Sundays at All Hallows (September 14, 2025)
Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.
Stories are sticky. They stick in our minds. The seventeenth century Anglican priest-poet George Herbert came to this realization, preaching to the country folk in the rural parish of Fugglestone St. Peter with Bemerton, within walking distance of Salisbury in Wiltshire. He wrote about in his guide to rural ministry, A Priest to the Temple or, The County Parson His Character and Rule of Holy Life.
More recently, Carey Nieuwhof posted a YouTube video on the subject, “The Secret Behind Memorable Sermons Revealed with Dan Heath.”
Gathering from his frequent use of parables, Jesus was well-acquainted with the stickiness of stories and made use of them in his teaching. This Sunday’s gospel reading contains two of his parables, the parables of the lost sheep and the missing coin. In this Sunday’s message we explore the truth behind these parables
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link to hear Marty Haugen’ arrangement of EYE HAS NOT SEEN for keyboard, guitar, and flute/tin whistle.
Silence
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in
spirit and truth. John 4:24
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and
just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9
So let us draw near to God with sincerity and confidence, and humbly confess our sins.
Silence
Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
We have left undone what we ought to have done,
and we have done what we ought not to have done.
We have followed our own ways and the desires of our own
hearts.
We have broken your holy laws.
Yet, good Lord, have mercy on us;
restore those who are penitent,
according to your promises declared to mankind in Jesus
Christ our Lord.
And grant, merciful Father, for his sake,
that we may live a godly and obedient life,
to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Merciful Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon
and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their
sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open our lips, O Lord;
And we shall declare your praise.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
Let us praise the Lord.
The Lord’s name be praised.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Timothy Dudley Smith’s “Come Let Us Praise the Lord (Psalm 95).”
1 Come, let us praise the Lord,
with joy our God acclaim,
his greatness tell abroad
and bless his saving Name.
Lift high your songs
before his throne
to whom alone
all praise belongs.
2 Our God of matchless worth,
our King beyond compare,
the deepest bounds of earth,
the hills, are in his care.
He all decrees,
who by his hand
prepared the land
and formed the seas.
3 In worship bow the knee,
our glorious God confess;
the great Creator, he,
the Lord our Righteousness.
He reigns unseen:
his flock he feeds
and gently leads
in pastures green.
4 Come, hear his voice today,
receive what love imparts;
his holy will obey
and harden not your hearts.
His ways are best;
and lead at last,
all troubles past,
to perfect rest.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Mark Haas’ setting of Psalm 51, “Be Merciful, O Lord.”
Be merciful, O Lord,
for we have sinned.
Be merciful, O Lord,
for we have sinned.
1 Have mercy on me, O Lord,
in your compassion blot out my offense.
wash me from my guilt
and cleanse me of my sin.
Be merciful, O Lord,
for we have sinned.
2 For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me:
“Against you have I sinned,
and done evil in your sight.”
Be merciful, O Lord,
for we have sinned.
3 A clean heart create in me,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Be merciful, O Lord,
for we have sinned.
4 Give back to me the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
O Lord, open my lips
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Be merciful, O Lord,
for we have sinned.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Raymond Smith’s arrangement of Timothy Dudley Smith’s “Praise the Lord of Heaven (Psalm 148).”
1 Praise the Lord of heaven,
praise him in the height;
praise him, all his angels,
praise him, hosts of light.
Sun and moon together,
shining stars aflame,
planets in their courses,
magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
2 Earth and ocean praise him;
mountains, hills and trees;
fire and hail and tempest,
wind and storm and seas.
Praise him, fields and forests,
birds on flashing wings,
praise him, beasts and cattle,
all created things.
O magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
3 Now by prince and people
let his praise be told;
praise him, men and maidens,
praise him, young and old.
He, the Lord of glory!
We his praise proclaim!
High above all heavens
magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
Open this link a new tab to hear the DEDICATION ANTHEM setting of Thomas Ken’s doxology “Praise God from Whom All blessings flow,” from the Mennonite hymnal, Voices Together, #70 (formerly #606).
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow,
(Praise God from whom all blessings flow)
Praise Him all creatures here below,
(Praise Him all creatures here below)
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above, praise Him above,
(Praise Him above, praise Him above)
Praise Him above ye heavenly host.
