Tagged: theophany

Exodus 3:1-15  

This text is used for the Lectionary Year A on September 3, 2017.

The life of Moses has been covered by Hollywood to the extent that it may appear common, yet perhaps it is here amongst “the common” things of life that Exodus 3:1-15 provides an opportunity for the preacher to connect with the congregation. For it is in the everyday routine of a shepherd attending to the sheep that we encounter Moses in this pericope (Exodus 3:1). Unbeknown to Moses, what started out as an ordinary, common, day would serve as a trajectory point for a life altering extraordinary encounter with the Holy. Yet, an appreciation of Moses’ past is required to understand the significance of the present.

Here is a man whose life has been nothing less than a roller coaster ride of emotions. From a prince in the palace to a murderer and an alien in a foreign land. This commoner experienced the highs and lows of life. Not to mention, his current profession wreaks with a foul odor designating a lowly position in life. With a resume full of failures, dreams deferred, and a daily routine filled with isolation there is nothing extraordinary about Moses at this point in his life while wandering in his own wilderness.

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John 6:1-21

This text is used for the Lectionary Year B on July 26, 2015.

Hermano León Clipart
Hermano León Clipart

The focus of 6:1-21 revolves around two signs, feeding of the 5,000 (6:1-15) and walking on water (6:16-21).  Both of these occur in the context of the nearness of the Passover (v. 4).  This festival allusion is significant because these two signs highlight eating and water, both of which are critical elements in the celebration of the Passover.  The Passover centers on a meal representing God’s liberation of the Israelites via the water of the Red Sea.

These two signs are signs number four and five out of seven signs that occur in John between chapters 2 through 11. The themes and motifs contained in these verses echo previous episodes and anticipate coming events.  For the writer of John, signs point beyond themselves to something greater.  That something greater is Jesus send from God.  Unfortunately, often when individuals or groups in John encounter signs they become preoccupied with the miracle itself and miss the Sign-Maker.  In both instances of Jesus’ signs in 6:1-21, the crowds and the disciples miss the implications.

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