Second Sunday After The Epiphany
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle B
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) (C, E); 1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19 (RC)
Bernhard Anderson points out that SamuelÍs career marked the transition from the old type of charismatic leadership to the new prophetic leadership which, from this time on, played an outstanding role in IsraelÍs life. He described Samuel as ñthe greatest spiritual leader of Israel since the time of Moses.'' Samuel considered Saul to be the best hope the people had of being saved from the Philistines. So Samuel secretly anointed Saul as ñprince'' over the people. In this passage, Samuel is called by the Lord in an interesting way, according to the report. The word of the Lord was rare in those days, so we are told. Visions were few. Of course today we donÍt know exactly what to do with ñvisions,'' unless one is among those few persons claiming to have had same. My assumption is that a ñvision'' was in fact a vivid sense of GodÍs action in oneÍs life, or we might say, in oneÍs mind. I myself am among those many clergy who believe we were ñcalled'' into ministry. ñVision'' doesnÍt exactly describe my experience, yet I recall ebbing and flowing, as it were, in the early days of my own decision-making. How literally one may choose to read this report, we can perhaps agree that young Samuel was sensing a spiritual calling from which he could not turn, to which he knew deep down he must respond.
Do you believe in such a call? I would guess most clergy do, though I know one or two who do not. What about a ñcall'' to other vocations? Is one ñcalled'' to medicine, to law, to teaching? I have a stepdaughter who went away to college three years ago planning to get a degree in business administration, then to go on for an MBA, following which she wished to go into business. One night she called to say she felt led to change her mind, that she is to become a teacher of small children. It cost an extra semester of college, but she has no doubts that God wants this of her. Likewise, her sister planned to go into medicine. But she too, now heading off for college, has reported that she also feels called to teach in elementary school. ThatÍs what her mother, my wife, does, but we all accept the belief that this was a call from God.
Would God call someone to be a carpenter? A plumber? An insurance salesperson? It would certainly provide a great sense of mission in any vocation if one could believe this.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (C); 1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20 (RC); 1 Corinthians 6:11b-20 (E)
This is an important word for our time. ñAvoid immorality.'' The idea that the body ñis the temple of the Holy Spirit'' is a nearly forgotten idea. This would be a splendid sermon topic. However, one must be careful not to sound too preachy. The people who already agree will nod heartfelt agreement, but many of them will be thinking of illicit sex, street crime, abuse of spouse or children, and so forth. Well and good. But let us not forget that there are more subtle forms of immorality, such as gossip, judging, disregard of the plight of the down and out, expressions of superiority toward other ethnic groups, and so forth. I suspect Paul had sex offenses in mind, since we know Paul greatly disliked such things. But while he primarily related immorality to those offenses which abuse the body, I would think a sermon should contain a reminder of the broader application as well.
Having said all the above, it is certainly true that this applies to smoking, abuse of drugs and alcohol, lifestyles in general which ignore basic knowledge about diet and exercise, and other wise precautions which lead to good health. And, we must be careful not to act as though we are medical people, nor exercise physiologists. For Paul, the ñbottom line'' is that we are to use our bodies ñfor GodÍs glory.''
Gospel: John 1:43-51 (C, E); John 1:35-42 (RC)
John the Baptist recognizes Jesus as ñthe Lamb of God,'' a reference to the coming sacrifice, I suppose. Jesus now calls some of his apostles and confounds them with his ability to foresee events. Jesus quickly brushes this aside with the promise that far more wonderful events lie ahead for those who follow him. Probably in reference to JacobÍs well-known dream about a ladder to heaven, Jesus promises that they will see angels ñgoing up and coming down on the Son of Man.'' This wording falls somewhat clumsily on twenty-first century ears, but surely employs familiar poetic imagery, or what were probably colloquial figures of speech, to hold forth the assurance that a sense of heaven will be theirs as part of the experience of seeing that which Jesus came to reveal.
Preaching possibilities could lie in reference to Jesus as ñLamb of God'' (sacrifice), or angels „ weÍll deal with that later „ or JesusÍ seeming ability to see beyond the immediate. My choice, though, would be to preach on the promise of ñyou will see heaven.''
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñAll Who Love And Serve''
Text: 1 Samuel 3:1-10
Theme: Samuel, like so many people reported to us by the Old Testament, felt that God was calling him to a mission. In our Gospel text from John, we have the report of JesusÍ calling of some of his apostles. Does this happen today? I think it does.
1. Each of us has an array of talents, abilities, and limitations. Likewise, the world has the need for an extensive variety of vocations, jobs. WeÍre certainly not all alike.
