Preaching the Scriptures

The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15   Grant us wisdom, grant us courage   God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power: these were the first words to ever shake the pews of the famous Riverside Church in New York.   These enduring words were written by the pastor of that church, Henry Emerson Fosdick.   Originally set to the tune Regent Square, the hymn accompanied the opening opening procession in their new building.   The poetry was actually written for the dedication of that majestic new edifice, a celebratory moment to be sure, but it was also written against the backdrop of the Great Depression, at a time of immense wealth disparity in our nation, and between two World Wars.   The hymn was a prayer, gifted by a pastor to his people, a people living in a world beset by dread and destruction, a people called to proclaim the good news in a time of harrowing headlines.   Fosdick was invited to pastor the c...

The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson Ephesians 5:15-20   Wisdom   Tomorrow at 8am the sound of a bell will mark the beginning of a new school year at Audubon Elementary.   As a parent I have honestly never felt so unsure, and so sick to my stomach, about the first day of school.   My children, with their erasable pens and composition notebooks and strongly encouraged facemasks, will attempt to concentrate amidst a pandemic that seems to ever find new waves of rage.   Like many parents with whom I have spoken in recent days, I have no idea if we are doing the right thing or the best thing for our boys.   We’re trying, of course; our intentions are good; our reasons are reasonable; also our doubts significant.   But if wisdom is calling to me in this moment, I’ll admit, her voice is difficult to discern in the sloshing sea of articles, advice, and opinion.     I wish it was simpler than this.   But nothing feels simple these days in:...

  The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson Ephesians 4:1-16   Unity with a Higher Purpose   In an age of tremendous division and rancor, one might be tempted to revisit the merits of the work accomplished on the plains of Shinar.   Historically, the organizers of said work have been criticized for their efforts.   But, I wonder, in light of our own partisan conflicts and ideological turmoil, if those ancient efforts should not be at least conditionally lauded.   Perhaps you remember the story; it is found in the book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible.   In it, all of the world’s people gather on the plains of Shinar and decide to build a city.   Together.   The plans, apparently developed by universal consensus, featured a tower of great significance.   The tower would stand at the center of their venture and their identity.   So impressive was their single-mindedness, that even the hosts of heaven, who had apparently been m...