(Praise Him above ye heavenly host)
Praise Him above, praise Him above,
Praise Him above ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
(Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost)
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Amen, Amen.
(Hallelujah, Hallelujah)
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Amen,
Amen, Hallelujah, Amen, Hallelujah, Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
A reading from the Book of Exodus.
Exodus 32:7-14
The Lord spoke to Moses: “Hurry up and go down! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, are ruining everything! They’ve already abandoned the path that I commanded. They have made a metal bull calf for themselves. They’ve bowed down to it and offered sacrifices to it and declared, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’” The Lord said to Moses, “I’ve been watching these people, and I’ve seen how stubborn they are. Now leave me alone! Let my fury burn and devour them. Then I’ll make a great nation out of you.”
But Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, “Lord, why does your fury burn against your own people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and amazing force? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘He had an evil plan to take the people out and kill them in the mountains and so wipe them off the earth’? Calm down your fierce anger. Change your mind about doing terrible things to your own people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, whom you yourself promised, ‘I’ll make your descendants as many as the stars in the sky. And I’ve promised to give your descendants this whole land to possess for all time.’” Then the Lord changed his mind about the terrible things he said he would do to his people.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Owen Alstott and Bernadette Farrell’s “Blessed Be the Lord, the God of Israel (Benedictus Dominus Deus).”
1 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel
Who brings the dawn and darkest night dispels
Who raises up a mighty Savior from the earth
Of David′s line, a Son of royal birth
2 The prophets tell a story just begun
Of vanquished foe and glorious vict'ry won
Of promise made to all who keep the law as guide
God′s faithful love and mercy will abide
3 This is the oath once sworn to Abraham
All shall be free to dwell upon the land
Freed now to praise, unharmed by the oppressor's rod
Holy and righteous in the sight of God
4 And you, my child, this day you shall be called
The promised one, the prophet of our God
For you will go before the Lord to clear the way
And shepherd all into the light of day
5 The tender love God promised from our birth
Is soon to dawn upon this shadow'd earth
To shine on those whose sorrows seem to never cease
To guide our feet into the path of peace
6 All glory be to God, Creator blest
To Jesus Christ, God′s love made manifest
And to the Holy Spirit, gentle Comforter
All glory be, both now and evermore
A reading from Paul’s First Letter to Timothy.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength because he considered me faithful. So he appointed me to ministry even though I used to speak against him, attack his people, and I was proud. But I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and without faith. Our Lord’s favor poured all over me along with the faithfulness and love that are in Christ Jesus. This saying is reliable and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I’m the biggest sinner of all. But this is why I was shown mercy, so that Christ Jesus could show his endless patience to me first of all. So I’m an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the king of the ages, to the immortal, invisible, and only God, may honor and glory be given to him forever and always! Amen.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Christopher Idle “God We Praise You! God We Bless You! (Te Deum).”
1 God, we praise You! God, we bless You!
God, we name You sovereign Lord!
Mighty King Whom angels worship,
Father by Your church adored:
All creation shows Your glory,
Heaven and earth
draw near Your throne,
singing "Holy, holy, holy,"
Lord of hosts and God alone!
2 True apostles, faithful prophets
Saints who set their world ablaze
Martyrs once unknown, unheeded
Join one growing song of praise,
While Your church on earth confesses One majestic Trinity:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
God our hope eternally.
3 Jesus Christ, the King of glory
Everlasting Son of God
Humble was Your virgin mother
Hard the lonely path you trod:
By Your cross is sin defeated,
Hell confronted face to face,
Heaven opened to believers,
Sinners justified by grace.
4 Christ, at God's right hand victorious,
You will judge the world You made.
Lord in mercy, help Your servants
For whose freedom You have paid.
Raise us up from dust to glory,
Guard us from all sin today,
King enthroned above all praises,
Save Your people, God we pray.
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke.
Luke 15:1-10
All the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to listen to him. The Pharisees and legal experts were grumbling, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose someone among you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them. Wouldn’t he leave the other ninety-nine in the pasture and search for the lost one until he finds it? And when he finds it, he is thrilled and places it on his shoulders. When he arrives home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Celebrate with me because I’ve found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes both heart and life than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to change their hearts and lives.