2. One kind of calling is that of a church-related vocation. This needs to be emphasized, as there may be someone out there who needs to hear this word. The Church requires many different personality types for its work. IÍm an extrovert and terrible at details. Two of my very good friends in ministry are introverts and are very good at details. Our sermons are quite different, our church management style different as well. Yet all of us feel good about our lives in ministry.
3. God probably doesnÍt call many people to some specific vocation, but by virtue of the particular assortment of gifts we have received, God surely does lead us into certain types of vocation. For example, I have a stepdaughter who would be equally good as a teacher, a minister, a marriage counselor, or a youth worker. But she is definitely prepared for some sort of serving vocation helping people. But Bill Gates was probably called to develop computers. Audie Murphy (AmericaÍs most decorated soldier) was probably called to play a major role in defeating Hitler. And so forth.
4. Whatever we do with our lives, I think God wants us to utilize our talents for the good of others, whether we work in a factory, an office, a field, or a church. Insofar as we do our work with that intention in mind, intending also to live by a set of high moral standards, God will bless us in our work and enable us to be successful in the good sense of that word.
Title: ñLiving The Truth''
Text: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Theme: ñYou do not belong to yourselves but to God.'' What a profound thought. IÍm here for a purpose. To glorify God, yes. But what does that mean? DoesnÍt it mean, at least in part, working to make this human venture a success? And doesnÍt Jesus make it clear that we must do this in the real world, using what we have been given in order to accomplish what God seems to want us to do? If so, the more I abuse or misuse my body, the less I am able to fulfill my calling in life. Furthermore, any immorality on my part hurts not only me but the people who love me and, in fact, everyone with whom I come in contact.
1. As a Christian, I am to see to my own good bodily health. This means avoidance of dissipation (smoking, substance abuse, poor dietary habits, lack of healthy exercise, and so forth).
2. As a Christian, I am called to accept some responsibility for the welfare of other people. ñBear one anotherÍs burdens,'' wrote Paul, ñand so fulfill the law of Christ.'' To do this, I will have to be careful of my own physical and mental health.
3. As a Christian, I am to respect people enough not to set temptation in their way.
4. As a Christian, I am to be a trustworthy member of my community, making a contribution. And to do this, I am to witness to my faith, but without infringing other peopleÍs rights to their own faith. I can only do this by living a moral life before others.
5. As a Christian, in pursuit of the above, I have an obligation to do something for other people in their times of need. I suppose we could say that to ignore this responsibility would in itself be an immoral failure.
Title: ñA Bright And Shining Day''
Text: John 1:51
Theme: John Bright in his classic treatment of The Kingdom Of God wrote: ñIt lies at the very heart of the gospel message to affirm that the Kingdom of God has in a real sense become present fact here and now.'' Whatever ñheaven'' may be, it is certain that it is not a place but is a state of being. Jesus was speaking to this man Nathanael (who incidentally is never mentioned in the other three Gospels, but appears in John again in chapter 21) and was phrasing himself in the thought forms of the time. We neednÍt be concerned with the figure of speech here, of the ladder and all, since Jesus was clearly referring to an Old Testament story no doubt well known to Nathanael. What is important is that in our association with Jesus, if we are willing to follow him, we will begin to experience what the New Testament means by the word ñheaven.''
1. Through Christ is to be found a new sense of inner happiness. Jesus said, ñI tell you this that my joy may be in you.'' One hopes that those of us who preach this word have first experienced something of its truth.
2. This inner joy creates hope for the future, both our literal tomorrow as we face lifeÍs many problems and the Tomorrow of a distant future.
3. In 1 John we read that ñGod is love.'' We read that ñWe know we pass from death into life because we love ...'' In other words, there can be no ñheaven'' except there also be love. Agape love. The love we are able to give to others even when we donÍt feel like it, even for the person we may dislike, even „ for this is true agape „ the one who hurts us deeply.
4. This inner new life of joy and love gives us confidence in facing whatever life may demand from us. There will, of course, be suffering. There will be anxiety, guilt, fear, pain, grief, disappointment, rejection. I doubt that a single person makes it through a full life without facing and dealing with all of these, more than once. Yet the joy of Christ can overcome these troubles.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
In Little Lord Fauntleroy, the old grandfather is a ruthless old curmudgeon, heartless toward the poor. His little grandson comes to live with him and loves the old man. The boy also cares about the poor. Slowly, the grandfather begins to change as he realizes the boy does love him despite his terrible ways, and the boy never judges him. And the grandfather, wanting very much to deserve such unqualified love, begins to change. As he sees his grandsonÍs concern for the poor, he begins to share that concern. Finally, the old man is a completely changed person because of one personÍs accepting love.
