Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2012)
Illustration
Object:
Women! 4 Positions Open
Palms' Inn & Supper Club
Benefits: Salary and benefits, attractive uniform, honor and respect
Overseer
Strong work ethics
Confident
Well-informed
No sour grapes: smile and laugh
Head of Accounting and Management
Accountable for handling money honestly
Balance books and invest wisely
Able to trade for profit
Able to purchase real estate
Hospitality
Purchase domestic and foreign items
Create a tasty variety of menu offerings
Hostess for special events
Oversee inn's vineyards
Housekeeping
See staff is dressed in clean uniforms
Oversee creation and sale of clothing for inn's gift shop
Teach others to weave and spin
Instruct staff in all household affairs
Uplift and speak well of others
Apply a tonic of positive reinforcement
Work Hours
Dawn to closing
End of day provide leftovers to poor
Stay for clean up
Cynthia C.
Proverbs 31:10-31
Doesn't quite sound like Sharia law, though it leaves husband at the city gates getting compliments for marrying such a jewel! It doesn't say what he does for the family! One of the problems today, when women go to work and bring home half the bacon, is that they may resent having to do all the work around the house when they come home. It can help the relationship if the husband helps out and also if he is free with his compliments for her part of the family support. Don't just brag at the city gates. This has been a sore point in some of my marital counseling. I like to ask: "What would Jesus do?" If we are to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, how much more should we give support and love to the one we have married?
Bob O.
Proverbs 31:10-31
The harbor in Charleston, South Carolina, has engaged in a $15 million project to deepen the channel from 45 feet to 50 feet. The urgency of this project is that once the deepening of the channel for the Panama Canal is complete, Charleston will be the recipient of a significant increase in cargo ships. If the Charleston channel is not lowered by just five feet, the economic benefits of the Panama Canal project will be lost to the city and the state.
Application: Proverbs speaks of the wonderful attributes of a fine wife, which is equally applicable to a husband. One of the outstanding traits is the ability to "open her mouth with wisdom." Wisdom is the deepening channel of understanding, which is profitable for all.
Ron L.
Proverbs 31:10-31
The book of Proverbs begins with wisdom personified as a woman, and it ends with a canticle of praise to the excellent wife. Throughout the ages and across religious traditions, the feminine has been a vital principle through which to perceive the full character of God. In Taoism, the feminine is the yin to the masculine yang; this generates and structures the interrelatedness of all of life. In the Hebrew creation story of Genesis 2, Adam is not complete until Eve stands by his side. In agrarian cultures throughout the ages, it is often a goddess who is responsible for the fertility of the fields and the herds. To honor woman, who is created in the image of God (Genesis 1), is to honor God. Woman -- Sophia, the excellent wife, who fears the Lord -- is worthy of praise and guides our sense of what is worthy to pursue, namely our relationship with God.
Mark M.
James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a
Envy is destructive. The evil stepmother of Snow White actually killed her out of envy. Wise people are not envious. By the grace of God they are wise enough to know what the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus once wrote: "Why envy another, why make ourselves miserable, when his or her happiness won't last as long as our misery?"
Wisdom knows it's "here today, gone tomorrow." Why envy people about things that won't last long? Unlike the things really important to God, their beauty, their power, their fame, and their wealth will not last forever, for they can't take it with them.
Mark E.
James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a
Herman Wouk, the novelist who wrote such best-sellers as The Caine Mutiny, Marjorie Morningstar, The Winds of War, War and Remembrance, and The Hope and the Glory, also wrote an autobiography titled The Will to Live. Wouk was an Orthodox Jew, a lay person who read daily the Torah, the Hebrew Bible, and also the Talmud, its main commentary.
In his autobiography Wouk tells of a rabbi friend of his who usually visited him two or three times a year. No sooner does the rabbi arrive in Wouk's home when straight off he asks, "Wouk, what are you learning?"
The writer of the Letter of James understands such a question. Humility, and a desire to be open to new truth, is a sign of a wise person, one who is led by the Holy Spirit. Or as James says it: "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy" (James 3:17).
Richard H.
Mark 9:30-37
The Washington Post did a review of books about the Titanic on the 100th anniversary of its sinking. But in its review the newspaper made a factual error. The paper reported the Titanic hit the iceberg on April 15, when it in fact was just prior to midnight on April 14.
The fifth-graders at Burning Tree Elementary School in Bethesda, Maryland, sent The Washington Post a correction letter. The notice came on the world's largest correction letter ever sent. The letter was several feet wide and as tall as a man. It was printed in large block letters. But, the Post noted, the letter was polite, clear, and correct in its facts. The Post editors said they could only wish that more public comments came like this.