“Or what woman, if she owns ten silver coins and loses one of them, won’t light a lamp and sweep the house, searching her home carefully until she finds it? When she finds it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me because I’ve found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, joy breaks out in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who changes both heart and life.”
Silence
I am in the habit of “losing” things—keys, books, important papers, and other similar things. It may be more accurate to say that I misplace things: I put things down without paying attention to what I am doing and forget where I have put them. I then spend minutes, even hours, searching for the missing item only to discover that it is right under my nose.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link to hear Marty Haugen’ arrangement of EYE HAS NOT SEEN for keyboard, guitar, and flute/tin whistle.
Silence
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in
spirit and truth. John 4:24
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and
just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9
So let us draw near to God with sincerity and confidence, and humbly confess our sins.
Silence
Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
We have left undone what we ought to have done,
and we have done what we ought not to have done.
We have followed our own ways and the desires of our own
hearts.
We have broken your holy laws.
Yet, good Lord, have mercy on us;
restore those who are penitent,
according to your promises declared to mankind in Jesus
Christ our Lord.
And grant, merciful Father, for his sake,
that we may live a godly and obedient life,
to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Merciful Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon
and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their
sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open our lips, O Lord;
And we shall declare your praise.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
Let us praise the Lord.
The Lord’s name be praised.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Timothy Dudley Smith’s “Come Let Us Praise the Lord (Psalm 95).”
1 Come, let us praise the Lord,
with joy our God acclaim,
his greatness tell abroad
and bless his saving Name.
Lift high your songs
before his throne
to whom alone
all praise belongs.
2 Our God of matchless worth,
our King beyond compare,
the deepest bounds of earth,
the hills, are in his care.
He all decrees,
who by his hand
prepared the land
and formed the seas.
3 In worship bow the knee,
our glorious God confess;
the great Creator, he,
the Lord our Righteousness.
He reigns unseen:
his flock he feeds
and gently leads
in pastures green.
4 Come, hear his voice today,
receive what love imparts;
his holy will obey
and harden not your hearts.
His ways are best;
and lead at last,
all troubles past,
to perfect rest.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Mark Haas’ setting of Psalm 51, “Be Merciful, O Lord.”
Be merciful, O Lord,
for we have sinned.
Be merciful, O Lord,
for we have sinned.
1 Have mercy on me, O Lord,
in your compassion blot out my offense.
wash me from my guilt
and cleanse me of my sin.
Be merciful, O Lord,
for we have sinned.
2 For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me:
“Against you have I sinned,
and done evil in your sight.”
Be merciful, O Lord,
for we have sinned.
3 A clean heart create in me,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Be merciful, O Lord,
for we have sinned.
4 Give back to me the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
O Lord, open my lips
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Be merciful, O Lord,
for we have sinned.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Raymond Smith’s arrangement of Timothy Dudley Smith’s “Praise the Lord of Heaven (Psalm 148).”
1 Praise the Lord of heaven,
praise him in the height;
praise him, all his angels,
praise him, hosts of light.
Sun and moon together,
shining stars aflame,
planets in their courses,
magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
2 Earth and ocean praise him;
mountains, hills and trees;
fire and hail and tempest,
wind and storm and seas.
Praise him, fields and forests,
birds on flashing wings,
praise him, beasts and cattle,
all created things.
O magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
3 Now by prince and people
let his praise be told;
praise him, men and maidens,
praise him, young and old.
He, the Lord of glory!
We his praise proclaim!
High above all heavens
magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
Open this link a new tab to hear the DEDICATION ANTHEM setting of Thomas Ken’s doxology “Praise God from Whom All blessings flow,” from the Mennonite hymnal, Voices Together, #70 (formerly #606).
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow,
(Praise God from whom all blessings flow)
Praise Him all creatures here below,
(Praise Him all creatures here below)
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above, praise Him above,
(Praise Him above, praise Him above)
Praise Him above ye heavenly host.
(Praise Him above ye heavenly host)
Praise Him above, praise Him above,
Praise Him above ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
(Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost)
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Amen, Amen.
(Hallelujah, Hallelujah)
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Amen,
Amen, Hallelujah, Amen, Hallelujah, Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
A reading from the Book of Exodus.
