Jeremiah 31:33-34

This Sunday, August 17th, I will preach on a brief passage: Jeremiah 31:33-34. These verses are part of a larger eschatological discourse in Jeremiah. Eschatology is the study of last things. In Biblical interpretation, it refers to passages that have to do with the end of history or, for example in Luke 21, the end of the known and familiar world. Eschatology in the Bible also points toward redemption and renewal, as it does in Jeremiah 31:33-34.

In Jeremiah 31:32, what is “the covenant I made with their ancestors”? And what does the Lord mean by “a covenant that they broke”?

To be more specific, can you recall what I have preached on many occasions about the two foundational commandments in the Law of Love?

From the background of Jeremiah 31:32, how will the Lord’s “new covenant” differ from the old one?

How will human relationships, with God and other people, change?

Isaiah 43:1-7

This week’s Scripture reading is Isaiah 43:1-7. This reading is taken from the second of three segments that comprise our Book of Isaiah, commonly known as The Book of Consolation. It is set in the second half of the 6th century BCE, when the Persian king Cyrus has conquered the Babylonians and allowed the exiled Israelites the right of return to rebuild Judah and its capitol city Jerusalem.

As you read Isaiah 43:1-7, imagine yourself as an exiled citizen of a conquered nation being told that your nation’s “redemption” (v. 2) has come.

Now re-read the passage, hearing it speak to your own life.

What has always struck me about this passage is the way the Lord says, simply, “I love you” (v. 4). This is not an expression of romantic love to an individual, but of parental love to an entire people. Consider how remarkable (and wonderful!) it is that our sacred text reveals a God who can be affectionate with those whom God has created.

Romans 8:37-39

This Sunday, August 3rd, I will begin a final series of sermons based on the Scripture passages that have stayed most closely to me in my life. This Sunday, the reading is Romans 8:37-39.

As with anything Paul wrote, it is hard to grasp a passage without reading what comes before and after. Therefore, read all of Romans 8.

Read Romans 8:37-39 as a reassurance for your own fears. What does it mean to you — in your heart as much as your mind, to be held in a love like the one Paul describes?

John 20:1-18

Luke 16:19-31

Mark 10:17-22

For the second week in my series of sermons based on my favorite stories form the four Gospels, we read Mark 10:17-22. This will be a great opportunity for us all to reflect on what has a hold of our lives, and our spiritual lives, other than God’s love.

It’s worthwhile to compare this story as it appears in Mark’s Gospel, to its parallels in Matthew 19:16-30 and Luke 18:18-30. What does cross-referencing these three versions reveal?

In Mark’s version, pay close attention to how Jesus responds to this man. What does it say about Jesus’ compassion?

What do you suppose happened to this rich man?

In your own life, what are you attached to as if it has god-like power to bless you? What would happen if you let it go?

Matthew 19:13-15

This Sunday begins a four-week tour of the Gospels in which I have chosen my favorite story from each of them — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This Sunday, the reading in Matthew 19:13-15.

As you may know, I love children. Before I felt a call to ministry, there was a time when I began the elementary education track at the University of Washington, when I was an undergraduate there. And, as you may know, Lisa and I have welcomed more than 20 foster children into our home since 2000. So I am especially drawn to this passage in which Jesus welcomes children.

Why do you suppose “little children were being brought to [Jesus] so that he might lay his hands on them and bless them” (Matthew 19:13)?

To the degree that you have had relationships with children as a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, caregiver, teacher, or friend, how have you thought of yourself as responsible for their spiritual lives?

When we baptize a child, the entire congregation makes a vow before God to “pray for [child’s name], and help [child’s name] grow in their faith as a disciple of Jesus Christ.” How have you lived out this vow with the children at MBPPC?

Luke 14:25-33

I John 4:16-21

Matthew 25:31-46

On the last Sunday of my Eastertide series on The Law of Love we read Matthew 25:31-46, known as The Great Judgment. This passage occurs in the fifth and last of Jesus’ speeches in Matthew’s Gospel.

