Proper 14 • Job 38:4–18 • August 10, 2014
In keeping with the flow of the book of Job, the preacher should replace the listener’s sense of indignation with a sense of wonder at God’s majesty and his grace
In keeping with the flow of the book of Job, the preacher should replace the listener’s sense of indignation with a sense of wonder at God’s majesty and his grace
This pericope is typical of the latter portion of Paul’s letters, that is, it deals with everyday matters of the Christian life
Mark Rockenbach It is always important to consider the context of the assigned readings. Therefore, look at Luke 12:16–21. Jesus tells a story about a rich man who has an abundance of earthly goods. He has so many earthly goods that he is considering a plan to tear down his current barns in order to ..
By James Voelz This pericope is typical of the latter portion of Paul’s letters, that is, it deals with everyday matters of the Christian life (cf. 2 Thes 3). As is the case in most of Paul’s letters the first portion of Ephesians focuses upon more overtly doctrinal matters, the second on more practical concerns. In ..
By David R. Maxwell This text emphasizes the transcendence of God. The question for the preacher is, “Why do we need to know that God is transcendent? How does God’s transcendence function in our theology and our lives?” In the context of Job, God’s transcendence serves to undermine any claim we may have on God. We like to ..
By Jeffrey Kloha Just as 1 Corinthians 13 is often called the “love” chapter, Hebrews 11 is typically labeled the “faith” chapter. What must be kept in mind in both places however, is that neither chapter provides exhaustive definitions of either term (indeed, can any definition of love or faith be entirely exhaustive?). Hebrews 11 ..
By David I. Lewis Introduction The Old Testament lesson for Proper 14 contains the introduction to the narrative of Elijah’s flight to Mt. Horeb and his confrontation with Yahweh there (1 Kgs 1:1–18). As only the first eight verses of this narrative are included in the lesson, it appears that this reading was designed not ..
By Andrew Bartelt Literary and Canonical Background Our Lord’s ministry began with the notice that John the Baptist had been arrested (4:12). The words and deeds of Jesus now have been twice interrupted by the ongoing story of John, who sent his disciples to ask if Jesus was “the one to come” in 11:2ff. Jesus answered ..
By Robert W. Weise Inseparable Righteousness and Faith Introduction When someone promises you a special gift, you have faith in them and in their promised word. You believe them, regardless of the nature of the promise. Your faith in that person holds to that person and to the promise. This is unconditional, for you know ..