Emphasis Contributors
Illustration Writers
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Timothy B. Cargal
Note: Originally published in 2003.
I don't know for a certainty that this story is in fact the origin of the saying, but with family roots in Texas you will understand why I was taught at a young age that it was. During the final hours of the siege of the Alamo, Colonel William B. Travis assembled the men under his command. General Santa Anna was flying the red flag of "no quarter," announcing that no prisoners would be taken, that every rebel would be killed when the mission-turned-fortress was taken by the Mexican army. Colonel Travis drew his sword, and with it etched a line in the sand of the Alamo's courtyard. Only those willing to face certain death if they failed were called to cross the line and join him for the final battle. After a tense moment of silence,...
I don't know for a certainty that this story is in fact the origin of the saying, but with family roots in Texas you will understand why I was taught at a young age that it was. During the final hours of the siege of the Alamo, Colonel William B. Travis assembled the men under his command. General Santa Anna was flying the red flag of "no quarter," announcing that no prisoners would be taken, that every rebel would be killed when the mission-turned-fortress was taken by the Mexican army. Colonel Travis drew his sword, and with it etched a line in the sand of the Alamo's courtyard. Only those willing to face certain death if they failed were called to cross the line and join him for the final battle. After a tense moment of silence,...
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” In this reading from the Book of Esther, we enter the story after Mordecai has spoken his most important message to Esther about her placement in the kingdom for such a times as this, a time to protect the Jewish people. Esther has been called to speak, to not remain silent. The memory of her actions, on behalf of her people, live on in all of us, all of us who are activists for the causes of justice in our days. High School valedictorian, Paxton Smith, this past June, determined that she could not speak silent. Whether or not we agree with her stance on the Texas restrictive law on abortion, we must admire her...
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” In this reading from the Book of Esther, we enter the story after Mordecai has spoken his most important message to Esther about her placement in the kingdom for such a times as this, a time to protect the Jewish people. Esther has been called to speak, to not remain silent. The memory of her actions, on behalf of her people, live on in all of us, all of us who are activists for the causes of justice in our days. High School valedictorian, Paxton Smith, this past June, determined that she could not speak silent. Whether or not we agree with her stance on the Texas restrictive law on abortion, we must admire her...
Lectionary Commentary and Sermon Illustrations
Emphasis Preaching Journal provides in-depth lectionary-based commentary on lectionary texts, plus thousands of sermon illustrations to help you create riveting sermons.For over 45 years, Emphasis has provided subscribers with scripturally sound, lectionary-based commentaries and sermon illustrations that connect with the people in the pews.
For each week, Emphasis writers delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you with several fresh, solid ideas -- based squarely on the lectionary texts -- for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. They look for overall themes that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the themes and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single idea each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, writers suggest several, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs.
