our travels through life, does care what happens to us, and is accessible to hear our cries for help. Also, God is patient with our complaints and doesn't turn away from us when we're griping and complaining.
1. God oversees us as we go through life.
2. God expects us to exert our best efforts to take care of ourselves.
3. God will help us when we are beyond our own limits.
Title: "Serving With Christ"
Text: Philippians 2:1-13
Theme: Jesus understood that for us to believe that God understands the human dilemma, he must share that dilemma. He therefore "emptied himself, taking the form of servant," thus sharing life somewhat as you and I know life.
1. Jesus took the form of servant and thereby showed us what true love is like and what it does.
2. We are to emulate this, serving others, thus expressing love.
3. If we join in Jesus' servanthood now, we will share in his glory later.
Title: "Being And Becoming"
Text: Matthew 21:28-32
Theme: Jesus, in contrasting two theoretical boys, one defiant but obedient, the other agreeable but untrustworthy, sets up a typology against which we all are to be measured. I suppose it's a little too convenient to put oneself in one place or the other. Some days I'm one, sometimes the other. But Jesus' point here (apart from his apparent pleasure in winning debates with the Pharisees), is that the true measure of a person's life is how we act. There's room for some defiance, so long as it's not disrespectful of others or of God. What there is not room for, what God definitely does not like, is dishonesty and blatant disregard for the divine will.
1. Doing God's will is important. Being human, we'll fall short, rebel at times. The ultimate measure will be the kind of person I finally become. Parable stories are always oversimplified in order to make a quick, clear point. Life is far more ambiguous. We all are sometimes like one boy sometimes like the other. But the measure is to, at last, be doing the will of God as best we can.
2. Growth best describes the human process. Repentance plays a part, and we have learned elsewhere that God does forgive. It's not that we are lost when we become like the boy who didn't do his work. He's just the image of the kind of person we do not want to end up being like.
3. There must be an ultimate result of each life. This points toward judgment, though to explore that issue is a separate sermon. Still, the kind of man I become will determine my relationship with others in this life, my relationship with myself, and my relationship with God. Jesus would tell us that true happiness, ultimate fulfillment, is only possible by struggling through to the point where we want to do God's will and try to do God's will.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
(Mother remembers)
"Everything in human relationships should be give and take. But this is not so. You, dear children, and your father, have given me all my happiness. But I cannot give you your happiness. You will have to go out into the world and find it yourself. God made this world so huge and so complex that he will have to guide your footsteps every inch of the way. He will never leave your side. I pray that you will never leave his.
"You have so many tears yet to shed, so much disappointment and pain ahead of you. Sometimes you will feel that your heart has been so badly broken that it could never heal. But it will. Your heart can store up countless sad memories and still go on beating.
"If I could have known, on the day of your birth, all that I know today, I could have given you more of myself. If I had not been afraid, I would have encouraged you to be independent much earlier. If I had not needed you, I would have given you more freedom. But if each of those things had occurred, maybe we wouldn't have had so much fun together.
"When you are content, I am content.
When you achieve, I am proud.
When you bring me your problems they become mine.
When you cry, I cry.
When you smile, I smile.
"I have taken so much from you in your young life. And still I will ask for one more thing. When you are somewhere in the world, chasing your rainbows, and following your dreams, keep a few of your tomorrows for me. Your mother, dear children, is just a woman who sometimes wakes up at 3 a.m. and whispers, 'Oh God, why did you entrust me with so much? Do you really think I can do this job?' And she receives this reply: 'Of course you can. Aren't I standing by your side?' "
____________
An old southern preacher once found a dead mule on the front lawn of his church. He called the local Department of Sanitation to ask that the animal be removed. A surly bureaucrat, when he learned that the caller was a preacher, said, "I thought it was the clergy's job to take care of the dead." The quick-thinking preacher replied: "Yes, but first we are required to notify the next of kin."
____________
"I asked God for strength that I might achieve,
I was made weak that I might learn to obey.