We don’t like to think about judgment. How does the idea of a final judgment of humanity by God strike you?

Have you ever struggled with a sense that there has to be justice for those who enact evil, while also hoping for a resolution by God that can include everyone?

In this story, what exactly is the basis of Jesus’ judgement of people? How do the righteous and the unrighteous respond?

What do you hear this teaching requiring of you?

Matthew 5:43-48

Our second sermon in the Easter series “The Law of Love” will focus on the “neighbor” in the commandment Jesus has called the second greatest:

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

This is another passage that involves “The Great Commandment”, appearing in the Gospel according to Luke (last Sunday, we heard about this commandment in the Gospel according to Matthew).

What is Jesus’ attitude toward this lawyer who, like last week’s, asks him a question “to test Jesus”?

Beginning in Luke 10:29, Jesus presents a story we call The Good Samaritan. Who were the Samaritans, and what was their relationship to Jesus’ disciples?

Who are the two who do not help the injured man, and why do you think Jesus picks them?

The lawyer concludes that “mercy” is what makes a good neighbor. Do you agree? This is the word Bishop Budde used to appeal to President Trump as a leader.

Luke 10:29-37

Our second sermon in the Easter series “The Law of Love” will focus on the “neighbor” in the commandment Jesus has called the second greatest:

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

This is another passage that involves “The Great Commandment”, appearing in the Gospel according to Luke (last Sunday, we heard about this commandment in the Gospel according to Matthew).

What is Jesus’ attitude toward this lawyer who, like last week’s, asks him a question “to test Jesus”?

Beginning in Luke 10:29, Jesus presents a story we call The Good Samaritan. Who were the Samaritans, and what was their relationship to Jesus’ disciples?

Who are the two who do not help the injured man, and why do you think Jesus picks them?

The lawyer concludes that “mercy” is what makes a good neighbor. Do you agree? This is the word Bishop Budde used to appeal to President Trump as a leader.

Matthew 22:34-40

To begin a short series on The Law of God, we will begin with Matthew 22:34-40.

In this passage, Jesus is asked to sum up the Law of Moses by naming the greatest of the commandments. Jesus’ reply combines two commandments, naming one as “first” and the other as “another like it”. Take a few moments to track down where these two come from, then read the chapter around them from their source documents. Can you find any clues as to why Jesus chooses these two?

One might have expected Jesus to choose one of the commandments commonly known as The Ten Commandments, located in Exodus 20. Why do you suppose he did not?

Why do you suppose Jesus includes the words “…and the prophets” in his reply (see Matthew 22:40).

Matthew 5:5       

This Sunday, March 30th the Fourth Sunday in Lent, I will preach from a single verse: Matthew 5:5. This verse is found in the part of Matthew’s Gospel known as The Sermon on the Mount. And it is, more specifically, part of The Beatitudes. Matthew 5:1-12 comprises The Beatitudes, a name taken from the first word in verses 3-11 in Latin. In English, the word is “Blessed”.

Matthew 5:5 says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” See if you can find any commentary in your Bible or online that expands on the word “meek”. Does it mean something like a trembling church mouse, or something else?

We find the same Greek word translated as “meek” in Matthew 5:5 also in Matthew 11:29, where Jesus is describing himself. The Greek word “praus” is sometimes translated as “gentle” in Matthew 11:29. Does your Bible have “gentle” or “meek” there?

What do you suppose Jesus means when he says that the meek “will inherit the earth”?

Isaiah 51:1-3

This week, our Lenten series responding to the current crises enacted by the Trump administration will focus on hope for those who hunger for a better day. The Scripture reading is Isaiah 51:1-3.

In Isaiah 51:1-2, “you that pursue righteousness” are encouraged to identify as children of Abraham and Sarah. Have you ever thought of yourself as such?

Isaiah promises that “the wilderness” will become “like Eden”, and “the desert like the garden of the Lord”. How might these images, carrying God’s promise of salvation, serve as a focus of meditation to live through these days?

