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LCH Sermons—Time after Pentecost 2010 (August and September)
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Time after Pentecost • Lectionary 26—September 26, 2010
Preacher: Pastor Jeff Lilley
Lessons: Amos 6:1a, 4–7; Psalm 146; 1 Timothy 6:6–19; Luke 16:19–31
Summary: In today’s Gospel about the rich man and Lazarus, it is easy to think that the message is that rich people are bad. But when we listen closely, we see that the rich man’s sin is not seeing Lazarus as a human being. The message is not that we should give to the poor so we do not end up in hell. Paul writes that it is not “money” but “the love of money” that is the root of all kinds of evil. In the cross, we are each freed to see and live so justice and mercy may reign.
Time after Pentecost • Lectionary 25—September 19, 2010
Preacher: Pastor Jeff Lilley
Lessons: Amos 8:4–7; Psalm 113; 1 Timothy 2:1–7; Luke 16:1–13
Summary: In many parables, we have simple characters, but that is not the case in today’s story of the dishonest manager.It is difficult to unravel, but if we look at it along Luke’s other parables, we see another case of a wealthy person in crisis who depends on those below him. Jesus calls us to act shrewdly—with an understanding of the world—and to plan ahead. We must strive to be a church of this world and to love with the shrewdness of Christ.
Time after Pentecost • Lectionary 24—September 12, 2010
Preacher: Pastor Jeff Lilley
Lessons: Exodus 32:7–14; Psalm 51:1–11; 1 Timothy 1:12–17; Luke 15:1–10
Summary: We have all felt lost at one time or another, but we have also experienced the joy of being found. In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the unbelievable parable of the lost sheep. Like the Pharisees, none of us would leave 99 sheep to search for one. Jesus is trying to draw us into God’s grace, which searches out the lost soul. In the Exodus reading, God changes his mind; in Timothy, Paul reminds us that he was the chief of sinners. God searches out the one because in saving the one, the world is transformed. This is God’s Amazing Grace.
Time after Pentecost • Lectionary 23—September 5, 2010
Preacher: Pastor Jeff Lilley
Lessons: Deuteronomy 30:15–20; Psalm 1; Philemon 1–21; Luke 14:25–33
Summary: In today’s Gospel, Jesus says that if we do not hate family, we cannot follow him. Some try to rationalize this text away, but I think we have to take Jesus seriously. We hear about people who give up bad things for Christ, but here Jesus is asking us to give up the best things. Jesus is saying that as long as we hold on to the stuff of the world—even the good things—we cannot be real disciples. When we give up our slavery to budgets, committees, and planning, we free ourselves for real ministry.
Time after Pentecost • Lectionary 22—August 29, 2010
Preacher: Pastor Jeff Lilley
Lessons: Proverbs 25:6–7; Psalm 112; Hebrews 13:1–8, 15–16; Luke 14:1, 7–14
Summary: In today’s Gospel, Jesus notices guests at a banquet taking the most important seats and says to take the lower seat. He is talking about humility. This is a difficult topic in a world where social standing is important and we tell our children how wonderful they are. Jesus turns this world view on its head. But how do we in the church live this out? We are called to draw those least like us into our lives. It is easy for us to pigeon hole ourselves. Jesus draws us out and invites us all to the banquet of life.
Time after Pentecost • Lectionary 21—August 22, 2010
Preacher: Pastor Jeff Lilley
Lessons: Isaiah 58:9b–14; Psalm 103:1–8; Hebrews 12:18–29; Luke 13:10–17
Summary: When I was a child, I was not happy about going to church. It was not until much later that I appreciated worship as something to look forward to. In today’s Gospel, Jesus heals a woman during worship, and the leaders object. But Jesus is showing that worship must be about healing and transformation. In the beginning, the sabbath was God’s gift to humanity. Let us all be open to that transformation and receive the gift.
Mary, Mother of Our Lord—August 15, 2010
Preacher: Jacob Burkman
Lessons: Isaiah 61:7–11; Psalm 45:11–16; Hebrews 11:29—12:2; Luke 1:46–40
Summary: Life is a journey. This has been especially true of my life recently as I have traveled back and forth between Hawai‘i and Minnesota, but it also true for each of us as we try to make sense of our lives, and as the Spirit pushes us forward. We can see this in the life of Mary, the mother of Our Lord. We read of her travels in the Gospels, but we also read of her journey in accepting the call of God. Mary is a great example of faith because she believed and trusted in the promise made to Abraham and to all who are his spiritual descendants.
Time after Pentecost • Lectionary 19—August 8, 2010
Preacher: Pastor Jeff Lilley
Lessons: Genesis 15:1–6; Psalm 33:12–22; Hebrews 11:1–3, 8–16; Luke 12:32–40
Summary: Today’s Gospel is full of verses that have been used to beat people up, but if we read closely, we see that it begins with Jesus telling them not to be afraid because the Father’s good pleasure is to give us the kingdom. This is an unconditional gift, and In this context, being ready and giving alms are fruits of that promise. If like Abraham and Sarah we have faith in God, we will not be afraid, and we will be free to give our possessions.
Time after Pentecost • Lectionary 18—August 1, 2010
Preacher: Pastor Jeff Lilley
Lessons: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12–14; 2:18–23; Psalm 49:1–11; Colossians 3:1–11; Luke 12:13–21
Summary: Today’s Gospel story is not popular because it clearly shows the difference between our attitude towards wealth and that of the Bible. We are called to be rich towards God rather than rich in things. When we are possessed by God, we are set free from all that binds us. If we do not begin to live our lives for others now, when will we do it?
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