I asked for help that I might do great things,
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy,
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything
I hoped for;
Almost despite myself, my deepest prayer was answered."
(in J. Wallace Hamilton's Serendipity)
____________
During the Civil War, two regiments recruited in New York were camped close together near Washington. One was from Manhattan, the other from Brooklyn. There was intense rivalry between the two. One day a minister went to the Colonel commanding the Manhattan regiment and offered to have worship services for the men. The Colonel thanked the minister, but opined that his men were not very religious and he doubted they'd be very attentive. However, the minister remarked that he had just held services for the Brooklyn regiment and found them very attentive. The Colonel then decided that if the Brooklyn men were that religious, then by golly, the Manhattan men would do even better. Accordingly, the services were held and all went well. Finally, the services concluded, the minister invited any who wished to be baptized to step forward. "After all, " he said, "fourteen members of the Brooklyn regiment were just baptized." The Colonel was on his feet instantly. "Adjutant," he shouted, "that Brooklyn regiment isn't going to beat us at anything. Detail twenty men and have them baptized at once."
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 (C) -- "Give ear, O my people, to my teaching."
Psalm 24:4-9 (RC) -- "Lord, make me know your ways."
Psalm 25:1-14 (E) -- "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul."
Prayer Of The Day
Eternal God, we pray for a sense of your presence. We lose our way in storms and darkness, yet we wish to remain on the path. Shine your light before us, we pray, that amidst the clamor of this life, we may find our way home. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1-7 (C)
Here we have another "miracle" for the Israelites on their way to a new homeland. Frankly, I always struggle with a desire to honor the traditions and beliefs of the Old Testament on the one hand, and a desire to find natural explanations for material events on the other hand. I will be frank to say that while I have no trouble believing in the miracle of God's grace and love, in the power of prayer, and the miracle of survival after death, I do find myself having an extremely difficult time believing that God has ever suspended natural laws at all, but especially for one group of people who seem, if truth be told, to have had very little appreciation for such beneficence. All I can pledge to the reader is a promise not to let this doubt interfere with the task of making ancient reports relevant to a listening congregation today. What I cannot do however, in the case of a text like this, is suggest that if, for example, a person gets lost in the woods, God will make water pour out of a stone so he won't get thirsty. What God may do is work through the person's mind to help lead the way to safety. Perhaps the best use of this story is a symbolic one, as Paul has done, suggesting this rock symbolizes Jesus Christ.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 18:25-28 (RC); Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 (E)
Ezekiel declares God's defense of the rewards for righteous conduct and punishment for "wickedness." The people are upset with this, calling God unfair. Ezekiel disputes that, warning that anyone can save his or her life by turning from wickedness to righteousness.
Lesson 2: Philippians 2:1-13 (C, E); Philippians 2:1-11 (RC)
This is one of the New Testament's most important passages. Its theology answers an otherwise perplexing theological dilemma. It is this: If Jesus was human, lacking any access to powers you and I don't have; if he had to live with anxiety about the future, and uncertainty about death -- then he could, indeed, be said to have lived as we live, and it could be said that God suffered for a time as we suffer. But how, then, can we perceive Jesus as divine? On the other hand, if Jesus was divine, unique among humanity, able to do miracles if he chose, knowledgeable about life after death as we are not, then he would be divine indeed. But then we could hardly reason that he ever had any firsthand understanding of the struggles you and I go through in life. Ah! But Paul has given us an answer. Jesus was, indeed, divine, "was in the form of God," but he gave that up. He "emptied himself, taking the form of slave." Thus, Jesus was at once inherently divine, yet voluntarily limited himself to get a taste of what it's like to face the real world without a divine backup plan. Then, after Jesus fulfilled his life's work, remained faithful, even to the point he allowed himself to be crucified, God restored him to divinity, "highly exalted him," that we might, as we try to do, declare with our lives "that Jesus Christ is Lord."