Psalm 10

This Sunday, we will hear Psalm 10 being read and preached. My experience is that various Psalms become very “alive” when one’s life circumstances are expressed through them.

How does this Psalm respond to your feelings in regard to current American politics, culture, and religious life?

“The wicked” are prominently referenced in this Psalm. What are their main characteristics in this Psalm? With whom are they contrasted?

What does this Psalm seem to say about God’s will and God’s power?

Psalm. 91:1-2, 9-16 / Luke 4:1-13

Rather amazingly (at least to me), when I was out walking on Sunday, and feeling the Holy Spirit press upon me, the Scripture I knew I must preach from on the First Sunday in Lent is Luke 4:1-13. Then, to my surprise, I found that very passage not only to be the lectionary Gospel for the First Sunday in Lent, but the one I had chosen several months ago, when I was outlining my sermons!

Luke 4:1-13 is the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. As you read, note how this time of testing was really a time for Jesus to discover just how powerful this Holy Spirit, whom he received in baptism, really is.

What, precisely, are the three temptations? How do you see the devil trying to turn Jesus away from God?

If you were to rephrase these three temptations for today, how would you describe them?

Psalm. 99 / Luke 9:28-36

This coming Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday, a day marking the mountaintop experience of Peter, James, and John, when Jesus was changed in appearance before them, and God proclaimed love of Jesus as God’s Son. It might be said that the three men ascended the mountain with Jesus of Nazareth, then descended with Jesus the Christ. The reading is Luke 9:28-36.

It will help to understand the setting if you begin reading at Luke 9:18.

As you read Luke 9:28-36, pay close attention to the disciples’ reaction to their experience. How would you describe their physical, emotional, and spiritual response?

God says to the three, regarding Jesus, “listen to him” (Luke 9:35). What might it mean to you to regard these as God’s words to you?

What do you believe about the divinity of Jesus, and his role as Messiah?

Psalm 34:1-8 / Romans 5:1-15

This Sunday we read Romans 5:1-5. It is an inspiring and well-known passage in the Bible.

First, clarify its progression in your mind: suffering > endurance > character > hope.

Second, identify, with God’s guidance, where you experience suffering, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Now read Romans 5:1-2 and prayerfully ask God to bless you with peace, hope, and a measure of God’s glory.

Hebrews 1, 8-10

Psalm. 16

Again this week I am drawing on The Psalter (The Book of Psalms) for my sermon — Psalm 16. This psalm is categorized as “a psalm of trust”. It describes the life of those who trust God, and who do not follow any kind of false god or idol.

The Psalms are meant to be prayed more than analyzed. Pray this psalm this week. Go slowly. Read a verse, or even a half-verse (e.g. 1a) and take time to hold it as a prayer to God.

Meditate on these images: “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places” (v. 6), and, “…in your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (v. 11b).

Psalm. 121

This week the sermon is based on Psalm 121. I think of this Psalm as the, “Help! What do I do now?” Psalm.

We need to be careful about what this Psalm does, and does not, promise about God’s care for us. Take a moment to list precisely what God provides us. Is God’s provision material, spiritual, or of some other kind?

How might this Psalm comfort you if you are ill or injured? Sad or depressed? Facing financial or educational or community troubles?

What does the Psalm say we have to do to get God’s help?

Psalm. 80:1-7 / Luke. 1:39-45

Luke 3:7-18

Malachi 3:1-4 / Luke. 3:1-6

We go from near the end of Luke (21:25-36) on First Advent to near the beginning (Luke 3:1-6) on Second Advent.

Why does Luke spend 1/3 of this passage talking about dates and who was in charge of religion and politics in Jesus’ day? Read Luke 3:1-2.

We will focus on Luke 3: 3 and 6. Why do we have to hear about repentance, forgiveness, and salvation, when Christmas is coming (Hint: it will make for a Merry Christmas, indeed).

Psalms. 132:1-12 / John. 18:33-37

As we begin a new Christian year and the Season of Advent, our reading comes from Luke 21:25-36.

