Emphasis Preaching Journal

Contents
"Burying Hope" by Keith Hewitt


Burying Hope
Keith Hewitt
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15

“You know what I like about you? You have the craziest ideas,” Mike answered without waiting for a response.

“Thank you?” Nelson responded uncertainly, and placed a yardstick in the hole, did some quick mental calculations. “We need another six inches, to make sure it’s covered completely.” He stood up, brushed dirt off his knees, and looked at his friend; when he didn’t move right away, Nelson nodded toward the hole.

Remember the story of Robin Hood? Robin Hood was no common thief; he was a distinguished social savior serving as an agent of the proper redistribution of wealth. “I take from the rich and give to the poor,” he said. Robin Hood believed Nottinghamshire should be one big, happy family, and he patrolled the highways and byways to make it so for the children and the peasants.

Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
This was said to be President Ronald Reagan’s favorite joke. It’s a good one, but I think it also speaks to how we look at things.

There were twin boys about six years old. Worried that they had developed extreme personalities — one was a total pessimist, the other a total optimist — their parents took them to a doctor.

“No slave can serve two masters...you cannot serve God and money.” (v. 13)

Good morning children,

I’m so glad to see you. How are you? (children respond)

Our Sunday paper is so full of glossy magazine extras of various sorts, that it practically requires a wheel barrow to carry it all. I never get through all that is offered, but I do like to spend a leisurely hour or so reading some of the paper and flicking through the magazines, marvelling at the bizarre and flamboyant life-style apparently enjoyed by some people. Occasionally there are more serious articles as well and sometimes there can be quite a strange combination of articles, such as an article on diet immediately followed by several pages on chocolate cookery.

What is the most ludicrous business deal you ever got into (or out of) just in time?