We should add the initial suggestion of Paul: "Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus." Obviously it applies in a different way, since divinity is out of the question for us. But a certain kind of humility is in order. I have a dear friend who, many years ago, received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from a fine university. He never mentioned it and I was at first unaware of the honor. Finally, when I learned of it, I said to him: "I just heard that you received a D.D." His reply: "What did you do, giggle?"
Gospel: Matthew 21:23-32 (C); Matthew 21:28-32 (RC, E)
Focusing on verses 28-32, we have another story made up by Jesus to help us understand our relationship with God. A man with two sons asked both of them to do some work. One son agreed, but failed to follow through. The other son argued and expressed unwillingness, but when push came to shove, he did as asked. Jesus then posed the question: "Which one did the will of the father?"
I identify with the boy who argued with his dad, then dutifully did as asked. Not now. I'm a little more mature now. But that was me in the teen years. Every kid has to assert some independence as he grows from childhood to adulthood. The boy was obedient, did his share, but he had to let Dad know he was never going to be a pushover. A little spunk is to be admired, and while as a parent I might not let my kid know this, I think I'd secretly be amused, especially if a kid of mine finally did as asked.
The other boy was a different case. He was unreliable, well on his way to being a con artist. Tell 'em what they want to hear, but don't put yourself out. That's how the second kid saw things. And of course Jesus was inviting us to identify ourselves with one boy or the other. He knew we're all a little bit obstreperous at times, inclined to show our independence, even from God. That may not be wise. We will probably see the day when we realize what a mistake that is. But we do it. We all do. Jesus said no one is good. Paul said all have sinned and fall short. God obviously understands, maybe even smiles in the dark, as long as we finally come around and do as God wills for us.
Then there's the religious hypocrite. Forgive me for saying so, but they abound. They're the folks who talk a good religious game, have definite ideas about what others should and should not do, but when the time comes to put their Christianity into practice -- by being loving and forgiving -- they sometimes are a total failure. I don't think God is terribly interested in our choice of church, or our preferences as to worship styles (several of my friends like contemporary worship -- I don't, but I doubt that God cares either way). What God does care about is the way we treat each other. Any parent with more than one child will understand how terribly important it is to us that our children be loving and close as they grow up. Of course God wants us to worship also, but the highest form of worship is to show love for another, especially someone in need.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Faithful Companion"
Text: Exodus 17:1-7
Theme: As expressed, I can't in good conscience present this as a historical report. What it does do is affirm that God watches over us in our travels through life, does care what happens to us, and is accessible to hear our cries for help. Also, God is patient with our complaints and doesn't turn away from us when we're griping and complaining.
1. God oversees us as we go through life.
2. God expects us to exert our best efforts to take care of ourselves.
3. God will help us when we are beyond our own limits.
Title: "Serving With Christ"
Text: Philippians 2:1-13
Theme: Jesus understood that for us to believe that God understands the human dilemma, he must share that dilemma. He therefore "emptied himself, taking the form of servant," thus sharing life somewhat as you and I know life.
1. Jesus took the form of servant and thereby showed us what true love is like and what it does.
2. We are to emulate this, serving others, thus expressing love.
3. If we join in Jesus' servanthood now, we will share in his glory later.
Title: "Being And Becoming"
Text: Matthew 21:28-32
Theme: Jesus, in contrasting two theoretical boys, one defiant but obedient, the other agreeable but untrustworthy, sets up a typology against which we all are to be measured. I suppose it's a little too convenient to put oneself in one place or the other. Some days I'm one, sometimes the other. But Jesus' point here (apart from his apparent pleasure in winning debates with the Pharisees), is that the true measure of a person's life is how we act. There's room for some defiance, so long as it's not disrespectful of others or of God. What there is not room for, what God definitely does not like, is dishonesty and blatant disregard for the divine will.
