Proper 24 (C, E)
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle B
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Job 38:1-7 (34-41) (C)
Boy, did God put Job in his place? ñWhere were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?'' How do you answer a question like that? Poor old Job, an innocent victim of forces utterly beyond him. Now, when he raises his voice in legitimate protest, he gets a low blow like this. ItÍs almost as though Job really didnÍt matter to God one way or another. Like a mosquito at a picnic. But of course we know better. ItÍs important to remind ourselves when reading these Old Testament stories that they reflect what the writers had come to think of God, not the actual nature of God. The Revelation was yet to take place. What we have is one of the most powerful allegories ever written. (I donÍt know if my old English teacher would call this an allegory but itÍs surely not a historical report.) WeÍre really wrestling with the nature of good and evil, the place of suffering and justice, and the way God runs this universe.
What has happened here? Is God being depicted as heartless? IsnÍt it more that God is trying to show Job that there is so much at stake it isnÍt possible for God to interfere for just one person, no matter how loved that person may be? IsnÍt the writer demonstrating that true faith requires trust in God even though we are not to have answers to these anguished questions, and even though our suffering doesnÍt always seem just? Of course we have a Hollywood ending to the story and a very tongue-in-cheek beginning, but the power of this narrative is unequaled. Because of his extraordinary courage and faith, Job will come up a winner.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 53:10-11 (RC); Isaiah 53:4-12 (E)
Lesson 2: Hebrews 5:1-10 (C)
The idea of a high priest is foreign to many of us. The whole concept of sacrifice as a way of placating God was intrinsic to the faith of that time, but Jesus would show us that sacrifice is not something we do to placate God. It is a response to the love we feel from God. Surely God will love you and me whether we sacrifice anything or not. To the people of the times, sacrifice was good business, highly organized, enforced by moral and legal sanctions. Today, it comes from the heart, willingly, or it means nothing.
The main emphasis here is on the fact that Jesus suffered terribly, yet remained completely obedient to GodÍs plan for him. Because he was without sin, was totally un-self-centered, he is able to represent us to God. Again, the priest was an intercessor, whereas because of Jesus, we need no intercessor. We can pray directly to God. In preaching on this passage, I would focus on the theme which we also found in the Job passage, that our suffering will often seem unjust, unnecessary. Yet if we can face it while keeping our trust in God intact, and while keeping our moral and spiritual values undamaged, then we too are ñbeing perfected'' in suffering. Every one of you who has suffered, really suffered, whether physical pain, or grief, or lost love, or failure, knows that if we keep the faith, we inevitably emerge better, stronger people. And we learn that God does, indeed, share the pain in such a way as to get us safely through.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 4:14-16 (RC); Hebrews 4:12-16 (E)
(See Proper 23)
Gospel: Mark 10:35-45 (C, RC, E)
Imagine how those other apostles must have felt when they learned that James and John had asked for special places in the Kingdom. Actually, though, you have to sort of admire them. No shrinking violets, them. Remember Muhammad Ali saying, ñIÍm beautiful; IÍm the greatest''? Or Babe Ruth pointing to the fence, then hitting a home run right where he pointed. Or Joe Willie Namath guaranteeing that the underdog Jets would win the Super Bowl. Some dangerous work lay ahead for the men with Jesus, and that kind of heady self-confidence would be necessary. ThatÍs surely why Jesus didnÍt scold them. Oh, he firmly informed them that they had the wrong idea. He pointed out that in the outside world, leadership did involve power and rewards, whereas in the new world, in the one Jesus would inaugurate, the opposite would be true. It is in service that one is made important. So far as we know, James and John kept the faith. Behind their self-confidence lay the qualities of character which would enable them to remain unfailingly loyal to the Lord they would follow. Verse 43b is the heart of this passage: ñIf one of you wants to be first, he must be the slave of all.''
