Psalm 23
Ephesians 5:8-14
John 9:1-41
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Challenges:
Rather than be angry at Saul, I always feel a bit sorry for him. I know he doesn't fit into this story much (just at the beginning), but he matters. Also, you might want to provide some pronunciation helps for the lector as they read David's brothers' names: "Ee-lee-ab," "Ah-been-ah-dab," and "Shaw-mah."
Opportunities:
Great opportunity to talk about David. If there's a character from the Bible that just about EVERYONE knows (other than Jesus), it's David. People might not be aware of how important David is for the Jewish people: when it comes to "cool guys," David is the one. In the early days of Christianity, if you were going to call anyone "the Messiah" or "the Christ" people would probably have a picture of David in their mind. It is interesting to think of how Jesus matches up with David. He's not a great warrior, Scripture doesn't talk about his looks one way or another (while David has beautiful eyes, etc.), he doesn't have a palace, army or fortune. Yet, Jesus is the Savior of the World. Even though David dies in a palace, his family is at each other's throats. Jesus dies on a Cross in disgrace...but his death reconciles us with God. In many ways David's power is an example of the best that worldly power can offer...a mixed bag. Jesus, on the other hand, is a whole new ball-game.
The Good News:
I think I just shared the good news up in the opportunities section....hmmm.
Psalm: Psalm 23
Challenges:
Obviously this is very, very, VERY well known piece of scripture. It's spoken at funerals and oh-so-many other places. This might trip some people up: they'll think they know more than they really do. Also, depending on the particular wording of the translation you will be using in worship, if things are worded in a way that is different from what people are used to, it could be very distracting. This psalm evokes tremendous emotion: if it is said in an unfamiliar way, it could sap someone's emotion. Okay, maybe people get too comfortable and need to be confronted with differences, but just be ready for some kick-back!
Opportunities:
Much like John 3:16 (which we had two weeks ago) the 23rd Psalm is one of those "greatest hit" songs that you hear so often on the radio that it can drive you absolutely crazy. At the same time, it just very well might be a "greatest hit" for a very good reason. It is a psalm of trust...and let's face it: we need psalms of trust. My father, who is also a pastor, says that it is important that God does not build a highway AROUND the Valley of the Shadow of Death, but goes through it with us. For some other opportunities, I asked people via Facebook, "If you were listening to a sermon on the 23rd Psalm, what would you want to hear?" Here are some of the answers:
- I would want to hear what exactly God dwelling WITH us in our darkest times looks like? It isn't a bang. It isn't a big miracle or a complete erasing of the suffering. So, what exactly does God being there as a shepherd, abiding with us in our darkness, look like? And how is that redemptive?
- I would want to be reminded about the grace God gives to us every moment; even in the low times when we tend to push God aside or become angry -- He is there.
- What I want to hear is "What does it mean to sit at a table in the presence of my enemies?"
- I would want to be reminded to listen and follow. He can't lead me to all those wonderful places if I'm not following!
- Lately, just reflecting on the fact that all green pastures and still waters aside, there are still enemies present. God doesn't promise safety, but instead protection and sustenance in the midst of danger.
- ...because I have such a shepherd I shall not want....how does that play out..?
Over and over again, people wanted to hear about WHAT this psalm actually looks like in daily life. I BELIEVE THAT IS WHAT PEOPLE WANT TO HEAR AGAIN AND AGAIN WITH ALL OF OUR SERMONS.
The Good News:
Our trust in God can be stronger than our circumstances. Our relationship with God can be closer than our circumstances. When we are in need of any kind, God DOES NOT say "Good luck, you're on your own!" God is there with us. This is true throughout our life and even in our death. Even as we die, we know that God has been there before us and is also with us...yet another amazing thing about the Cross of Christ.
This psalm is attributed to David. He knew quite a few valleys where the shadow of death hung over him. The Valley of Elah, where David faced Goliath, is just one of them. I doubt he had written this psalm at that point, but the trust that this psalm shows is definitely there. David was an accomplished slinger and slings could throw a projectile 90 mph. That's enough to kill even a giant, if your projective hits the mark. But something had to steady his hand. Something had to give him the courage and poise to stand up to the giant killing machine in front of him. That was the Lord, the God of Israel.