1. Doing God's will is important. Being human, we'll fall short, rebel at times. The ultimate measure will be the kind of person I finally become. Parable stories are always oversimplified in order to make a quick, clear point. Life is far more ambiguous. We all are sometimes like one boy sometimes like the other. But the measure is to, at last, be doing the will of God as best we can.
2. Growth best describes the human process. Repentance plays a part, and we have learned elsewhere that God does forgive. It's not that we are lost when we become like the boy who didn't do his work. He's just the image of the kind of person we do not want to end up being like.
3. There must be an ultimate result of each life. This points toward judgment, though to explore that issue is a separate sermon. Still, the kind of man I become will determine my relationship with others in this life, my relationship with myself, and my relationship with God. Jesus would tell us that true happiness, ultimate fulfillment, is only possible by struggling through to the point where we want to do God's will and try to do God's will.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
(Mother remembers)
"Everything in human relationships should be give and take. But this is not so. You, dear children, and your father, have given me all my happiness. But I cannot give you your happiness. You will have to go out into the world and find it yourself. God made this world so huge and so complex that he will have to guide your footsteps every inch of the way. He will never leave your side. I pray that you will never leave his.
"You have so many tears yet to shed, so much disappointment and pain ahead of you. Sometimes you will feel that your heart has been so badly broken that it could never heal. But it will. Your heart can store up countless sad memories and still go on beating.
"If I could have known, on the day of your birth, all that I know today, I could have given you more of myself. If I had not been afraid, I would have encouraged you to be independent much earlier. If I had not needed you, I would have given you more freedom. But if each of those things had occurred, maybe we wouldn't have had so much fun together.
"When you are content, I am content.
When you achieve, I am proud.
When you bring me your problems they become mine.
When you cry, I cry.
When you smile, I smile.
"I have taken so much from you in your young life. And still I will ask for one more thing. When you are somewhere in the world, chasing your rainbows, and following your dreams, keep a few of your tomorrows for me. Your mother, dear children, is just a woman who sometimes wakes up at 3 a.m. and whispers, 'Oh God, why did you entrust me with so much? Do you really think I can do this job?' And she receives this reply: 'Of course you can. Aren't I standing by your side?' "
____________
An old southern preacher once found a dead mule on the front lawn of his church. He called the local Department of Sanitation to ask that the animal be removed. A surly bureaucrat, when he learned that the caller was a preacher, said, "I thought it was the clergy's job to take care of the dead." The quick-thinking preacher replied: "Yes, but first we are required to notify the next of kin."
____________
"I asked God for strength that I might achieve,
I was made weak that I might learn to obey.
I asked for help that I might do great things,
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy,
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything
I hoped for;
Almost despite myself, my deepest prayer was answered."
(in J. Wallace Hamilton's Serendipity)
____________
During the Civil War, two regiments recruited in New York were camped close together near Washington. One was from Manhattan, the other from Brooklyn. There was intense rivalry between the two. One day a minister went to the Colonel commanding the Manhattan regiment and offered to have worship services for the men. The Colonel thanked the minister, but opined that his men were not very religious and he doubted they'd be very attentive. However, the minister remarked that he had just held services for the Brooklyn regiment and found them very attentive. The Colonel then decided that if the Brooklyn men were that religious, then by golly, the Manhattan men would do even better. Accordingly, the services were held and all went well. Finally, the services concluded, the minister invited any who wished to be baptized to step forward. "After all, " he said, "fourteen members of the Brooklyn regiment were just baptized." The Colonel was on his feet instantly. "Adjutant," he shouted, "that Brooklyn regiment isn't going to beat us at anything. Detail twenty men and have them baptized at once."
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 (C) -- "Give ear, O my people, to my teaching."
Psalm 24:4-9 (RC) -- "Lord, make me know your ways."
Psalm 25:1-14 (E) -- "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul."
Prayer Of The Day
Eternal God, we pray for a sense of your presence. We lose our way in storms and darkness, yet we wish to remain on the path. Shine your light before us, we pray, that amidst the clamor of this life, we may find our way home. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