Exodus 32:7-14
The Lord spoke to Moses: “Hurry up and go down! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, are ruining everything! They’ve already abandoned the path that I commanded. They have made a metal bull calf for themselves. They’ve bowed down to it and offered sacrifices to it and declared, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’” The Lord said to Moses, “I’ve been watching these people, and I’ve seen how stubborn they are. Now leave me alone! Let my fury burn and devour them. Then I’ll make a great nation out of you.”
But Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, “Lord, why does your fury burn against your own people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and amazing force? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘He had an evil plan to take the people out and kill them in the mountains and so wipe them off the earth’? Calm down your fierce anger. Change your mind about doing terrible things to your own people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, whom you yourself promised, ‘I’ll make your descendants as many as the stars in the sky. And I’ve promised to give your descendants this whole land to possess for all time.’” Then the Lord changed his mind about the terrible things he said he would do to his people.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Owen Alstott and Bernadette Farrell’s “Blessed Be the Lord, the God of Israel (Benedictus Dominus Deus).”
1 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel
Who brings the dawn and darkest night dispels
Who raises up a mighty Savior from the earth
Of David′s line, a Son of royal birth
2 The prophets tell a story just begun
Of vanquished foe and glorious vict'ry won
Of promise made to all who keep the law as guide
God′s faithful love and mercy will abide
3 This is the oath once sworn to Abraham
All shall be free to dwell upon the land
Freed now to praise, unharmed by the oppressor's rod
Holy and righteous in the sight of God
4 And you, my child, this day you shall be called
The promised one, the prophet of our God
For you will go before the Lord to clear the way
And shepherd all into the light of day
5 The tender love God promised from our birth
Is soon to dawn upon this shadow'd earth
To shine on those whose sorrows seem to never cease
To guide our feet into the path of peace
6 All glory be to God, Creator blest
To Jesus Christ, God′s love made manifest
And to the Holy Spirit, gentle Comforter
All glory be, both now and evermore
A reading from Paul’s First Letter to Timothy.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength because he considered me faithful. So he appointed me to ministry even though I used to speak against him, attack his people, and I was proud. But I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and without faith. Our Lord’s favor poured all over me along with the faithfulness and love that are in Christ Jesus. This saying is reliable and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I’m the biggest sinner of all. But this is why I was shown mercy, so that Christ Jesus could show his endless patience to me first of all. So I’m an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the king of the ages, to the immortal, invisible, and only God, may honor and glory be given to him forever and always! Amen.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Christopher Idle “God We Praise You! God We Bless You! (Te Deum).”
1 God, we praise You! God, we bless You!
God, we name You sovereign Lord!
Mighty King Whom angels worship,
Father by Your church adored:
All creation shows Your glory,
Heaven and earth
draw near Your throne,
singing "Holy, holy, holy,"
Lord of hosts and God alone!
2 True apostles, faithful prophets
Saints who set their world ablaze
Martyrs once unknown, unheeded
Join one growing song of praise,
While Your church on earth confesses One majestic Trinity:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
God our hope eternally.
3 Jesus Christ, the King of glory
Everlasting Son of God
Humble was Your virgin mother
Hard the lonely path you trod:
By Your cross is sin defeated,
Hell confronted face to face,
Heaven opened to believers,
Sinners justified by grace.
4 Christ, at God's right hand victorious,
You will judge the world You made.
Lord in mercy, help Your servants
For whose freedom You have paid.
Raise us up from dust to glory,
Guard us from all sin today,
King enthroned above all praises,
Save Your people, God we pray.
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke.
Luke 15:1-10
All the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to listen to him. The Pharisees and legal experts were grumbling, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose someone among you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them. Wouldn’t he leave the other ninety-nine in the pasture and search for the lost one until he finds it? And when he finds it, he is thrilled and places it on his shoulders. When he arrives home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Celebrate with me because I’ve found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes both heart and life than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to change their hearts and lives.
“Or what woman, if she owns ten silver coins and loses one of them, won’t light a lamp and sweep the house, searching her home carefully until she finds it? When she finds it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me because I’ve found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, joy breaks out in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who changes both heart and life.”
Silence
The Truth Behind a Lost Sheep and a Missing Coin
I am in the habit of “losing” things—keys, books, important papers, and other similar things. It may be more accurate to say that I misplace things: I put things down without paying attention to what I am doing and forget where I have put them. I then spend minutes, even hours, searching for the missing item only to discover that it is right under my nose.