____________
The empress of Russia once attended the theater on a wintry night and wept at the sadness she saw depicted on stage. Meanwhile, her coach driver, whom she had ordered to remain with the coach at the curb, froze to death.
____________
Bishop Gerald Kennedy told of a woman who was very critical of her neighbor. She disapproved of the manner in which the neighbor raised her children, the way she maintained her home. Constantly, the woman complained about the neighbor. One day she was telling this to a visitor. She looked out her window at the neighborÍs wash hanging on a clothesline. ñLook,'' she said, ñthereÍs an example right there. Look how dirty that laundry is, all streaked with dirt.'' The visitor gently said, ñMy dear, itÍs your window thatÍs streaked with dirt.''
____________
On the coast of Scotland thereÍs a lighthouse known as ñOld WilliamÍs Light.'' Many years ago, in the era of sailing ships, an old man, William, maintained that light. He only came to town twice a week: Wednesdays to buy supplies, and Sundays to go to church. But one week the old man didnÍt arrive as usual. Some townspeople went to the lighthouse to see what had happened. They found old William at the top of the tower with a broken leg. He died the next day. They learned from him that he had fallen on some rocks below and broken his leg. But as night drew near, he painfully dragged himself up the steep stairs and lighted the light. Because he believed this job was his calling, he believed that light must be lit.
A few days later, a well-dressed man approached the town leaders and said he would like to build a monument to old William. He explained that he had been on a sailing ship the night William had fallen, and the shipÍs captain had told the passengers to be ready to swim for it, as the darkness was closing in, a storm was blowing, and he could no longer see the rocks. But just then, the light had been lighted. Now that he knew WilliamÍs story, he said, ñFor the first time I know what it means to say that someone died that I might live.''
„ Told by Gerald Kennedy
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (C) „ The inescapable God.
Psalm 39 (RC) „ Prayer for wisdom and forgiveness.
Psalm 63:1-8 (E) „ Song of trust in God alone.
Prayer Of The Day
Eternal God, we come to you in frank confession that we have fallen short of those lofty goals which you have set before us. Yet, in those times when we confront ourselves as we have become, we realize the urgent need for forgiveness and for assistance, as again we pledge to reach for those goals. Enable us then, we pray, as we embark on the newness of life which has been given us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) (C, E); 1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19 (RC)
Bernhard Anderson points out that SamuelÍs career marked the transition from the old type of charismatic leadership to the new prophetic leadership which, from this time on, played an outstanding role in IsraelÍs life. He described Samuel as ñthe greatest spiritual leader of Israel since the time of Moses.'' Samuel considered Saul to be the best hope the people had of being saved from the Philistines. So Samuel secretly anointed Saul as ñprince'' over the people. In this passage, Samuel is called by the Lord in an interesting way, according to the report. The word of the Lord was rare in those days, so we are told. Visions were few. Of course today we donÍt know exactly what to do with ñvisions,'' unless one is among those few persons claiming to have had same. My assumption is that a ñvision'' was in fact a vivid sense of GodÍs action in oneÍs life, or we might say, in oneÍs mind. I myself am among those many clergy who believe we were ñcalled'' into ministry. ñVision'' doesnÍt exactly describe my experience, yet I recall ebbing and flowing, as it were, in the early days of my own decision-making. How literally one may choose to read this report, we can perhaps agree that young Samuel was sensing a spiritual calling from which he could not turn, to which he knew deep down he must respond.
Do you believe in such a call? I would guess most clergy do, though I know one or two who do not. What about a ñcall'' to other vocations? Is one ñcalled'' to medicine, to law, to teaching? I have a stepdaughter who went away to college three years ago planning to get a degree in business administration, then to go on for an MBA, following which she wished to go into business. One night she called to say she felt led to change her mind, that she is to become a teacher of small children. It cost an extra semester of college, but she has no doubts that God wants this of her. Likewise, her sister planned to go into medicine. But she too, now heading off for college, has reported that she also feels called to teach in elementary school. ThatÍs what her mother, my wife, does, but we all accept the belief that this was a call from God.
Would God call someone to be a carpenter? A plumber? An insurance salesperson? It would certainly provide a great sense of mission in any vocation if one could believe this.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (C); 1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20 (RC); 1 Corinthians 6:11b-20 (E)
This is an important word for our time. ñAvoid immorality.'' The idea that the body ñis the temple of the Holy Spirit'' is a nearly forgotten idea. This would be a splendid sermon topic. However, one must be careful not to sound too preachy. The people who already agree will nod heartfelt agreement, but many of them will be thinking of illicit sex, street crime, abuse of spouse or children, and so forth. Well and good. But let us not forget that there are more subtle forms of immorality, such as gossip, judging, disregard of the plight of the down and out, expressions of superiority toward other ethnic groups, and so forth. I suspect Paul had sex offenses in mind, since we know Paul greatly disliked such things. But while he primarily related immorality to those offenses which abuse the body, I would think a sermon should contain a reminder of the broader application as well.