Application: Mark discusses individuals who innocently misunderstand the message of Jesus. Jesus does not correct them harshly but provides an additional teaching and an example so they may understand.
Ron L.
Mark 9:30-37
The children of Shepherd's Preschool loved being leaders. Each Friday a child was chosen to lead the group upstairs for pastoral devotions. Marching into the sanctuary, they'd sing, "We're following the leader, the leader, the leader. We're following the leader wherever they may go." Then plop! Down they'd go, shifting for position in front of their beloved pastor.
After serving this congregation for 19 years, Pastor was going to retire. At ages 3 and 4, the children struggled to understand his leaving.
"Are you going to another church? Can we come to see you? Don't you like us any more? What's retirement? Who's going to be our pastor now?"
They'd heard their parents say, "We're happy for you, Pastor, but sad for us." Then from the back row came the question "Pastor, will you still be a Christian?"
Cynthia C.
Mark 9:30-37
I went with a friend to a gigantic healing service in Sacramento years ago. There were posters all over town and ads on the radio and TV encouraging everyone to come. What a contrast to Jesus warning to his disciples to tell no one where they were. He never promoted crowds for his meetings. In fact he rarely told anyone of his coming. They found out almost by accident and came out in droves. He was setting an example that his disciples missed. They were arguing who would be the greatest among them! Look how many are filling the airwaves with ads on how they would be the best president -- or the best bishop or head of the Ladies Aid. Why can't we just teach God's little ones about his love and humbleness? He told those he healed to tell no one. His ways are not our ways!
Bob O.
Mark 9:30-37
Jesus probably had a home base in Capernaum, which no doubt involved a house. He wasn't always on the road. But this day on the road, before they arrived home, the disciples had a conversation about greatness. Years ago, renowned boxer, Muhammad Ali spouted off to the world, "I am the greatest." Weezer, an alternative rock band, sings the song "I Am the Greatest Man that Ever Lived." Among the lyrics are these: "I can't help myself because I was born to shine / And if you don't like it, you can shove it / But you don't like it, you love it / So I'll be up here in a rage / 'Til they bring the curtain down on the stage." Kenny Rogers sings a song, "I am the Greatest," about a boy with a bat and ball who says that about himself but keeps missing the ball. Then he learns that he can pitch, even though he can't hit. There is something in all of us that wants to be the greatest at something. Take a load off. Sit down on the sofa in the house. Jesus has something to say to you.
Mark M.
Palms' Inn & Supper Club
Benefits: Salary and benefits, attractive uniform, honor and respect
Overseer
Strong work ethics
Confident
Well-informed
No sour grapes: smile and laugh
Head of Accounting and Management
Accountable for handling money honestly
Balance books and invest wisely
Able to trade for profit
Able to purchase real estate
Hospitality
Purchase domestic and foreign items
Create a tasty variety of menu offerings
Hostess for special events
Oversee inn's vineyards
Housekeeping
See staff is dressed in clean uniforms
Oversee creation and sale of clothing for inn's gift shop
Teach others to weave and spin
Instruct staff in all household affairs
Uplift and speak well of others
Apply a tonic of positive reinforcement
Work Hours
Dawn to closing
End of day provide leftovers to poor
Stay for clean up
Cynthia C.
Proverbs 31:10-31
Doesn't quite sound like Sharia law, though it leaves husband at the city gates getting compliments for marrying such a jewel! It doesn't say what he does for the family! One of the problems today, when women go to work and bring home half the bacon, is that they may resent having to do all the work around the house when they come home. It can help the relationship if the husband helps out and also if he is free with his compliments for her part of the family support. Don't just brag at the city gates. This has been a sore point in some of my marital counseling. I like to ask: "What would Jesus do?" If we are to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, how much more should we give support and love to the one we have married?
Bob O.
Proverbs 31:10-31
The harbor in Charleston, South Carolina, has engaged in a $15 million project to deepen the channel from 45 feet to 50 feet. The urgency of this project is that once the deepening of the channel for the Panama Canal is complete, Charleston will be the recipient of a significant increase in cargo ships. If the Charleston channel is not lowered by just five feet, the economic benefits of the Panama Canal project will be lost to the city and the state.
Application: Proverbs speaks of the wonderful attributes of a fine wife, which is equally applicable to a husband. One of the outstanding traits is the ability to "open her mouth with wisdom." Wisdom is the deepening channel of understanding, which is profitable for all.
Ron L.