This psalm is attributed to David. He knew quite a few valleys where the shadow of death hung over him. The Valley of Elah, where David faced Goliath, is just one of them. I doubt he had written this psalm at that point, but the trust that this psalm shows is definitely there. David was an accomplished slinger and slings could throw a projectile 90 mph. That's enough to kill even a giant, if your projective hits the mark. But something had to steady his hand. Something had to give him the courage and poise to stand up to the giant killing machine in front of him. That was the Lord, the God of Israel.
Second Lesson: Ephesians 5:8-14
Challenges:
Okay, I think this lesson is a lot like store-bought potato salad at a potluck meal. There's nothing wrong with store-bought potato salad, but you only have so much room on your plate and there are also deviled eggs, spinach and artichoke dip and oreo-dirt pudding....plus someone brought the sausages pieces that are wrapped in bacon. Dude. The potato salad will just have to wait for another time. There's nothing wrong with this passage, but hey, you could also preach on PSALM 23 or THE MAN BORN BLIND for crying out loud!
Opportunities:
When it comes to living a Godly life and producing fruit of the Spirit. I really like verse 10: "try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord." Why? Not to be saved, but rather because we are saved. I love my wife. And because I love my wife I want her to be happy. And if I want her to be happy, it makes me want to put the house in order, wash the dishes, and organize the mountain of papers on my desk in the computer room. When she comes home after a long day, she'll get to experience a clean house and that makes her happy. And I'm happy when she's happy. We're in a loving relationship. Why should we find out what is pleasing to the Lord? Because the idea of Jesus smiling makes me very happy.
The Good News:
"You ARE children of the light." BE WHO YOU ARE! God's been at work in you already! WAKE UP AND SMELL THE GRACIOUS LOVE OF GOD!
Gospel: John 9:1-41
Challenges:
And you thought the story of the Samaritan woman at the well was long! Better have everyone take a seat during the Gospel reading. There are all sorts of things that you could do to spruce this up, but in the end you might lose the attention of some people. It's just going to happen. The question is then, how do you win back their attention during your sermon?
Also, it might seem like this man was born blind as a part of God's cunning plan for the world. He's just a prop in God's magic show. If you are struggling with that (like I very much did!) listen to the Working Preacher Podcast by clicking here. It'll "open your eyes" and there won't even be any mud involved. (see what I did there?)
Also, it might seem like this man was born blind as a part of God's cunning plan for the world. He's just a prop in God's magic show. If you are struggling with that (like I very much did!) listen to the Working Preacher Podcast by clicking here. It'll "open your eyes" and there won't even be any mud involved. (see what I did there?)
Opportunities:
There are so many opportunities here, it's hard to know where to begin! You could explore the juxtaposition between the religious leaders and the man born blind. They go from a state of sight to a state of spiritual blindness. He heads in the opposite direction. I am interested by the fact that everyone in this story: disciples, the blind man, his parents, the synagogue leaders, etc. have something to be afraid of. They're getting pressure from above. The man and his parents are getting pressure from the community. The Pharisees, no doubt, feel like they have to be true to the covenant with God. They probably also feel pressure to keep the peace and not lose their religious authority. How do we deal with pressure that comes down the chain of command to us?
Also, I'm not even sure what to do with it, but the answers that the man born blind gives are just awesome: ""He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see." Delightfully straightforward. And then again, "I do not know whether this man is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." And then finally, "...why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to be his disciples?" There's almost a sense of comedy here. And then, when Jesus hunts him down after he's been kicked out of the synagogue and asks him if he believes in the "Son of Man" the man-who-was-formerly blind says "And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him." Again, simple, straightforward and not filled with any of the posturing we often see from people. In my more imaginative moments, I think I would have been friends with this former blind man.
One final thing, I don't know if it's "okay" to sing "Amazing Grace" during Lent, but we're going to anyway.
Also, I'm not even sure what to do with it, but the answers that the man born blind gives are just awesome: ""He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see." Delightfully straightforward. And then again, "I do not know whether this man is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." And then finally, "...why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to be his disciples?" There's almost a sense of comedy here. And then, when Jesus hunts him down after he's been kicked out of the synagogue and asks him if he believes in the "Son of Man" the man-who-was-formerly blind says "And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him." Again, simple, straightforward and not filled with any of the posturing we often see from people. In my more imaginative moments, I think I would have been friends with this former blind man.
One final thing, I don't know if it's "okay" to sing "Amazing Grace" during Lent, but we're going to anyway.
The Good News:
And I really resonate with the image of Jesus hunting him down when he finds out he's been kicked out. That's how Jesus rolls. That's good news.
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