Sermons, lectures and teachings from Christ Church Jerusalem, founded 1849 as a center of prayer for all nations with worship reflecting the Jewish context of the gospel.
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In our lectionary today, we read about two midwives who refused to obey the Pharaoh’s death decree. How did they know to fear the living God more than a powerful tyrant who could bring them death? They are role models for us today and can teach us important lessons about being disciples of the Prince of Life in a culture of death.
Genesis 45 sees Joseph reveal himself to his brothers, declare his good fortune in Egypt, and promise to care for them during the following 5 years of famine. Psalm 67, sung daily between Pesach and Shavuot, prompts all the nations to praise the God of Israel for making the land yield its produce. This principle—of God blessing many people through His saving work among Israel—is invoked when Jesus…
John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah. “Behold, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” But later, he began to doubt and sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the One who is to come?” Under great duress in prison and imprisoned by his own eschatological interpretation, John was unable to see the expanding Kingdom of Heaven as proclaimed by Jesus. Like John, we…
Jacob’s struggle with a mysterious figure was life-transforming and he walked away with a limp and a legitimate blessing gained without deceit. The encounter enabled him to courageously, yet humbly face his brother Esau and bring healing to a broken relationship. In that context we examine Paul’s understanding of the Jewish-Christian relationship found in Romans 11. That healing is facilitated…
God is already the Almighty King. But what does His kingdom look like on this oft rebellious earth? Drawing on the imagery of Ezekiel, Jesus reveals a kingdom that begins in humility, transforms the world, is worth more than every earthly treasure, and will one day bring both salvation and judgment
The kingdom of heaven isn't just some future paradise. God already reigns, but there are many who oppose Him. Why doesn't He subjugate everything to His will now? He is patient beyond our own understanding.
Soil can turn good or bad, based on the care it is given, and so it is with our hearts. A good beginning does not necessarily means a good outcome. We can turn bad soil into a richly producing one with good care, time and God’s blessing. But that is only a start. There are other soils - hearts that are producing, and in the end, God’s plan is for the multitudes as we can see in nature. In our…
In his only self-descriptive phrase Jesus gives us a key to his ability to carry the burdens given by his Father. His yoke is easy only as and when we humbly accept our lot in life. Yes, under God’s caring hand, but nevertheless, a life full of challenges, and trials, not of our choice. Will we accept them willingly, as Jesus did?
Is it wrong to expect divine recompense for obedience? Over the centuries many have been perplexed by the binding/sacrifice of Isaac. No matter how this event is understood, it is clear that there is reward for Abraham’s obedience. We tend to think that rewards are given in return for great acts of faith, but Jesus teaches something essential about God’s economy: even the smallest act of…
In our readings today the story of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar, along with that of Jesus calling his disciples, give us much to ponder. Because of that nagging (and all too natural) anxiety of committing our lives to God, we too, often circumvent His best for us. Although fear and the deceit of self-preservation can overwhelm us, God has provided a way to enable us to live faithfully.
God is a king who expects His subjects to have compassion and care for those who are sick and those who are wandering. In our hubris, we often do not completely subject ourselves before the almighty Lord and King. We may even think that the servant is above the master. God acts even when we don’t, caring for His sheep as well as bringing judgment on those who condemn and exploit those who are…
The Lord has torn us, but after three days he will heal us", so declare the people of Israel in the book of Hosea. This hope is a good beginning for looking at the healing ministry of Jesus and the overlapping realities of impurity, repentance, and the rewards of a persistent faith.