I have lost count of the number of times when I could not find my keys. After looking for them in all the different places that I might have left them, I have decided to search my car, thinking that I might have dropped them in the car. After a profitless search of my car and with growing anxiety, I have returned to the house to discover the keys in the lock of the front door where I had left them the night before when I unlocked the door. Now it is the first place that I look.
You may have done the same thing. If you have, you can imagine the flood of relief that I feel when I find the missing item. You can also imagine the flood of relief that shepherd felt when he found the lost sheep and the women felt when she found the lost coin. I suspect those who were listening when Jesus told these two parables recalled a time when they lost something valuable and how they felt when they found it. I don’t believe that I would be far wrong in thinking that Jesus realized that the two stories he told would affect listeners in that way.
Preachers may be tempted to talk about the ninety-nine sheep that the shepherd left in the wilderness, but they may be missing the point of the Parable of the Lost Sheep. I believe that I am safe in concluding that Jesus did not intend his listeners to think that the shepherd abandoned his flock to look for one missing sheep without taking steps to ensure their safety while he searched for the one that was lost. In telling his parables Jesus leaves out some details because they are not necessary to the purpose for which he is using a story. He provides just enough details to achieve that purpose.
While the Jews had a written literature in the form of what we call the Old Testament and other writings, the population of ancient Palestine was largely illiterate. Word of mouth continued to play an important part in the transmission of values, attitudes, and beliefs. Folk tales, myths, parables, and proverbial sayings were the most common media by which values, attitudes, and beliefs were transmitted. To serve this purpose, they had to be short, simple, and easy-to-remember. They contained those details necessary to their telling. While storytellers might embroider a story a little to make more interesting, they generally stuck to the story that had been passed on to them.
When Jesus told a parable, he appears to have wanted his listeners to remember what he was saying and the truth or principle to which it pointed. Consequently, he did not overload them with unnecessary details. We may wish that they contained more details, but additional details are not necessary for us to understand them or to give thought to what Jesus wanted his listeners to think about when he told a parable.
We must also remember that Jesus in his parables often referred to common life experiences with which his listeners could identify. They could fill in more details from their own life experiences. Living two millennia later, we may not be able to identify with these experiences. During the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry wealth was measured in terms of arable farmland, vineyards, olive groves, herds of cattle, flocks of sheep and goats, and coins, jewelry, and other items made from precious metals. A sheep and a silver coin were things of great value. Jesus’ listeners could appreciate how the shepherd felt when he recovered his lost sheep and the woman when she recovered her lost coin. It was indeed a cause for celebration.
Jesus draws his listeners’ attention to the similarity between how the shepherd and the woman felt and how heaven reacts to the turning of someone away from what has come between them and God back to God. The stray sheep was precious to the shepherd, the missing coin to the woman, and sinners are precious to God.
The Pharisees and the teachers of the religious law may grumble about Jesus’ association with sinners and his eating with them, but sinners have very great worth in God’s eyes. This is the point that Jesus is making with these two parables. They were not worthless and past redemption as the Pharisees and teachers of the law saw them. Rather the contrary was true.
When I read this passage from Luke’s Gospel, I also think about an episode in my early childhood when my family lived at Stevenage in England. I had not started school. One of my older brother’s schoolmates had come by our house, and my older brother had left with him. I had followed them, but I could not keep up with the two older boys who may not have wanted me tagging along with them. A mother pushing her baby in a pram found me blubbing on the sidewalk, completely lost with no idea of how to get back home.
You may have done the same thing. If you have, you can imagine the flood of relief that I feel when I find the missing item. You can also imagine the flood of relief that shepherd felt when he found the lost sheep and the women felt when she found the lost coin. I suspect those who were listening when Jesus told these two parables recalled a time when they lost something valuable and how they felt when they found it. I don’t believe that I would be far wrong in thinking that Jesus realized that the two stories he told would affect listeners in that way.
Preachers may be tempted to talk about the ninety-nine sheep that the shepherd left in the wilderness, but they may be missing the point of the Parable of the Lost Sheep. I believe that I am safe in concluding that Jesus did not intend his listeners to think that the shepherd abandoned his flock to look for one missing sheep without taking steps to ensure their safety while he searched for the one that was lost. In telling his parables Jesus leaves out some details because they are not necessary to the purpose for which he is using a story. He provides just enough details to achieve that purpose.
