According to a article by Bruce Walker, one of the best descriptions of sermon is found in the beginning of the book of Malachi: "The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi" (1:1).
That word - BURDEN - means, "to lift or carry a heavy load." In the Old Testament, a prophet carried a burdensome message. It's a burden in the sense that it's THEIR responsibility to share it with the people of God. This responsibility had become a part of them; a heavy weight upon their hearts. They had no choice, but to share it.
"Burden" is the result of the Word of God. The prophet has received God's message and it must be proclaimed. God's message must NOT be delivered with personal opinion or interest. It must be rooted in the text of Scripture, and its points must come from the Spirit's revelation.
Malachi continues. His message - the text the Lord has given to him as a burden - is for a specific people: Israel. God's Word is given to a particular audience. His message, therefore, must be applicable to the people for whom it is intended.
Finally, Malachi says that the sermon is HIS. Obviously, a prophet's message originated from the actual revelation of God. But, this message was also written in the language of Malachi. It is God's Word, but delivered in a form and language Malachi's audience can understand. THIS is Malachi's burden.
Shouldn't it also be MY burden? Yes, I'm preaching God's Word; but am I allowing God's Spirit to lead me through the outlining, researching, and delivery? I'm finding its too easy to take sermon prep into my own hands, giving my listeners stale bread instead of a fresh word from God. Sermon-prep and delivery ought to be a creative partnership between the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and the deliverer.
As men who speak on behalf of God every week, shouldn't Malachi's burden be ours as well? Shouldn't this responsibility become part of us; a heavy weight upon OUR hearts. We have no choice, but to share it.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
I DO have strong-points, afterall!
The CSF staff recently took one of those strengths-inventories... It was long and hard, but insightful. For each of us, it offered up 5 areas of strength. Here's what it had to say about yours truly...
1. I'm confident that things happen for a reason. I gain confidence from knowing that we're not isolated from one another, but actually connected to one another in a "big picture" kind of way (does this make sense?).
2. I can sense the emotions of those around me. I can feel what you're feeling. Consequently, I can see the world through others' eyes and understand their perspective.
3. I enjoy trying to solve problems and developing ideas and trying to understand someone else's feelings. I need time alone throughout the week for musing, reflecting. This may come off as "jerk-ish-ness" to you. Sorry.
4. Excellence is important to me (this one was kind of a surprise!). Apparently, I'm good at setting a focus for people and building a sense of team spirit, but not so hot at strategic thinking. (are these Gretchen's test results?)
5. I see potential in others. Each person is alive with possibilities; no one is completely formed yet. That's why I'm drawn to people... I'm good at challenging, stretching, and helping you grow. My favorite moment in life is when a student finally "gets it!"
So there you have it... my life in 5 simple points. Some of it I totally agree with; other parts, I'm scratching my head over. Heck, #2 makes me sound like some kind of super hero. But, overall, I'm excited about purposefully implementing some of these into my ministry this year. I can't wait to see what happens...
Your friendly neighborhood connected-empathetic-intelligent-maximizing-developer,
Todd
1. I'm confident that things happen for a reason. I gain confidence from knowing that we're not isolated from one another, but actually connected to one another in a "big picture" kind of way (does this make sense?).
2. I can sense the emotions of those around me. I can feel what you're feeling. Consequently, I can see the world through others' eyes and understand their perspective.
3. I enjoy trying to solve problems and developing ideas and trying to understand someone else's feelings. I need time alone throughout the week for musing, reflecting. This may come off as "jerk-ish-ness" to you. Sorry.
4. Excellence is important to me (this one was kind of a surprise!). Apparently, I'm good at setting a focus for people and building a sense of team spirit, but not so hot at strategic thinking. (are these Gretchen's test results?)
5. I see potential in others. Each person is alive with possibilities; no one is completely formed yet. That's why I'm drawn to people... I'm good at challenging, stretching, and helping you grow. My favorite moment in life is when a student finally "gets it!"
So there you have it... my life in 5 simple points. Some of it I totally agree with; other parts, I'm scratching my head over. Heck, #2 makes me sound like some kind of super hero. But, overall, I'm excited about purposefully implementing some of these into my ministry this year. I can't wait to see what happens...
Your friendly neighborhood connected-empathetic-intelligent-maximizing-developer,
Todd
Sunday, July 13, 2008
i am a tool
Hey, everybody... this is Todd, and THIS is my very first blog.
I want to inaugurate my blog with this little verse I picked up at church this morning: It already means a lot to me:
I am a tool
in the Father's hands
I have no skill of my own
I am only available
and I know that -
although I may face resistance -
I am being used
for something beautiful.
I want to inaugurate my blog with this little verse I picked up at church this morning: It already means a lot to me:
I am a tool
in the Father's hands
I have no skill of my own
I am only available
and I know that -
although I may face resistance -
I am being used
for something beautiful.
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