... tents and moved on. But this situation is not what the Shunammite woman proposes. Her vision is an actual room for her holy guest. This roof chamber is to have "walls," giving it both permanence and privacy. As one ritually clean, the prophet (and his hosts) had to be careful not to do anything to impinge on his purity. Thus this second-story room would provide a bed for him to rest in, a table and chair so that he could eat his meals separately, and a lamp enabling the holy one to read or study or pray at ...
... This delay, of course, heightens the literary tension in the story and emphasizes the importance of this journey. Jesus is now on the way to Jerusalem (We are explicitly told that Bethany is only about two miles away from Jerusalem in verse 18). The author carefully takes his time moving Jesus along the path. He must first re-enter Judea; then he remains just outside of Bethany; and finally (v.38), Jesus reaches Lazarus' tomb. As he reveals in verses 4 and 40, Jesus' dawdling serves to proclaim God's glory ...
... father refuses to be shocked or saddened. His eyes and heart remain firmly fixed on what he sees as the only important fact about this missing younger son _ he is found, and he is alive. Perhaps to ease the older son's anxieties, the father does carefully articulate that it is to the elder that all the remaining goods and properties belong. His words also assure the elder that the special place he holds in his father's heart is yet undisturbed. The story ends here, leaving a host of unanswered questions for ...
... the church agreed to accept Paul's authority and submit to it (2 Corinthians 2: 5ff.; 7:11). Relieved, but still careful to present himself with defensive armor intact, Paul then pens yet another letter to this vexing congregation. Since we have only ... merged to create 1 Corinthians, while parts of his third "painful" letter were combined with his triumphant fourth letter to create 2 Corinthians. Careful reading indicates that 2 Corinthians 1:1-2:13, 7:5-16, and all of chapter 8 are from his final letter to ...
... Peter's word, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" (v.17, phileis me). Peter, on the edge of exasperation, says, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you" (philo se). Jesus replies, "Feed my sheep." In the first exchange, Jesus entrusts the care and feeding of his "lambs" to Peter. The verb "to feed" here means to provide pasture, forage and nourishment recalling Peter's own words in his letter when he refers to "newborn infants [who] long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may ...
... fall into enemy hands, Hosea redeems Gomer by giving her the status of wife, even though she continues to act unfaithfully. Today's text closes by pointing in two directions. Verse 14 reveals God's specific instructions that the deeds for this land purchase should be carefully sealed and put away in "an earthenware jar." Why? The deeds need to be stored in such a way as to protect them from the effects of damage and decay. In other words, many years will pass before these papers will be needed by Jeremiah ...
... But she couldn’t do it. She just couldn’t do it - because in her eyes that was sinful. I. Where did we ever get the idea that to affirm ourselves, to appreciate ourselves is wrong? Certainly we didn’t get that from Jesus. When we read the gospels carefully, we discover that Jesus went around day after day looking for the good in people, pointing it out to them, and asking them to celebrate it. And, in the scripture from the 22nd chapter of Matthew, Jesus tells us to love our neighbors. How? As we love ...
... in verses 3-14. Far from becoming hopeless in the midst of evil, however, the imperative is for Christians to work harder and faster, reclaiming every possible moment through wise, faithful actions that bear witness and bear fruit. The caution to "be careful" voiced in verse 15 is heightened by verse 17's imperative command to "become" or "be" (or even "prove yourselves) "not foolish." Sounding a definite warning to avoid foolishness and the dangers that the enticing ways of the "unwise" present, verse 17 ...
... to the bank. If He says He has prepared a place for us that where He is there we may also be, you can look forward to it. If He says that nothing in all creation can separate us from His love for us, then relax. Life is all taken care of. Remember that the next time you see a rainbow. Not simply that God promised Noah He would never again destroy the world with water, but all the promises God makes to us throughout the scriptures. After the storm, a rainbow. Rainbows remind us of the beauty of God’s ...
1785. Everyone Is Searching for You
Mark 1:29-39
Illustration
Staff
... required by all those around you; maybe you know a little of how Jesus felt as he withdrew to pray. People will seek you out for what you can offer. "Everyone is searching for you," or maybe just "I need you." Every "care-giver" understands the need to be a "care-keeper" too. If you have ever taken care of a sick person for a long time, or a loved one in old age, you know the thoughts…"Oh! how my life would be easier without this responsibility." Jesus is our example in being a blessing for people as He ...
... recognizing it? And, if they aren’t, aren’t we called to help them rather than condemn them? There used to be a TV cop show called Hill Street Blues. Each show began with roll call. The sergeant would end his announcements and assignments with these words, “Let’s be careful out there.” He meant, “It’s dangerous out there. Stay on your toes, so nothing will happen to you.” Jesus the Shepherd leads his sheep out of the sheepfold into the world and says, “Let’s be ...
... to Adam. And Cat would not obey Adam. And when Adam gazed into Cat's eyes, he was reminded that he was not the supreme being. And Adam learned humility. And God was pleased. And Adam was greatly improved. And Cat did not care one way or the other.” Author Unknown, as found in Pawprints and Purrs: Home of the Bachman Kittens: Animal Poems & Stories, c1997. There is something unique about the relationship between human beings and their canine companions. Archaeological digs at ancient camp sites have ...
Isaiah 40:1-31, 1 Corinthians 9:1-27, Mark 1:29-34, Mark 1:35-39
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... God with his creation. He creates and destroys. There is nothing to compare when it comes to his power. Also, what other god cares for, loves and protects his people? 3. Wait (v. 31). Most people hate to wait, even upon God. By nature we are impatient ... serving, from doing our work because we are down with illness. We are in the depths of discouragement and depression. We are often defeated by the cares of daily life. We need a lift. To get this, some in our day take pep pills or a shot of liquor to get a high ...