Having said all the above, it is certainly true that this applies to smoking, abuse of drugs and alcohol, lifestyles in general which ignore basic knowledge about diet and exercise, and other wise precautions which lead to good health. And, we must be careful not to act as though we are medical people, nor exercise physiologists. For Paul, the ñbottom line'' is that we are to use our bodies ñfor GodÍs glory.''
Gospel: John 1:43-51 (C, E); John 1:35-42 (RC)
John the Baptist recognizes Jesus as ñthe Lamb of God,'' a reference to the coming sacrifice, I suppose. Jesus now calls some of his apostles and confounds them with his ability to foresee events. Jesus quickly brushes this aside with the promise that far more wonderful events lie ahead for those who follow him. Probably in reference to JacobÍs well-known dream about a ladder to heaven, Jesus promises that they will see angels ñgoing up and coming down on the Son of Man.'' This wording falls somewhat clumsily on twenty-first century ears, but surely employs familiar poetic imagery, or what were probably colloquial figures of speech, to hold forth the assurance that a sense of heaven will be theirs as part of the experience of seeing that which Jesus came to reveal.
Preaching possibilities could lie in reference to Jesus as ñLamb of God'' (sacrifice), or angels „ weÍll deal with that later „ or JesusÍ seeming ability to see beyond the immediate. My choice, though, would be to preach on the promise of ñyou will see heaven.''
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñAll Who Love And Serve''
Text: 1 Samuel 3:1-10
Theme: Samuel, like so many people reported to us by the Old Testament, felt that God was calling him to a mission. In our Gospel text from John, we have the report of JesusÍ calling of some of his apostles. Does this happen today? I think it does.
1. Each of us has an array of talents, abilities, and limitations. Likewise, the world has the need for an extensive variety of vocations, jobs. WeÍre certainly not all alike.
2. One kind of calling is that of a church-related vocation. This needs to be emphasized, as there may be someone out there who needs to hear this word. The Church requires many different personality types for its work. IÍm an extrovert and terrible at details. Two of my very good friends in ministry are introverts and are very good at details. Our sermons are quite different, our church management style different as well. Yet all of us feel good about our lives in ministry.
3. God probably doesnÍt call many people to some specific vocation, but by virtue of the particular assortment of gifts we have received, God surely does lead us into certain types of vocation. For example, I have a stepdaughter who would be equally good as a teacher, a minister, a marriage counselor, or a youth worker. But she is definitely prepared for some sort of serving vocation helping people. But Bill Gates was probably called to develop computers. Audie Murphy (AmericaÍs most decorated soldier) was probably called to play a major role in defeating Hitler. And so forth.
4. Whatever we do with our lives, I think God wants us to utilize our talents for the good of others, whether we work in a factory, an office, a field, or a church. Insofar as we do our work with that intention in mind, intending also to live by a set of high moral standards, God will bless us in our work and enable us to be successful in the good sense of that word.
Title: ñLiving The Truth''
Text: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Theme: ñYou do not belong to yourselves but to God.'' What a profound thought. IÍm here for a purpose. To glorify God, yes. But what does that mean? DoesnÍt it mean, at least in part, working to make this human venture a success? And doesnÍt Jesus make it clear that we must do this in the real world, using what we have been given in order to accomplish what God seems to want us to do? If so, the more I abuse or misuse my body, the less I am able to fulfill my calling in life. Furthermore, any immorality on my part hurts not only me but the people who love me and, in fact, everyone with whom I come in contact.
1. As a Christian, I am to see to my own good bodily health. This means avoidance of dissipation (smoking, substance abuse, poor dietary habits, lack of healthy exercise, and so forth).
2. As a Christian, I am called to accept some responsibility for the welfare of other people. ñBear one anotherÍs burdens,'' wrote Paul, ñand so fulfill the law of Christ.'' To do this, I will have to be careful of my own physical and mental health.
3. As a Christian, I am to respect people enough not to set temptation in their way.
4. As a Christian, I am to be a trustworthy member of my community, making a contribution. And to do this, I am to witness to my faith, but without infringing other peopleÍs rights to their own faith. I can only do this by living a moral life before others.