While the Jews had a written literature in the form of what we call the Old Testament and other writings, the population of ancient Palestine was largely illiterate. Word of mouth continued to play an important part in the transmission of values, attitudes, and beliefs. Folk tales, myths, parables, and proverbial sayings were the most common media by which values, attitudes, and beliefs were transmitted. To serve this purpose, they had to be short, simple, and easy-to-remember. They contained those details necessary to their telling. While storytellers might embroider a story a little to make more interesting, they generally stuck to the story that had been passed on to them.
When Jesus told a parable, he appears to have wanted his listeners to remember what he was saying and the truth or principle to which it pointed. Consequently, he did not overload them with unnecessary details. We may wish that they contained more details, but additional details are not necessary for us to understand them or to give thought to what Jesus wanted his listeners to think about when he told a parable.
We must also remember that Jesus in his parables often referred to common life experiences with which his listeners could identify. They could fill in more details from their own life experiences. Living two millennia later, we may not be able to identify with these experiences. During the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry wealth was measured in terms of arable farmland, vineyards, olive groves, herds of cattle, flocks of sheep and goats, and coins, jewelry, and other items made from precious metals. A sheep and a silver coin were things of great value. Jesus’ listeners could appreciate how the shepherd felt when he recovered his lost sheep and the woman when she recovered her lost coin. It was indeed a cause for celebration.
Jesus draws his listeners’ attention to the similarity between how the shepherd and the woman felt and how heaven reacts to the turning of someone away from what has come between them and God back to God. The stray sheep was precious to the shepherd, the missing coin to the woman, and sinners are precious to God.
The Pharisees and the teachers of the religious law may grumble about Jesus’ association with sinners and his eating with them, but sinners have very great worth in God’s eyes. This is the point that Jesus is making with these two parables. They were not worthless and past redemption as the Pharisees and teachers of the law saw them. Rather the contrary was true.
When I read this passage from Luke’s Gospel, I also think about an episode in my early childhood when my family lived at Stevenage in England. I had not started school. One of my older brother’s schoolmates had come by our house, and my older brother had left with him. I had followed them, but I could not keep up with the two older boys who may not have wanted me tagging along with them. A mother pushing her baby in a pram found me blubbing on the sidewalk, completely lost with no idea of how to get back home.
I do not remember how I got to the police station, whether the mother took me there herself or she found a constable who took me to the station. I do remember eating biscuits, cookies, drinking milk, and riding home in a police car. My family had called the police to report a missing child. You can imagine how relieved my family was that I had been found safe and sound and had not met with a misadventure. And how relieved that I was to be home.
The tax collectors and sinners, people whom the Pharisees and the teachers of the law regarded as beyond redemption and upon whom they looked with disdain, must have felt great relief that God had not written them off. As the apostle Paul wrote his young protégé Timothy, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” God had not abandoned them. God had not turned his back on them as had the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. God was willing to show mercy to them as God had to the people of Israel and as God would to the apostle Paul.
This was good news to the tax collectors and sinners as it is to us. God is willing to show mercy to all who have a change of heart and turn away from whatever has come between them and God, who turn in faith to Jesus, and who live a changed life.
The tax collectors and sinners, people whom the Pharisees and the teachers of the law regarded as beyond redemption and upon whom they looked with disdain, must have felt great relief that God had not written them off. As the apostle Paul wrote his young protégé Timothy, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” God had not abandoned them. God had not turned his back on them as had the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. God was willing to show mercy to them as God had to the people of Israel and as God would to the apostle Paul.
This was good news to the tax collectors and sinners as it is to us. God is willing to show mercy to all who have a change of heart and turn away from whatever has come between them and God, who turn in faith to Jesus, and who live a changed life.
God is not bound to show us mercy. God is under no obligation to us. But God does show us mercy because it is God’s nature to be merciful as the prophet Jonah recognized. “I know that you are a merciful and compassionate God, very patient, full of faithful love, and willing not to destroy” (Jonah 4:2).
God does not wait for us to come to him. God knows that we are on our own incapable of establishing a right relationship with God. Like the shepherd of the parable, God goes in pursuit of the lost sheep. God works graciously in our lives to establish such a relationship.