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñFaces Marred By Dust And Sweat''
Text: Job 38:3
Theme: That title is part of a quote by John F. Kennedy (see below). Job is told by God to ñgird up your loins like a man.'' In other words, quite beefinÍ and take charge of your problems. ThatÍs pretty good advice for anyone. If thereÍs one quality the Christian faith loudly affirms, itÍs for men and women to take responsibility for our lives, to face difficulties with courage and resourcefulness. Dependent people can be a sore trial in this life.
1. Each of us is responsible for our own lives. No more excuses. If I trip and break my leg, I may not be responsible for the accident, but I am responsible for my reaction to the resulting problem.
2. Be willing to fail. At St. LukeÍs Church we had a motto for the benefit of all staff members: ñWe encourage failure.'' That didnÍt mean we wanted to fail. It meant we need not fear disapproval if we failed, only disapproval if we were afraid to try. Many a church program had to be canceled because it wasnÍt working. But many an innovation proved highly successful because someone decided to give it a try.
3. Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat. A personÍs character is revealed by the results of great adventures.
4. Dare great adventures. Sad indeed are those poor souls who never venture into risky efforts. People ask why some men and women try to climb Mount Everest. ThatÍs beyond me, I must admit, but more power to those venturesome people who simply must try for the highest point. ThatÍs the kind of thing that makes the blood course through your veins.
Title: ñPersevering In The Faith''
Text: Hebrews 5:7-9
Theme: I have opted not to deal with the priestly dimension to this passage. I consider it important, and in a teaching situation would discuss it. But my feeling is that we have very few opportunities to interpret the gospel to a large portion of our congregations, and itÍs best to get right to the point, showing the relevance of the Bible to our listeners. The theme here is that Jesus suffered, yet remained faithful. Because of this, he became the means by which we can find ñeternal salvation.''
1. Jesus suffered yet was faithful. The emphasis here might be on some of the more subtle ways in which Jesus suffered. The Cross, yes. But what about the feelings of rejection? The exhausting travel and public speaking. How many of us are grateful to get home Sunday evening with Monday off (or whatever day is your day off „ donÍt tell me you donÍt take one or IÍll think youÍre nuts)? Or how many of us have thought about the fact that Jesus never had a girlfriend (I assume)? WerenÍt we told he was made in every way like us?
2. Jesus is an example to us. Of course we canÍt be just like Jesus, but it was Martin Luther who said I am to be a little Christ to my neighbor. Suffering will come our way. Sometimes it comes irrationally: illness, accident, wrongful conduct by others. Sometimes we suffer by choice: standing up for a controversial principle; doing something for someone else, something costly; risking our lives, like the man in our community who last year took his wife and stepson to DennyÍs restaurant for lunch. Two criminals strode in and started shooting, killing one man and badly injuring the little stepson. The men then told everyone they were hostages, and anyone trying to escape would be shot. But this man picked the small boy up in his arms, turned his back to the men to shield the boy, and ran right past them out of the restaurant. Quick medical aid saved the boyÍs life, while the two robbers held everyone else for several hours.
3. The key to suffering faithfully is to keep high values intact. No blaming others. No cheating for an advantage. No becoming bitter and hateful.
4. Jesus will help us in all of this. By prayer, by kindly providence, by dependable encouragement, we will be able to triumph over all our troubles. ñI can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,'' wrote Paul. I like Leslie WeatherheadÍs translation of that passage: ñBecause of Christ, I can cope with anything.''
Title: ñServants Of God''
Text: Mark 10:35-45
Theme: This doesnÍt mean we have to be mealy-mouthed little folks, standing in the background, ready to do someone or otherÍs bidding. People like Paul, and Peter, and the ñsons of thunder'' were anything but that. Remember Mr. Milquetoast in the funny papers? One time we saw him standing under his umbrella in a driving rain, muttering to himself: ñTen more minutes, and he can borrow the money from someone else.'' ThatÍs not what Jesus meant at all.
I donÍt see any inconsistence between the go-ahead personalities of James and John and the call to servanthood. Remember the beatitude, ñBlessed are the meek''? The word for meek is one that was sometimes used to describe tamed wild animals „ the implication being that of fierce strength, placed under the control of a master. A friend of mine observed that ñmeekness is a tamed tiger word, not a pussycat word.'' Jesus probably got a big smile out of these two fellows. But it was essential for them to realize that the only qualities which would make them important in the work they were setting forth to do are service to others, defense of the weak, feeding the hungry, and all the other kindnesses Jesus detailed in the story of the Last Judgment.
