Psalm 17:1-9
2 Thessalonians 2:1-5; 13-17
Luke 20: 27-38
First Lesson: Job 19:23-27a
Challenges:
- This particular lesson seems to have been plucked out of context. What's been going on before this? How about after this? These lines are found within Job's back-and-forth debate with his "friends." Job is accusing both his friends and God of persecuting and tormenting him. All of that can be easily lost.
- It's easy for us to jump to the interpretation that Job is talking about a post-resurrection life here. What the original writers of Job had in mind, however, is a bit less clear. It is quite possible (apparently) that Job is NOT referring to God as his 'redeemer' because he sees the Almighty as his persecutor.
- Okay, here's the thing: this passage is very complex with a complicated theological history. How much time do you want to spend on the different meanings of words? Will it be the full thrust of your sermon? Do your listeners care about all of this or will they just hear, "Blah, blah, blah...crazy pastor-stuff...blah, blah, blah..."?
Opportunities:
- These are familiar words to anyone who has been to more than one graveside service. Because I myself have said them many, MANY times, verses like these take on a life of their own and conjure up memories of loved ones who have been laid to rest. An anecdote from a particular funeral or the description of the sights, sounds and emotions from such an experience will make this passage very real indeed.
- One of my favorite hymns would be more than appropriate on a Sunday such as this: I Know That My Redeemer Lives (ELW 619 if you're into that who Lutheran Worship thing). You could sing just four verses or really go all out with all 8.
The Good News:
- Job shows a remarkable assurance in the face of physical pain and emotional attacks from his friends. His tenacity is admirable and it helps guide us in our own faith-filled wrestling.
The Psalm: Psalm 17:1-9
Challenges:
- Well, the writer of this psalm seems pretty sure of him/herself to say the least! Some might say they are laying it on a bit thick with all of this "just cause" stuff. This person almost feels like a "goody-two-shoes" character who is running to get help with things are tough.
- Is there such a thing as a 100% just cause? Or is it always complicated? And here's another question: let's say it's always complicated (which I believe), but sooner or later do you have to make a judgment call and say, "Yep, that's a just cause" or "Nope, that cause ain't just."
Opportunities:
- This is really honest talk with God. Sometimes when I pray, my theological training kicks in and I start to craft a prayer that would recieve high points in a seminary class. While not bad, these prayers might not come right from the heart. My truly heart-felt prayers are much less polished and a bit more...er, embarrassing. This psalm is hearfelt. This could be a good chance to talk about these things.
- Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update" does a great sketch called "Really?!?" where Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers list some really dumb thing that a celebrity has done and then say, "Really?!?" Considering that this psalm is attributed to David, it is possible that you could go through it and add, "David, you committed adultry, murder and plenty of other sins, your cause is just? Really!?!"
The Good News:
- I'll admit: this is a tough one for me. You can say this at least: this psalm feels very close and personal to God, evidence of a relationship between the speaker and God. Speak to God out of a profound sense of connection and relationship can be very powerful.
- So it seems that the message is, "wait a little longer..." We're still waiting. I can come up with all sorts of good theological reasons why Jesus hasn't come back yet, but it can still be a bit hard that the thing the early church was waiting on (Jesus' return) hasn't happened yet.
- With verse 13 and beyond: if God has chosen some, why them? Why not others? Why not all of us? Is this a predestination thing?
Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
Challenges:
Who is the "lawless one?" If the "lawless one" came today what would he look like? I'm sure we all have an idea: he'd look like whoever we really disagree with.
- The image of being "shaken in mind or alarmed" can be a very powerful one. Describing an earthquake or other natural disaster could be a good way to illustrate what rumors and false teachings can do to a community.
- Sometimes it is helpful for me to remember that the early church had problems. They weren't perfect: they quarreled, doubted and were swayed by false teachings too. Yet, God used them and continues to use us too.
The Good News:
- Jesus Christ is with us in the midst of the shaking and quaking times we face. Trouble does not mean that we are abandoned by God: God is with us.
Gospel: Luke 20:27-38
Challenges:
- How often at the death of loved ones do people say, "Well, she/he is now together with ________ (his/her already deceased spouse)." Jesus' words about a lack of marriage and giving in marriage
- It appears that what Jesus is talking about isn't "heaven" in the way that popular culture often thinks of it: pearly gates, clouds, harps, etc. (okay, maybe the harps). Instead Jesus is speaking about "that age" and "the resurrection of the dead," which seems to be something different.
- The interplay between all of the religious/political parties within 1st century Judaism can be very confusing. For some, keeping the Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, Jesus-people in order could be as difficult as keeping track of who-is-who on Game of Thrones or The Wire.
- This could be a good chance to talk about who the Sadducees were and how they related to Jesus and the Pharisees. A good Biblical history book will give you all the facts you need, but there's nothing like painting a picture for your hearers. In my mind these guys were the economic and religious elite: posh, snobby, and cynical. They didn't believe in the resurrection, but, hey, things were pretty good for them in the here-and-now, so why worry, eh? For all of their fights with Jesus, I prefer the Pharisees.
- Talking about the resurrection of the dead is not some abstract and academic endeavor. There are people within ear-shot of your sermon who have lost spouses. Your words will hit home in a very powerful way.
- I once preached this sermon in two separate, yet parallel parts: the first from the point of view of a Jerusalmite who would have overheard this argument and the second from my own point-of-view after the death of my grandfather. I believed this helped tie Jesus' argument into the here and now.
- God is the God of the living: there is indeed "life after death" although that's a misleading way of talking about it. Where there is God, there is life, abundant life.
- "The Resurrection" isn't just something that can make us say, 'Oh isn't that nice." It's really about the ultimate justice of God being realized. God wins. All of the systems of oppression and exploitation that have been set up in defiance of God will fall. They are temporary: God is forever.
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