As the apostle Paul puts it in his letter to the Philippians. “God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes” (Philippians 2:13) It is God’s good purpose that we enjoy a right relationship with God.
Silence
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father
almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, show us your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.
Keep our nation under your care,
and guide us in justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness,
and make your chosen people joyful.
Lord, save your people,
and bless your inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord,
for you are our help and strength.
Create in us dean hearts, O God,
and renew us by your Holy Spirit.
Almighty God,
who called your Church to bear witness
that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself:
Help us to proclaim the good news of your love,
that all who hear it may be drawn to you;
through him who was lifted up on the cross,
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
O God, the author and lover of peace, in knowledge of whom
stands our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom;
defend us your servants in all assaults of our enemies,
that, surely trusting in your defense, we may not fear the power
of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and
by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by
your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and
live every day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus
Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear James Quinn’s “This Day God Gives Me.”
1 This day, God gives me strength of high heaven,
Sun and moon shining, flame in my hearth,
Flashing of lightning, wind in its swiftness,
Deeps of the ocean, firmness of earth,
Deeps of the ocean, firmness of earth.
2 This day, God sends me strength as my guardian,
Might to uphold me, wisdom as guide.
Your eyes are watchful; your ears are listening;
Your lips are speaking, friend at my side,
Your lips are speaking, friend at my side.
3 God's way is my way; God's shield is round me;
God's host defends me, saving from ill.
Angels of heaven, drive from me always
All that would harm me; stand by me still,
Angels of heaven; stand by me still.
4 Rising, I thank you, mighty and strong one,
King of creation, giver of rest;
Firmly confessing Threeness of persons,
Oneness of Godhead, Trinity blessed.
Oneness of Godhead, Trinity blessed.
[Let us pray for those holding public office.]
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We
commend this nation to your merciful care, that, being guided
by your providence, we may dwell secure in your peace. Grant
to [here the appropriate public officials are named] and to all in
Silence
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father
almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, show us your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.
Keep our nation under your care,
and guide us in justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness,
and make your chosen people joyful.
Lord, save your people,
and bless your inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord,
for you are our help and strength.
Create in us dean hearts, O God,
and renew us by your Holy Spirit.
Almighty God,
who called your Church to bear witness
that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself:
Help us to proclaim the good news of your love,
that all who hear it may be drawn to you;
through him who was lifted up on the cross,
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
O God, the author and lover of peace, in knowledge of whom
stands our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom;
defend us your servants in all assaults of our enemies,
that, surely trusting in your defense, we may not fear the power
of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and
by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by
your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and
live every day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus
Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear James Quinn’s “This Day God Gives Me.”
1 This day, God gives me strength of high heaven,
Sun and moon shining, flame in my hearth,
Flashing of lightning, wind in its swiftness,
Deeps of the ocean, firmness of earth,
Deeps of the ocean, firmness of earth.
2 This day, God sends me strength as my guardian,
Might to uphold me, wisdom as guide.
Your eyes are watchful; your ears are listening;
Your lips are speaking, friend at my side,
Your lips are speaking, friend at my side.
3 God's way is my way; God's shield is round me;
God's host defends me, saving from ill.
Angels of heaven, drive from me always
All that would harm me; stand by me still,
Angels of heaven; stand by me still.
4 Rising, I thank you, mighty and strong one,
King of creation, giver of rest;
Firmly confessing Threeness of persons,
Oneness of Godhead, Trinity blessed.
Oneness of Godhead, Trinity blessed.
[Let us pray for those holding public office.]
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We
commend this nation to your merciful care, that, being guided
by your providence, we may dwell secure in your peace. Grant
to [here the appropriate public officials are named] and to all in
authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do you will.
Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them
ever mindful of their calling to serve this people and nation in reverence
and fear before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
[Let us pray for the Church]
Almighty and eternal God, you alone work great marvels:
send down your life-giving Spirit of grace on our bishops and other clergy, and on the congregations which they serve; and, in order that they may truly please you, pour upon them the continual dew of your blessing. Grant this, Lord, for the honour of our advocate and mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.
[Let us pray for all people according to their needs]
God of providence, God of love,
we pray for all people: make your way known to them, your saving power
among all nations.