1. A Christian can strive for success in the marketplace or on the sports field.
2. A Christian must, however, be fastidious in observing the rules of honor and good sportsmanship. Like the young tennis star in our high school who, two years ago, had won the school championship on a contested point. He insisted that the point be replayed because he was sure in his own mind that his opponentÍs second serve had been good, though called out.
3. A Christian is to be observant of opportunities to help other people in their times of need. Like a friend of mine who was driving on the interstate and saw a car stalled in the opposing lane. He drove to the next exit, took the reverse lane and pulled up by the stalled car, offering to help. The young woman had already called for help on a cell phone, but my friend had been willing to inconvenience himself for someone in need.
4. A Christian is not to seek payment or commendation for acts of kindness. It is important that professional people like doctors and lawyers do pro bono work for people who canÍt afford their services. In fact, all of us should be devoting some of our time, talents, and money to acts of generosity.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
John F. Kennedy wrote the following about Theodore Roosevelt: ñThe credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, if he wins, knows the thrills of high achievement, and if he fails, at least fails daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.''
____________
Bruce Larson reported back from a research project funded by Lilly Endowment, inquiring from mental health experts all over America, asking what constitutes a mentally healthy person. He said there were a number of different characteristics mentioned by various experts. But the one characteristic which appeared on every list was this: Healthy-minded people are risk takers.
____________
Leo Buscaglia, who recently died, wrote something which could have been his epitaph:
ñTo laugh is to risk appearing the fool.'' Well, so what? Fools have a lot of fun.
ñTo weep is to risk being called sentimental.'' Of course IÍm sentimental. I love it! Tears can help.
ñTo reach out to another is to risk involvement.'' WhoÍs risking involvement? I want to be involved.
ñTo expose feelings is to risk showing your true self.'' What else do I have to show?
ñTo place your ideas and your dreams before the crowd is to risk being called naive.'' Oh, IÍm called worse things than that.
ñTo love is to risk not being loved in return.'' I donÍt love to be loved in return.
ñTo live is to risk dying.'' IÍm ready for it. DonÍt you dare shed one tear if you hear that Busacaglia blew up in the air or dropped dead. He did it with enthusiasm.
____________
A pastor told of the Easter Sunday in his church when a little fellow not more than five came dashing out of Sunday school. He saw his mother and dad at the other end of the hall, heading his way. Joyously, he held up the little ceramic rabbit he had been making during Lent. Shaped by his own two hands, painted and varnished and fired until the clay was hard as glass, it was his own special gift for Mom and Dad. And as he raced toward them to deliver his treasure, he stumbled and fell, the precious rabbit crashing to the floor, shattered into a hundred shapeless shards. As both parents raced to their son, the boy stared for a moment of uncomprehending shock. And then he began to cry, his sobs echoing down the hall. Dad was the first to arrive. He put his arms around the boy, held him for a moment, then said, ñItÍs all right; itÍs all right. It doesnÍt matter.'' Then Mom arrived. She knelt before her brokenhearted son. Slowly she drew him close. Knowing just a bit more than Dad about such things, she said to him, ñOh, son, it does matter. It matters a lot.''
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c (C) „ ñ Bless the Lord, O my soul.''
Psalm 32 (RC) „ ñHappy are those whose transgression is forgiven.''
Psalm 91 (E) „ ñYou who live in the shelter of the most high.''
Prayer Of The Day
Arm us, O Lord, for the demands of an adventurous life. Fill us with courage, that we may step forth and squarely face the dayÍs demands. Keep us mindful of the advantages we may have, that we do not use those to hurt others. Give us strength to keep going when we face difficulty, yet to stop for those who falter along the way long enough to give a helping hand. Remind us of the call to service, that we may one day be found to have been faithful. In JesusÍ name we pray. Amen.