Isaiah 43:14-28, Mark 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 1:12--2:4
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... supportive. He is the same person forever, the same God of grace and glory for each generation. He is the one immovable anchor of life. 2. Yes (v. 20). Jesus is God's yes. He is positive, assuring and supportive. Does God save? Jesus is the yes. Does God care? Jesus is proof of yes. Does God keep his promises? Jesus is the yes. 3. Guarantee (v. 22). What guarantee do we have that God has accepted us, that we are his children, that we are going to heaven, that our sins have been forgiven? Paul says that the ...
... protective device: it was used to guide the sheep, to nudge them in directions they may not wish to go, to rescue them from cliffs, to steer them lovingly and to bring them home. The “staff” was a symbol of friendship, of care and tenderness. The “crozier” is a fancy ecclesiastical name for a “staff.” Bishops don’t carry “rods” to beat people into line, or to enforce conformity, or to symbolize a high-handed rulership. Ecclesiastical officials carry “staffs” to symbolize the relational ...
... Curt will hug you back. He can’t tell you how he feels, so instead he cries out in delight. Everyone around him takes care of him. He thinks the entire universe was made as his sandbox. Every person that meets him loves him,” says Nelson. “He’s got ... it meant that you and I could live as simply and with as much confidence as young Curt lives, trusting our heavenly Father to take care of us. I suspect, however, that this would be asking a little too much. With all due respect, our world is not quite as ...
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Psalm 111:1-10, John 6:51-58, Ephesians 5:15-20
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... are less costly in human suffering, in the death of the innocent as well as the involved, the maiming of the onlookers and the unprotected. Teach us to define our quality of life in more than profits and losses showing appreciation of the need to take care of the earth and its water and air for the health of all living things. Grant to your church increasing effectiveness in manifesting your love in both the personal attitudes of each of us and also in the social expression of our common faith. Widen our ...
Psalm 125:1-5, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-13
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... innermost feeling with a trusted friend or counselor. Make us well, Jesus. Amen PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING We praise you, God of Israel, God of the church universal. You made the heavens and the earth, the sparrow and the gull, the whale and the minnow. You care for people, the hungry and the oppressed. You restore sight and help the stooped to stand tall. You give new heart to the bereaved and hopeless. Our hopes are in you and you will not disappoint us at the last. We praise you, Creator, Christ, Comforter ...
Psalm 1:1-6, Proverbs 31:10-31, Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13-18
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... all children. Save us from the marketers of sex that exploit the innocence of children and the naive. Help us to find homes for the homeless and humane care for those unable to care for themselves, whatever their age or mental capacity. Teach us the wisdom that finds beauty in what people do and how they care for others rather than superficial appearances and sensational apparel. May we respect accomplishments that serve the common welfare, that bridge barriers, that overcome prejudices, that solve problems ...
Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146:1-10, Ruth 1:1-22, Hebrews 9:11-28
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... down, to the depressed and the addicted through healers and counselors, medical and spiritual. Strengthen all who seek to make our society more caring and moral. As you love the righteous and watch over strangers and orphans and the bereaved, bless agencies that aid travelers and care for battered women and children. Restrain those who are violent and bring them into such caring custody that will restrain and pacify the hostile and agitated. Grant health to all who are sick in body, mind, or spirit. Risen ...
1796. The Messiah Is among You
Mark 6:1-6
Illustration
Larry Bethune
... to each other as they had never listened before, as if they were listening to the Messiah. They blessed one another as they had never blessed one another before, as if they were blessing the Messiah. Visitors to the monastery noticed the quality of the monks care for one another. It was beautiful. And it was contagious. People wanted to experience what they experienced. People wanted to join, and when they did, they were told the secret: "Sh-h-h-h-h! The Messiah is here among us!" And each met the Messiah ...
Psalm 23:1-6, John 10:22-30, Acts 9:32-43, Revelation 7:9-17
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... the house of the Lord our whole life long. INVOCATION Heavenly Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, your goodness and mercy follow us all our days. We are grateful that you have gathered us in your fold and that in this sanctuary we are safe in your care. Hear the prayers we offer to you for your own name’s sake. Amen. PRAYER OF CONFESSION God our Savior, you have promised us eternal life for following the Good Shepherd your Son, Jesus Christ. In the confidence that you will not let us perish, we acknowledge ...
Psalm 82:1-8, Amos 7:7-17, Luke 10:25-37, Colossians 1:1-14
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... our way to your heavenly city we want to be helpful to any who need our assistance. Save us from any false preoccupation with piety that would obscure the needs, both physical and spiritual, of our hurting neighbors. Grant us the spirit of the caring Christ. Amen. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Invisible God in the visible Son, Creator Spirit, holding the universe together, we acclaim your preeminence. We rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus as first-born from the dead. He is the head of the church whom we revere ...
1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23:1-6, John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... healing of mind and spirit to the sick in your name. Bless those known to us whose chronic illness, temporary sickness, or emotional distress are of special concern to us. Bring healing of body, mind, and spirit with medical attention and prayer and human caring. Bless every ministry to the blind or seeing-impaired. May the spoken word as well as Braille publications communicate your word to those whose spiritual sight may be as keen as ours. Eternal God, we have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of ...
Matthew 10:1-42, Psalm 86:1-17, Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1-14
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Fear him rather who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. PRAYER OF THE DAY Creator of all life, reassuring Parent, help us to tell simply and clearly the promises of your love and care that we have received in secret so that our brothers and sisters who live in doubt and fear may trust you as well, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING We give thanks to you, O God, that the gate of heaven may be found in any place ...