5. As a Christian, in pursuit of the above, I have an obligation to do something for other people in their times of need. I suppose we could say that to ignore this responsibility would in itself be an immoral failure.
Title: ñA Bright And Shining Day''
Text: John 1:51
Theme: John Bright in his classic treatment of The Kingdom Of God wrote: ñIt lies at the very heart of the gospel message to affirm that the Kingdom of God has in a real sense become present fact here and now.'' Whatever ñheaven'' may be, it is certain that it is not a place but is a state of being. Jesus was speaking to this man Nathanael (who incidentally is never mentioned in the other three Gospels, but appears in John again in chapter 21) and was phrasing himself in the thought forms of the time. We neednÍt be concerned with the figure of speech here, of the ladder and all, since Jesus was clearly referring to an Old Testament story no doubt well known to Nathanael. What is important is that in our association with Jesus, if we are willing to follow him, we will begin to experience what the New Testament means by the word ñheaven.''
1. Through Christ is to be found a new sense of inner happiness. Jesus said, ñI tell you this that my joy may be in you.'' One hopes that those of us who preach this word have first experienced something of its truth.
2. This inner joy creates hope for the future, both our literal tomorrow as we face lifeÍs many problems and the Tomorrow of a distant future.
3. In 1 John we read that ñGod is love.'' We read that ñWe know we pass from death into life because we love ...'' In other words, there can be no ñheaven'' except there also be love. Agape love. The love we are able to give to others even when we donÍt feel like it, even for the person we may dislike, even „ for this is true agape „ the one who hurts us deeply.
4. This inner new life of joy and love gives us confidence in facing whatever life may demand from us. There will, of course, be suffering. There will be anxiety, guilt, fear, pain, grief, disappointment, rejection. I doubt that a single person makes it through a full life without facing and dealing with all of these, more than once. Yet the joy of Christ can overcome these troubles.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
In Little Lord Fauntleroy, the old grandfather is a ruthless old curmudgeon, heartless toward the poor. His little grandson comes to live with him and loves the old man. The boy also cares about the poor. Slowly, the grandfather begins to change as he realizes the boy does love him despite his terrible ways, and the boy never judges him. And the grandfather, wanting very much to deserve such unqualified love, begins to change. As he sees his grandsonÍs concern for the poor, he begins to share that concern. Finally, the old man is a completely changed person because of one personÍs accepting love.
____________
The empress of Russia once attended the theater on a wintry night and wept at the sadness she saw depicted on stage. Meanwhile, her coach driver, whom she had ordered to remain with the coach at the curb, froze to death.
____________
Bishop Gerald Kennedy told of a woman who was very critical of her neighbor. She disapproved of the manner in which the neighbor raised her children, the way she maintained her home. Constantly, the woman complained about the neighbor. One day she was telling this to a visitor. She looked out her window at the neighborÍs wash hanging on a clothesline. ñLook,'' she said, ñthereÍs an example right there. Look how dirty that laundry is, all streaked with dirt.'' The visitor gently said, ñMy dear, itÍs your window thatÍs streaked with dirt.''
____________
On the coast of Scotland thereÍs a lighthouse known as ñOld WilliamÍs Light.'' Many years ago, in the era of sailing ships, an old man, William, maintained that light. He only came to town twice a week: Wednesdays to buy supplies, and Sundays to go to church. But one week the old man didnÍt arrive as usual. Some townspeople went to the lighthouse to see what had happened. They found old William at the top of the tower with a broken leg. He died the next day. They learned from him that he had fallen on some rocks below and broken his leg. But as night drew near, he painfully dragged himself up the steep stairs and lighted the light. Because he believed this job was his calling, he believed that light must be lit.
A few days later, a well-dressed man approached the town leaders and said he would like to build a monument to old William. He explained that he had been on a sailing ship the night William had fallen, and the shipÍs captain had told the passengers to be ready to swim for it, as the darkness was closing in, a storm was blowing, and he could no longer see the rocks. But just then, the light had been lighted. Now that he knew WilliamÍs story, he said, ñFor the first time I know what it means to say that someone died that I might live.''
„ Told by Gerald Kennedy
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (C) „ The inescapable God.
Psalm 39 (RC) „ Prayer for wisdom and forgiveness.
Psalm 63:1-8 (E) „ Song of trust in God alone.
Prayer Of The Day
Eternal God, we come to you in frank confession that we have fallen short of those lofty goals which you have set before us. Yet, in those times when we confront ourselves as we have become, we realize the urgent need for forgiveness and for assistance, as again we pledge to reach for those goals. Enable us then, we pray, as we embark on the newness of life which has been given us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
