SCROLL DOWN FOR JUNE 14 AND JUNE 21, 2009

• Consider the connection between verse 24 and the reality and hopelessness of hunger: “I bring low the high tree, and I make high the low tree; I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the Lord have spoken; I will accomplish it.” What does verse 24 say to those who hunger? What does this verse say to those who are not hungry?
• How do we participate in what God is doing and “will accomplish”?
• Hopelessness and despair are great obstacles in combating hunger and poverty. What does hope for the future mean for a community struck by poverty? What form does hope take for a family living out of its car? How can hope be realized?
• An interesting question to ponder is this: What do starving people need more—a meal or a sermon about hope? Why?

• The Dominion of God (or Reign of God, or Kingdom of God, or Way of God) is not a plot of geography. Rather, it is a vision of what things are like when they are as God intends. A very logical question to ask is how hunger and poverty relate to God’s intentions. What are God’s people to do when they are confronted with realities contrary to God’s way?
• The parable suggests that like a small mustard seed, the Dominion of God grows into significance from seemingly small beginnings. A sermon-worthy topic would be to explore how small things are able to make great impact in addressing hunger and poverty. For example, consider the far-reaching implications of one well. Safe drinking water reduces the risk of water-born illness, a great contributor to hunger. A well provides irrigation for crops that can diversify a family’s diet. A nearby well can erase the need for people, often children, walking long distances to secure water, and have time to go to school. Literacy brings with it the potential to escape hunger and poverty. Out of a small well comes great possibility.
• Contained within the philosophy of micro-credit is the notion that great opportunity arises for individuals, families, and communities when they have access to small loans. Micro-credit has an amazing track record of contributing to economic and financial stability. For a succinct discussion of micro-credit see the “Background for Leaders” in Session 4 in Taking Root (ELCA World Hunger’s curriculum).
• Pay particular attention to the connection between the Ezekiel 17 text and the Gospel text. It may well be that Jesus helps us to see that greatness is not always defined in predictable ways. A mustard bush is great, but not in the way that tall trees are great. Perhaps we need to define greatness according to God’s way and not according to the world’s way. Often today we find attribute greatness to those with economic power and many possessions. Those with little economic power and opportunity are disregarded. Today’s parable asks us to rethink our ideas of greatness and importance. When we do, we just might hear the relief of those left in hunger and poverty…those typically considered unimportant.

• The idea that people who are poor some how “deserve” to be poor is prevalent in our society. Often this sentiment is masked, but it lurks just below the surface of our collective thinking, our attitudes, our giving patterns, and our social policy. The story of Job calls this idea into question. A sermon could explore the many factors that combine to produce and sustain domestic and global poverty, refuting the myth that those in poverty have somehow “earned” it.
• If we refute the notion that people deserve to be poor, we must also confront the idea that wealth is a reward bestowed by God. The patterns of wealth and want are in our world are quite complicated. The preacher could explore the way in which the accidents of birth combine to dictate much about the opportunities of our future.
• A sermon on Job could also assist the preacher in exploring the question of why the innocent suffer and where God is to be found in that suffering.

• The text does not just show Jesus’ power is but also tells that Jesus’ calming of the waters was an act of redemption. The miracle serves the purpose of rescuing people from chaos and fear in order to live a restored life.
• The boat has long been a symbol of the church. I am reminded of a picture my father had on his desk through three decades of parish ministry: “A ship is safe in a harbor, but that is not what a ship was meant for.” Indeed. A church can very easily live within calm, safe waters, but is that what the church and its people are called to do? Is not the church called to venture into the chaotic waters of political and economic reform; into advocacy; and into the places of never-ending hurt and hopelessness? This story tells us that when we do find ourselves in such chaotic places, Christ is a redeeming presence, bringing order into chaos, and balm for our fear.
• A worthwhile idea for a preacher to consider is our tolerance for chaos and our willingness to trust that Christ will help us through the chaos. Working to address the world’s ills is complicated, chaotic business. Those daunted by discomfort, disorder, and distress will not accomplish the demands of discipleship. They also will cut themselves off from the life-giving, life-preserving word of Christ that brings meaning and order into chaos and fear.