Lesson 1: Job 38:1-7 (34-41) (C)
Boy, did God put Job in his place? ñWhere were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?'' How do you answer a question like that? Poor old Job, an innocent victim of forces utterly beyond him. Now, when he raises his voice in legitimate protest, he gets a low blow like this. ItÍs almost as though Job really didnÍt matter to God one way or another. Like a mosquito at a picnic. But of course we know better. ItÍs important to remind ourselves when reading these Old Testament stories that they reflect what the writers had come to think of God, not the actual nature of God. The Revelation was yet to take place. What we have is one of the most powerful allegories ever written. (I donÍt know if my old English teacher would call this an allegory but itÍs surely not a historical report.) WeÍre really wrestling with the nature of good and evil, the place of suffering and justice, and the way God runs this universe.
What has happened here? Is God being depicted as heartless? IsnÍt it more that God is trying to show Job that there is so much at stake it isnÍt possible for God to interfere for just one person, no matter how loved that person may be? IsnÍt the writer demonstrating that true faith requires trust in God even though we are not to have answers to these anguished questions, and even though our suffering doesnÍt always seem just? Of course we have a Hollywood ending to the story and a very tongue-in-cheek beginning, but the power of this narrative is unequaled. Because of his extraordinary courage and faith, Job will come up a winner.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 53:10-11 (RC); Isaiah 53:4-12 (E)
Lesson 2: Hebrews 5:1-10 (C)
The idea of a high priest is foreign to many of us. The whole concept of sacrifice as a way of placating God was intrinsic to the faith of that time, but Jesus would show us that sacrifice is not something we do to placate God. It is a response to the love we feel from God. Surely God will love you and me whether we sacrifice anything or not. To the people of the times, sacrifice was good business, highly organized, enforced by moral and legal sanctions. Today, it comes from the heart, willingly, or it means nothing.
The main emphasis here is on the fact that Jesus suffered terribly, yet remained completely obedient to GodÍs plan for him. Because he was without sin, was totally un-self-centered, he is able to represent us to God. Again, the priest was an intercessor, whereas because of Jesus, we need no intercessor. We can pray directly to God. In preaching on this passage, I would focus on the theme which we also found in the Job passage, that our suffering will often seem unjust, unnecessary. Yet if we can face it while keeping our trust in God intact, and while keeping our moral and spiritual values undamaged, then we too are ñbeing perfected'' in suffering. Every one of you who has suffered, really suffered, whether physical pain, or grief, or lost love, or failure, knows that if we keep the faith, we inevitably emerge better, stronger people. And we learn that God does, indeed, share the pain in such a way as to get us safely through.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 4:14-16 (RC); Hebrews 4:12-16 (E)
(See Proper 23)
Gospel: Mark 10:35-45 (C, RC, E)
Imagine how those other apostles must have felt when they learned that James and John had asked for special places in the Kingdom. Actually, though, you have to sort of admire them. No shrinking violets, them. Remember Muhammad Ali saying, ñIÍm beautiful; IÍm the greatest''? Or Babe Ruth pointing to the fence, then hitting a home run right where he pointed. Or Joe Willie Namath guaranteeing that the underdog Jets would win the Super Bowl. Some dangerous work lay ahead for the men with Jesus, and that kind of heady self-confidence would be necessary. ThatÍs surely why Jesus didnÍt scold them. Oh, he firmly informed them that they had the wrong idea. He pointed out that in the outside world, leadership did involve power and rewards, whereas in the new world, in the one Jesus would inaugurate, the opposite would be true. It is in service that one is made important. So far as we know, James and John kept the faith. Behind their self-confidence lay the qualities of character which would enable them to remain unfailingly loyal to the Lord they would follow. Verse 43b is the heart of this passage: ñIf one of you wants to be first, he must be the slave of all.''
