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The odds were...

Illustration
Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39
Mark J. Molldrem
The odds were against him. Four hundred and fifty to one! Some of the greatest biblical witnesses to the power and presence of God come when the odds are stacked against one. For example, Moses against Pharaoh and his army. For example, little David against giant Goliath. For example, Queen Esther against Haman and the customs of her adopted culture. For example, Daniel against the lions. For example, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego against the fiery furnace. Elijah lived out the wisdom of the Psalms (118:7-8): "The Lord is on my side to help me; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
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For May 28, 2023:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Acts 2:1-21
The church in America is losing members big time. And a 2022 Gallup poll revealed that only 31% of the American public really trusts the church. Martin Luther offers a word of comfort in these circumstances:

It is not we who sustain the church, nor will it be our forefathers, nor will it be our descendants. It was and is and will be the one who says, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world...”
Wayne Brouwer
An ancient Jewish legend declares, “Pentecost is the day on which Torah was given.” One wonders whether James might have had that in mind as he penned these words. According to the Jewish teaching, it was on the day that eventually became the feast of Pentecost that God gave birth to the Hebrew nation by speaking the divine covenant to them at Mt. Sinai.

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John E. Sumwalt
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. (vv. 1-2)

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