Proverbs 31:10-31
The book of Proverbs begins with wisdom personified as a woman, and it ends with a canticle of praise to the excellent wife. Throughout the ages and across religious traditions, the feminine has been a vital principle through which to perceive the full character of God. In Taoism, the feminine is the yin to the masculine yang; this generates and structures the interrelatedness of all of life. In the Hebrew creation story of Genesis 2, Adam is not complete until Eve stands by his side. In agrarian cultures throughout the ages, it is often a goddess who is responsible for the fertility of the fields and the herds. To honor woman, who is created in the image of God (Genesis 1), is to honor God. Woman -- Sophia, the excellent wife, who fears the Lord -- is worthy of praise and guides our sense of what is worthy to pursue, namely our relationship with God.
Mark M.
James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a
Envy is destructive. The evil stepmother of Snow White actually killed her out of envy. Wise people are not envious. By the grace of God they are wise enough to know what the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus once wrote: "Why envy another, why make ourselves miserable, when his or her happiness won't last as long as our misery?"
Wisdom knows it's "here today, gone tomorrow." Why envy people about things that won't last long? Unlike the things really important to God, their beauty, their power, their fame, and their wealth will not last forever, for they can't take it with them.
Mark E.
James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a
Herman Wouk, the novelist who wrote such best-sellers as The Caine Mutiny, Marjorie Morningstar, The Winds of War, War and Remembrance, and The Hope and the Glory, also wrote an autobiography titled The Will to Live. Wouk was an Orthodox Jew, a lay person who read daily the Torah, the Hebrew Bible, and also the Talmud, its main commentary.
In his autobiography Wouk tells of a rabbi friend of his who usually visited him two or three times a year. No sooner does the rabbi arrive in Wouk's home when straight off he asks, "Wouk, what are you learning?"
The writer of the Letter of James understands such a question. Humility, and a desire to be open to new truth, is a sign of a wise person, one who is led by the Holy Spirit. Or as James says it: "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy" (James 3:17).
Richard H.
Mark 9:30-37
The Washington Post did a review of books about the Titanic on the 100th anniversary of its sinking. But in its review the newspaper made a factual error. The paper reported the Titanic hit the iceberg on April 15, when it in fact was just prior to midnight on April 14.
The fifth-graders at Burning Tree Elementary School in Bethesda, Maryland, sent The Washington Post a correction letter. The notice came on the world's largest correction letter ever sent. The letter was several feet wide and as tall as a man. It was printed in large block letters. But, the Post noted, the letter was polite, clear, and correct in its facts. The Post editors said they could only wish that more public comments came like this.
Application: Mark discusses individuals who innocently misunderstand the message of Jesus. Jesus does not correct them harshly but provides an additional teaching and an example so they may understand.
Ron L.
Mark 9:30-37
The children of Shepherd's Preschool loved being leaders. Each Friday a child was chosen to lead the group upstairs for pastoral devotions. Marching into the sanctuary, they'd sing, "We're following the leader, the leader, the leader. We're following the leader wherever they may go." Then plop! Down they'd go, shifting for position in front of their beloved pastor.
After serving this congregation for 19 years, Pastor was going to retire. At ages 3 and 4, the children struggled to understand his leaving.
"Are you going to another church? Can we come to see you? Don't you like us any more? What's retirement? Who's going to be our pastor now?"
They'd heard their parents say, "We're happy for you, Pastor, but sad for us." Then from the back row came the question "Pastor, will you still be a Christian?"
Cynthia C.
Mark 9:30-37
I went with a friend to a gigantic healing service in Sacramento years ago. There were posters all over town and ads on the radio and TV encouraging everyone to come. What a contrast to Jesus warning to his disciples to tell no one where they were. He never promoted crowds for his meetings. In fact he rarely told anyone of his coming. They found out almost by accident and came out in droves. He was setting an example that his disciples missed. They were arguing who would be the greatest among them! Look how many are filling the airwaves with ads on how they would be the best president -- or the best bishop or head of the Ladies Aid. Why can't we just teach God's little ones about his love and humbleness? He told those he healed to tell no one. His ways are not our ways!
Bob O.
Mark 9:30-37
Jesus probably had a home base in Capernaum, which no doubt involved a house. He wasn't always on the road. But this day on the road, before they arrived home, the disciples had a conversation about greatness. Years ago, renowned boxer, Muhammad Ali spouted off to the world, "I am the greatest." Weezer, an alternative rock band, sings the song "I Am the Greatest Man that Ever Lived." Among the lyrics are these: "I can't help myself because I was born to shine / And if you don't like it, you can shove it / But you don't like it, you love it / So I'll be up here in a rage / 'Til they bring the curtain down on the stage." Kenny Rogers sings a song, "I am the Greatest," about a boy with a bat and ball who says that about himself but keeps missing the ball. Then he learns that he can pitch, even though he can't hit. There is something in all of us that wants to be the greatest at something. Take a load off. Sit down on the sofa in the house. Jesus has something to say to you.
Mark M.
