Psalm 82 Sermon Commentary
Proper 15C
Some translations of Psalm 82, including the New International Version I typically look at, put scare quotes around the three instances of the word “gods” in this short psalm. Sometimes such scare quotes get called air quotes if invoked by a preacher or other public speaker. If you say, “Well, according to certain ‘experts’ ….
Jeremiah 23:23-29 Sermon Commentary
Proper 15C
Dreams and Discernment Taken on its own, this text would leave us thinking dreams are a terrible way of knowing the truth. But then consider a couple experiences in the book of Genesis — I’m thinking of both Jacob and Joseph — and the prophet Joel who promises that one day God’s people will “see…
Luke 12:49-56 Sermon Commentary
Proper 15C
As we continue in a time of great polarity and hostility, many of us know all too well the feeling of “father against son… and daughter against mother.” Does Jesus’s own frustration make us feel any better about the situation? Not really. But his commitment to the struggle can bolster our own. Jesus’s teaching and…
Hebrews 11:29-12:2 Sermon Commentary
Proper 15C
This Sunday’s Epistolary Lesson continues Hebrews 11’s exploration of faith. It offers more examples of God’s people who were so sure of what they hoped for and certain of what they could not yet see that they lived lives of faithful obedience. However, Hebrews 11:29ff. offers examples not just of the blessings God extends to…
Luke 12:32-40 Sermon Commentary
Proper 14C
“Do not be afraid… You also must be ready…” These opening and closing statements from Christ tie this week to last week’s passage. The lectionary skips over another meaningful message about our possessions and our fears and hones in on our stewardship, or being rich towards God through our obedience. Last week, the rich farmer…
Genesis 15:1-6 Sermon Commentary
Proper 14C
Illustration I suppose it’s fair to say that Hebrew Scripture has been in the cultural zeitgeist long enough that its contents are public domain. I mean, I don’t even know who would be qualified to bring a lawsuit on behalf of … Moses? At the same time, I do think you could make a plausible…
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Sermon Commentary
Proper 14C
While it doesn’t explicitly identify Christian faith’s Object, this Sunday’s Epistolary Lesson begins with what some of God’s adopted children consider to be the classic definition of Christian faith. In verse 1 Hebrews’ unnamed author says, “Faith is confidence [hypostasis*] in what we hope for [elpizomenon] and assurance [elenchos] about what we do not see…
Psalm 33:12-22 Sermon Commentary
Proper 14C
When I was somewhere around the age of 9 years old and my brother was 5 years old, my Dad bought us a Shetland-Welsh Pony. We had moved out to the country the year before and so had our own barn and fenced-in pasture. I had said I was interested in having a horse or…
Hosea 11:1-11 Sermon Commentary
Proper 13C
In Context The book of Hosea levels charges of infidelity against God’s people through an allegory in which Hosea is married to an unfaithful woman. This is compared to Israel’s idolatry, folly, foolishness and unfaithfulness and the bulk of the book is taking up with God’s judgment, punishment and condemnation. Hosea 11 stands out within…
Sermon Commentary Library
Our weekly sermon commentaries are Lectionary-based, which across its three-year cycle, encompass a vast array of biblical texts. Filter the Sermon Commentary Library to search Scripture texts by book and chapter to find commentary, illustrations, and reflections to spark ideas.
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