Psalm 84:1-7
2 Timothy 4: 6-8; 16-18
Luke 18:9-14
First Lesson: Jeremiah 14:7-10; 19-22
Challenges:
- There is plenty of beautiful language here as well as a powerful message, but since it is not a story with a clear narrative form, but rather statements and "sayings," it can be hard for individual thoughts to stand out. All of the different ideas might bleed together, especially when the first lesson is read. You might have to go back and give a "recap" so that people can tell was was actually said.
- At the end of the lesson, it's as if we are waiting for God to reply, but that doesn't appear in this reading...of course the answer from the Lord that comes directly after this in Chapter 15 brings little comfort. Go ahead and read it: you'll know what I mean.
Opportunities:
- There is a great deal of emotion in this reading: the words of the prophet and the words of the Lord are practically dripping with pathos. The reader/preacher has to decide what vocal tones to use in relay these words to the audience/congregation. Adding your own tone can aid your sermon greatly.
- Verse 22 talks about idols and their inability to bring rain. This could be a good opportunity to talk about all of the idols in our own world and how, no matter how much we love them, they don't necessarily love us back. In contrast to those idols, not only does God love us back, God loves us first. (I borrowed that last line from Mark Allan Powell's Loving Jesus..great book)
The Good News:
- There is little "good news" in this text, if any at all. Perhaps the good news is the fact that this text EXISTS. Its existence shows that God has not ultimately given up on God's people, that the relationship hasn't been broken completely. The fact that Jeremiah isn't just some historical footnote known only to a few academics, but rather a living voice that changes lives and touches hearts today...well, that shows that the Spirit is working.
The Psalm: Psalm 84: 1-7
Challenges:
- If you are not familiar, the "Valley of Baca" (mentioned in v. 6) seems like a mysterious place. With a plain reading it appears to be a dry place...until those whose strength is in the Lord show up....
- This psalm is great, but it brings up an interesting question about worship space, whether it's THE TEMPLE or your local congregation's building. How much should the space matter? Does it matter? Is there something inherently MORE HOLY about a church building or a Temple? Food for thought...
- Verse 3: swallows bring their young before the Lord at the Temple? Wait...what?!?!
Opportunities:
- Verse 1 says, "How lovely is your dwelling place, o Lord of hosts!" A great chance to talk about many of the spiritually powerful places of worship or nature you've been to before. You can paint pictures of them with your words. You can finish by talking about how God is also dwelling among and with us as a people, not just in a particular place.
- Great time to sing Ubi Caritas et Amor: "Where charity and love prevail, there God is." Yes, it's a great song: you're welcome.
- Another good hymn would be, Gather Us In, where the congregation will sing about how God is present "Here in this place..."
The Good News:
- While we shouldn't hold onto holy places because of their own value, it is a blessing that there are places where God allows us to feel close to God. These places can bring comfort, solace, strength and inspiration.
- God is truly present with us, not far removed and off in the distance. Feeling the presence of God brings hope.
The Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 4: 6-8; 16-18.
Challenges:
- Question: Paul expects to receive the "crown of righteousness" because he has "kept the faith." Does this mean there would have been no crown if he hadn't kept the faith? Is our ultimate fate up to us?
- When the author says that "the Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom," it seems slightly confusing. Are the "evil attacks" he is talking about physical or spiritual. One would think a physical attack might lead to his death...which would lead to the heavenly kingdom. Spiritual attacks (perhaps brought on by a physical condition) seem more dangerous.
Opportunities:
- Verse 7 ("I have fought the good fight...") is rightly well-known and well-loved. Most if not all of your congregation will be able to call to mind someone older in their life who has either finished their "race" or will soon. Here's a good opportunity to give some examples of "good deaths" among faithful disciples.
- The idea of "payback" or "revenge" is very, VERY enticing, at least for me! This verse helps us (or just me, I don't know) realize that "payback" or "revenge" is not the way of Jesus. Jesus has all the motivation and reason in the world for payback, but the fact that He doesn't take that way...well, that's GRACE.
- Verse 17 talks about how the Lord stood by Paul...not just for comfort and support, but also for a purpose" proclaiming the Gospel to others. We are not only saved "from" things, we are saved "for" things.
The Good News:
- Truth be told, I think I covered the "good news" in the Opportunity section above. I'm feeling lazy, just go read that again.
- No wait, that's not right...here's some more good news. This shows that joy in the Lord and "abundant life" can be present even in the face of huge challenges and suffering. On one level, Paul's existence was not that great...and certainly wouldn't be if you took Jesus out of the equation. WITH Jesus however, well, that's another story...
The Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
Challenges:
- There is always a challenge when we read a story that involves Pharisees. It's very easy to look at them and say, "We're better than them! Let's criticize the Pharisees!" Which, of course, misses the point by a long mile.
- All of the things that the Pharisee doesn't do and all of the people he isn't like...well, it's actually good that this is the case! God DOESN'T want us to do those things or be those people. The problem isn't with his behavior, the problem is his attitude!
- With point #2 in mind, there are times when people talk about God's love of "sinners" (which is certainly, absolutely, totally the case) while leaving out the idea that God want's sinners to change their lives. As Paul said, "Should we go on sinning so that grace abounds? BY NO MEANS!"
Opportunities:
- This is an excellent message, perhaps you could talk about how we in the church have had 2,000 years of practice in acting humble in such a way as to actually exult ourselves. It's one of those, "I'n very humble...it's one of my finer attributes..." situations.
- If your congregation does the contemporary praise song thing, this could be a good chance for "Jesus Friend of Sinners."
- Sometimes it can be challenging to find the "right" words when we pray. Not because they need to be "right" but because we want to find a way to articulate our feelings to God. Looking to scripture can be helpful. Sometimes you can just say, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!"
The Good News:
- The Tax Collector wasn't zapped by lightning as he stood there in the Temple. As a matter of fact, he was justified when he went home.
- Rather than being a huge "downer" or a cudgel that the church can use to keep us in line, confession can bring a huge amount of relief and comfort. Letting go of the things we are holding inside can bring real freedom.
- Looking for more good news? Just read the parable again: it's totally there.
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