 It may surprise you that, as we prepare for Christmas, the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Gospel reading comes from a time toward the end of Jesus’ life and ministry. The reason for this is that, just as they awaited the birth and coming of a Messiah two-thousand years ago, we await the return of the Messiah, Jesus, at the end of history. So, a people waiting and preparing is always a theme of Advent.

 In Luke 21:25-27 there are references to the prophesies of Isaiah, Joel, Zephaniah, and Daniel. If you have a Bible with footnotes, look up the specific verses from these four prophets and read them. What images do they use? What is the mood of what they say? How do you find yourself responding to them?

 In recent years, some Christians have predicted the end of the world, and even purchased advertising and billboard space to name a specific day. None of these predictions has come to pass. What do you think of that? What do you suppose motivated these people? When you read Luke 21:29-33, which also has to do with the end of the world, how do you respond to it?

 Luke 21:34-36 is a call to be watchful, expectant, and focused. To the degree that you do these things, what effect do they have on your daily life? Are you hopeful? Fearful? Ready to rent space on a billboard? Jesus names “dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life” as impediments to our readiness. How might you be distracting yourself instead of believing that Christ will return to bring creation to perfect alignment with the love of God?

Psalms. 132:1-12 / Luke 21:25-36

As we begin a new Christian year and the Season of Advent, our reading comes from Luke 21:25-36.

It may surprise you that, as we prepare for Christmas, the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Gospel reading comes from a time toward the end of Jesus’ life and ministry. The reason for this is that, just as they awaited the birth and coming of a Messiah two-thousand years ago, we await the return of the Messiah, Jesus, at the end of history. So, a people waiting and preparing is always a theme of Advent.

In Luke 21:25-27 there are references to the prophesies of Isaiah, Joel, Zephaniah, and Daniel. If you have a Bible with footnotes, look up the specific verses from these four prophets and read them. What images do they use? What is the mood of what they say? How do you find yourself responding to them?

In recent years, some Christians have predicted the end of the world, and even purchased advertising and billboard space to name a specific day. None of these predictions has come to pass. What do you think of that? What do you suppose motivated these people? When you read Luke 21:29-33, which also has to do with the end of the world, how do you respond to it?

Luke 21:34-36 is a call to be watchful, expectant, and focused. To the degree that you do these things, what effect do they have on your daily life? Are you hopeful? Fearful? Ready to rent space on a billboard? Jesus names “dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life”  as impediments to our readiness. How might you be distracting yourself instead of believing that Christ will return to bring creation to perfect alignment with the love of God?

John 14:23-27

This Sunday’s sermon will be based on John 14:23-27. The scene is the Last Supper. John 14-17 is called The Farewell Discourse. It is Jesus’ last, long talk with his friends before his arrest. I have always found it powerfully consoling.

I invite you to read prayerfully this week. Jesus said, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them” (John 14:23). Sit quietly for awhile with the image of the Creator and the Son, the Father and Jesus, dwelling in your body, mind, and spirit.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27). Sit quietly for awhile and let his peace answer your troubles and fears.

Psalm 46

This Sunday’s sermon will be based on John 14:23-27. The scene is the Last Supper. John 14-17 is called The Farewell Discourse. It is Jesus’ last, long talk with his friends before his arrest. I have always found it powerfully consoling.

I invite you to read prayerfully this week. Jesus said, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them” (John 14:23). Sit quietly for awhile with the image of the Creator and the Son, the Father and Jesus, dwelling in your body, mind, and spirit.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27). Sit quietly for awhile and let his peace answer your troubles and fears.

Psalm 121

For the coming two Sundays I will be preaching from The Book of Psalms — Psalm 121 on October 27th, and Psalm 46 on November 4th. My decision to preach from these two Psalms is based on my sense as a pastor that we all need reassurance and hope right now.

I do not really have much to say by way of interpretation here. Nor do I have a bunch of questions for you. Instead, I would encourage you simply to read these Psalms, to pray them, to hold them close, and to be held by them.