We pray for the welfare of your Church throughout the world: guide and
govern it by your Holy Spirit, that all who call themselves Christians
may be led in the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit,
in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.
We commend to your fatherly goodness all who are afflicted or distressed
in mind, body, or circumstances (especially…). Relieve them according to their needs, giving them patience in their sufferings, and deliverance in their afflictions. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
[Let us pray for ourselves and others.]
Silence
Prayers and thanksgivings may be offered for ourselves and others, either silently or aloud.
Eternal God,
grant to us this day and every day
such readiness and delight in following Christ,
that whether our lives are short or long
we shall have lived abundantly.
Amen.
[Let us give thanks to God for all that is good.]
Almighty God and merciful Father,
we give you heart-felt thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness to us
and to all people.
We bless you for our creation and preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such a sense of all your mercies,
that our hearts may be truly thankful,
and that we praise you,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
serving you in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God, you have promised to hear the petitions of
those who ask in your Son’s name: mercifully accept us who
have now made our prayers to you; and grant us those things
which we have asked in faith according to your will; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Richard Bruxvoort Colligan’s “O Christ, surround me.”
1 God be the love to search and keep me
God be the prayer to move my voice
God be the strength to now uphold me
O Christ, surround me
O Christ, surround me
2 Bind to myself the name of Holy
Great cloud of witnesses enfold
Prophets, apostles, angels witness
O Christ, surround me
O Christ, surround me
3 Brightness of sun and glow of moonlight
Flashing of lightning, strength of wind
Depth of the sea to soil of planet
O Christ, surround me
O Christ, surround me
4 Walking behind to hem my journey
Going ahead to light my way
And from beneath, above, and all ways
O Christ, surround me
O Christ, surround me
5 Christ in the eyes of all who see me
Christ in the ears who hear my voice
Christ in the hearts of all who know me
O Christ, surround me
O Christ, surround me
THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13:14
[Let us pray for the Church]
Almighty and eternal God, you alone work great marvels:
send down your life-giving Spirit of grace on our bishops and other clergy, and on the congregations which they serve; and, in order that they may truly please you, pour upon them the continual dew of your blessing. Grant this, Lord, for the honour of our advocate and mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.
[Let us pray for all people according to their needs]
God of providence, God of love,
we pray for all people: make your way known to them, your saving power
among all nations.
We pray for the welfare of your Church throughout the world: guide and
govern it by your Holy Spirit, that all who call themselves Christians
may be led in the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit,
in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.
We commend to your fatherly goodness all who are afflicted or distressed
in mind, body, or circumstances (especially…). Relieve them according to their needs, giving them patience in their sufferings, and deliverance in their afflictions. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
[Let us pray for ourselves and others.]
Silence
Prayers and thanksgivings may be offered for ourselves and others, either silently or aloud.
Eternal God,
grant to us this day and every day
such readiness and delight in following Christ,
that whether our lives are short or long
we shall have lived abundantly.
Amen.
[Let us give thanks to God for all that is good.]
Almighty God and merciful Father,
we give you heart-felt thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness to us
and to all people.
We bless you for our creation and preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such a sense of all your mercies,
that our hearts may be truly thankful,
and that we praise you,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
serving you in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God, you have promised to hear the petitions of
those who ask in your Son’s name: mercifully accept us who
have now made our prayers to you; and grant us those things
which we have asked in faith according to your will; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Richard Bruxvoort Colligan’s “O Christ, surround me.”
1 God be the love to search and keep me
God be the prayer to move my voice
God be the strength to now uphold me
O Christ, surround me
O Christ, surround me
2 Bind to myself the name of Holy
Great cloud of witnesses enfold
Prophets, apostles, angels witness
O Christ, surround me
O Christ, surround me
3 Brightness of sun and glow of moonlight
Flashing of lightning, strength of wind
Depth of the sea to soil of planet
O Christ, surround me
O Christ, surround me
4 Walking behind to hem my journey
Going ahead to light my way
And from beneath, above, and all ways
O Christ, surround me
O Christ, surround me
5 Christ in the eyes of all who see me
Christ in the ears who hear my voice
Christ in the hearts of all who know me
O Christ, surround me
O Christ, surround me
THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13:14
Comments
Post a Comment