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñFaces Marred By Dust And Sweat''
Text: Job 38:3
Theme: That title is part of a quote by John F. Kennedy (see below). Job is told by God to ñgird up your loins like a man.'' In other words, quite beefinÍ and take charge of your problems. ThatÍs pretty good advice for anyone. If thereÍs one quality the Christian faith loudly affirms, itÍs for men and women to take responsibility for our lives, to face difficulties with courage and resourcefulness. Dependent people can be a sore trial in this life.
1. Each of us is responsible for our own lives. No more excuses. If I trip and break my leg, I may not be responsible for the accident, but I am responsible for my reaction to the resulting problem.
2. Be willing to fail. At St. LukeÍs Church we had a motto for the benefit of all staff members: ñWe encourage failure.'' That didnÍt mean we wanted to fail. It meant we need not fear disapproval if we failed, only disapproval if we were afraid to try. Many a church program had to be canceled because it wasnÍt working. But many an innovation proved highly successful because someone decided to give it a try.
3. Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat. A personÍs character is revealed by the results of great adventures.
4. Dare great adventures. Sad indeed are those poor souls who never venture into risky efforts. People ask why some men and women try to climb Mount Everest. ThatÍs beyond me, I must admit, but more power to those venturesome people who simply must try for the highest point. ThatÍs the kind of thing that makes the blood course through your veins.
Title: ñPersevering In The Faith''
Text: Hebrews 5:7-9
Theme: I have opted not to deal with the priestly dimension to this passage. I consider it important, and in a teaching situation would discuss it. But my feeling is that we have very few opportunities to interpret the gospel to a large portion of our congregations, and itÍs best to get right to the point, showing the relevance of the Bible to our listeners. The theme here is that Jesus suffered, yet remained faithful. Because of this, he became the means by which we can find ñeternal salvation.''
1. Jesus suffered yet was faithful. The emphasis here might be on some of the more subtle ways in which Jesus suffered. The Cross, yes. But what about the feelings of rejection? The exhausting travel and public speaking. How many of us are grateful to get home Sunday evening with Monday off (or whatever day is your day off „ donÍt tell me you donÍt take one or IÍll think youÍre nuts)? Or how many of us have thought about the fact that Jesus never had a girlfriend (I assume)? WerenÍt we told he was made in every way like us?
2. Jesus is an example to us. Of course we canÍt be just like Jesus, but it was Martin Luther who said I am to be a little Christ to my neighbor. Suffering will come our way. Sometimes it comes irrationally: illness, accident, wrongful conduct by others. Sometimes we suffer by choice: standing up for a controversial principle; doing something for someone else, something costly; risking our lives, like the man in our community who last year took his wife and stepson to DennyÍs restaurant for lunch. Two criminals strode in and started shooting, killing one man and badly injuring the little stepson. The men then told everyone they were hostages, and anyone trying to escape would be shot. But this man picked the small boy up in his arms, turned his back to the men to shield the boy, and ran right past them out of the restaurant. Quick medical aid saved the boyÍs life, while the two robbers held everyone else for several hours.
3. The key to suffering faithfully is to keep high values intact. No blaming others. No cheating for an advantage. No becoming bitter and hateful.
4. Jesus will help us in all of this. By prayer, by kindly providence, by dependable encouragement, we will be able to triumph over all our troubles. ñI can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,'' wrote Paul. I like Leslie WeatherheadÍs translation of that passage: ñBecause of Christ, I can cope with anything.''
Title: ñServants Of God''
Text: Mark 10:35-45
Theme: This doesnÍt mean we have to be mealy-mouthed little folks, standing in the background, ready to do someone or otherÍs bidding. People like Paul, and Peter, and the ñsons of thunder'' were anything but that. Remember Mr. Milquetoast in the funny papers? One time we saw him standing under his umbrella in a driving rain, muttering to himself: ñTen more minutes, and he can borrow the money from someone else.'' ThatÍs not what Jesus meant at all.
I donÍt see any inconsistence between the go-ahead personalities of James and John and the call to servanthood. Remember the beatitude, ñBlessed are the meek''? The word for meek is one that was sometimes used to describe tamed wild animals „ the implication being that of fierce strength, placed under the control of a master. A friend of mine observed that ñmeekness is a tamed tiger word, not a pussycat word.'' Jesus probably got a big smile out of these two fellows. But it was essential for them to realize that the only qualities which would make them important in the work they were setting forth to do are service to others, defense of the weak, feeding the hungry, and all the other kindnesses Jesus detailed in the story of the Last Judgment.
