Paragraphs from SSCSJ
Here are a few paragraphs from Sacred Steps: Children’s Sermon Journal for the Lectionary text for Sept. 23.
Psalm 1
In preparation for the children’s sermon it would be helpful to write down what you think the teaching of the Lord is. A second step would be to write what you believe about the teaching of the Lord. Then, depending on your planning, you could make a list of the verbs that are part of the law (teaching) of the Lord and plan to do children’s sermons on each one for the weeks ahead. If you do this, be sure to take time to study and remember to briefly revisit the previous weeks words with the children before sharing a new one.
Proverbs 31:10-31
In this week’s reading (31:10-31), which is the conclusion to the Book of Proverbs, we find a description of an ‘eshet hayil – commonly translated as a “capable wife” but better translated as “woman of strength.” These 22 verses are written in an acrostic format, with each verse beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in sequential order. Whether or not this last portion should be included with the first nine verses of ch 31, and therefore understood as part of the “Teaching of Lemuel’s Mother”, is unclear. Certainly, we can imagine a royal mother (probably a queen herself) would be concerned that her son find a wife who would be “worthy” of him, as well as an appropriate person to fill the role of queen. The contemporary stereotype of a mother believing that no woman is good enough for her son would seem to resonate with what is described as the attributes and actions of an ‘eshet hayil. We might think of Raymond’s mother (Marie) in the once popular TV show, “Everybody Loves Raymond”, which is now only available in reruns. While Raymond’s wife, Deborah, is a very capable and good woman, in Marie’s eyes, she is never quite worthy of her beloved son, Ray. To be deemed good enough, Deborah would have to be perfect.
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
The text provides 21st century readers and hearers with an opportunity to reflect on modern/post-modern “wisdom.” It asks practitioners of Christianity to reflect on our embrace of wisdom, and how, as individuals and as communities, we act “wise” or act out of “wisdom’s embrace.” James 4:1a will remind Christians, familiar with the New Testament, of Paul’s struggle as described in Romans 7:13-25 – how he struggles to do the good he wants to do. It requires believers to access their “double-minded” use of wisdom. It requires practitioners to access their “double-minded” use of wisdom. Again, this text comes at an interesting time in the United States, as an election of our next President nears, and the Nation is living through a long economic recovery. It would be worth reviewing the actions of professed “Christians”, who hold political office, through the lens of this text to discern what kind of wisdom is embraced.
Mark 9:30-37
“Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” (9:35b)
This one, like the others of Mark’s Jesus, turns the world upside down and offers an alternative vision of what “important” means, as well as what “hospitality” means. In the business culture, some employees are essential, and some are non-essential. Jesus chooses the least essential member of his community, a child, to make a point about discipleship, greatness, the hospitality of God, and hospitality for God. Does your congregation “order” your community in that way? What does this teaching riddle mean for you? How do you make sense of this radical saying of Jesus in 21st century consumer culture, where one political party continues to insist that the nation’s wealthiest members receive more, at the expense of the children, the poor, and the working-class of their community? How are you welcoming the children in your midst?