textweek

Hurricane Katrina

I am starting some links for resources in response to Hurricane Katrina at The Text This Week. There's not a lot out there yet, but I'll be looking to link what is posted at others' sites.

Blog Break

I really am planning to do some blogging soon! Phil is having some bumps beginning his 7th grade year at school. I'm getting Jaie ready to go back to Interlochen for her senior year. Feeling more than a bit overwhelmed! I'll be back as soon as possible! Jenee

Niebuhr on Romans 10

If you're preaching on Romans 10, don't miss Chapter 12 from Beyond Tragedy - "Zeal without Knowledge," by Reinhold Niebuhr. Niebuhr is talking about a different time, in many ways, and a different discussion from the one that is arising in many of our denominations. How have the stakes and the positions changed? How have they remained the same?

Professor Eliezer Segal on Genesis 37

Don't miss "Joseph, Don't Go!" by Professor Eliezer Segal of the University of Calgary.

"We live in a world in which the petty deeds of individuals seem to count very little against mighty political and historical forces. How many false political gods have been founded on the premise that "the end justifies the means," that immoral acts can find their justification in the furthering of exalted destinies!"

Detailed exegesis of Matt 14 text

You can find detailed exegesis of the Matthew 14 text for this week at:

"Miracles and Walking on Water," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.

Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.

"Exegetical Considerations," 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Richard Carlson, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Using Greek for Sunday Text Preparations.

Exegesis, Proper 14A, by Richard Donovan at lectionary.org.

Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.

"Take Courage! It Is I! Do Not Be Afraid!" Jerry Goebel, One Family Outreach. "Focus on scripture from a justice perspective." Exegesis, study, and teen study and activities.

"Jesus Walks on the Water," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.

"Don't Be Afraid"

Rev. Todd Weir explores the concept of fear in the Matthew 14 gospel, in his article at bloomingcactus.

"Fear comes in many forms, private and public.  It knows no ideological boundaries and none of us are ever completely free of it in making decisions.  Letting go of fear and facing ourselves is as frightening as the thought and stepping out of our safe boats and walking across the water as if it were dry land.  I’m not sure Jesus really expected Peter to walk on water and I certainly don’t expect to walk on water any time soon.  I struggle to have faith and to honestly face my fears.  But I’m willing to believe that there is life outside the boat, constantly rowing into the wind.  I trust in faith that Jesus point the way to the shore.  With Jesus near me, the rising seas of my fears will not have me."

"Walking on Water" at Hollywood Jesus

Check out the Walking on Water images/scenes at David Bruce's Hollywood Jesus site. Can you think of others?

"Historical Cultural Context" of the Matthew 14 text

John J. Pilch's article on the Historical Cultural Context of Matthew 14:22-33 includes insights about the economic situation of fishermen in the Mediterranean in the first century.

"Mediterranean fishermen were far from middle class. They were ever at the mercy of the brokers (toll collectors) who capitalized their fishing venture and to whom they were ever in debt. They had no control at all over their activities.

The fishermen also realized that they had no control over nature. Even though they were very familiar with the Sea of Galilee, no one among them was capable of predicting the storms that broke out unexpectedly, almost suddenly. They were at the mercy of the sea to provide a livelihood, and in the case of a storm like this, to spare their lives."

"Unjust Justice" and Genesis 37

This week's "Journey with Jesus" features a guest essay by Don Thorsen, Professor of Theology at Azuza Pacific University.

"In pursuing justice, Christians should be aware of their means for pursing it.  They should not use unjust means for achieving a righteous goal.  Ultimately, it is God who is responsible for righting every wrong and for providing eternal life.  In the meantime, we are called to partner with God’s grace for loving our neighbors as ourselves in advancing the good news—good news that includes compassionate ministries and advocacy for the sake of justice and peace."

Scripture Pics Blog

Matt Baker of Germantown UMC in Ohio has begun a blog (Scripture Pics) featuring graphics to use with worship. (RCL) Take a look at his entry for Genesis 37.