1. A Christian can strive for success in the marketplace or on the sports field.
2. A Christian must, however, be fastidious in observing the rules of honor and good sportsmanship. Like the young tennis star in our high school who, two years ago, had won the school championship on a contested point. He insisted that the point be replayed because he was sure in his own mind that his opponentÍs second serve had been good, though called out.
3. A Christian is to be observant of opportunities to help other people in their times of need. Like a friend of mine who was driving on the interstate and saw a car stalled in the opposing lane. He drove to the next exit, took the reverse lane and pulled up by the stalled car, offering to help. The young woman had already called for help on a cell phone, but my friend had been willing to inconvenience himself for someone in need.
4. A Christian is not to seek payment or commendation for acts of kindness. It is important that professional people like doctors and lawyers do pro bono work for people who canÍt afford their services. In fact, all of us should be devoting some of our time, talents, and money to acts of generosity.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
John F. Kennedy wrote the following about Theodore Roosevelt: ñThe credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, if he wins, knows the thrills of high achievement, and if he fails, at least fails daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.''
____________
Bruce Larson reported back from a research project funded by Lilly Endowment, inquiring from mental health experts all over America, asking what constitutes a mentally healthy person. He said there were a number of different characteristics mentioned by various experts. But the one characteristic which appeared on every list was this: Healthy-minded people are risk takers.
____________
Leo Buscaglia, who recently died, wrote something which could have been his epitaph:
ñTo laugh is to risk appearing the fool.'' Well, so what? Fools have a lot of fun.
ñTo weep is to risk being called sentimental.'' Of course IÍm sentimental. I love it! Tears can help.
ñTo reach out to another is to risk involvement.'' WhoÍs risking involvement? I want to be involved.
ñTo expose feelings is to risk showing your true self.'' What else do I have to show?
ñTo place your ideas and your dreams before the crowd is to risk being called naive.'' Oh, IÍm called worse things than that.
ñTo love is to risk not being loved in return.'' I donÍt love to be loved in return.
ñTo live is to risk dying.'' IÍm ready for it. DonÍt you dare shed one tear if you hear that Busacaglia blew up in the air or dropped dead. He did it with enthusiasm.
____________
A pastor told of the Easter Sunday in his church when a little fellow not more than five came dashing out of Sunday school. He saw his mother and dad at the other end of the hall, heading his way. Joyously, he held up the little ceramic rabbit he had been making during Lent. Shaped by his own two hands, painted and varnished and fired until the clay was hard as glass, it was his own special gift for Mom and Dad. And as he raced toward them to deliver his treasure, he stumbled and fell, the precious rabbit crashing to the floor, shattered into a hundred shapeless shards. As both parents raced to their son, the boy stared for a moment of uncomprehending shock. And then he began to cry, his sobs echoing down the hall. Dad was the first to arrive. He put his arms around the boy, held him for a moment, then said, ñItÍs all right; itÍs all right. It doesnÍt matter.'' Then Mom arrived. She knelt before her brokenhearted son. Slowly she drew him close. Knowing just a bit more than Dad about such things, she said to him, ñOh, son, it does matter. It matters a lot.''
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c (C) „ ñ Bless the Lord, O my soul.''
Psalm 32 (RC) „ ñHappy are those whose transgression is forgiven.''
Psalm 91 (E) „ ñYou who live in the shelter of the most high.''
Prayer Of The Day
Arm us, O Lord, for the demands of an adventurous life. Fill us with courage, that we may step forth and squarely face the dayÍs demands. Keep us mindful of the advantages we may have, that we do not use those to hurt others. Give us strength to keep going when we face difficulty, yet to stop for those who falter along the way long enough to give a helping hand. Remind us of the call to service, that we may one day be found to have been faithful. In JesusÍ name we pray. Amen.
