Commentary posted on October 30, 2017

Proper 26A Sermon Commentary

 

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Matthew 23:1-12 Sermon Commentary

Proper 26A

Matthew 23 indicates that pastors (i.e., most of us reading this commentary) need to be wary of the titles people afford us.  Although neither “Reverend” nor “Pastor” is specifically mentioned in Matthew 23, only a very wily preacher would ever suggest this indicates that those titles are exempt from Jesus’ comments.  So what are we…

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Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 Sermon Commentary

Proper 26A

Though it is the first Psalm in Book V of the Psalter, Psalm 107 seems to be a continuation of the historical Psalms that ended Book IV, the end of a trilogy that includes Psalm 105 and 106.  All these Psalms sing the praises of the God who acts in history for his people.  Psalm…

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1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Sermon Commentary

Proper 26A

We preachers need to be careful.  When someone catches us at the church door to disagree with our sermon some Sunday, it is tempting to say “Hey, your quarrel is not with me but with God.  I was just preaching God’s Word so . . .”  Of course, sometimes that really may be the case. …

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Joshua 3:7-17 Sermon Commentary

Proper 26A

Joshua 3 always feels, at best, somewhat anti-climactic.  After all, you might argue the Bible’s first five chapters have all been pointing toward the Jordan crossing it describes.  Patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob have given their lives to God’s promise to make this happen.  The people of Israel have been heading (but sometimes meandering)…

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