Preaching Hard Texts of the Old Testament

Rating:
Summary: The Bible Doesn't Have a Problem, WE do!
Review: Elizabeth Achtemeier, a Presbyterian, a seminary professor, and an authority on preaching the Hebrew scriptures, says that if we have a problem with some passages from the Old Testament we should remember that it's our problem not the problem of the Bible.

Selecting some 31 readings, half of which come up in the Common Lectionary at some point, she looks at the passage in its context and then suggests ways it could be used as a sermon text.

Achtemeier says that the difficulties preachers have with preaching on the Old Testament may spring from not understanding the Old Testament or from not being willing to hear the message the passage brings to our own lives.

Using short chapters of six or eight pages, the author digs right into the text to clearly give the situation it addresses. The she discusses the message it carries for the ancient reader as well as the contemporary reader.

For example, in her treatment of Genesis 22:1-19, The Sacrifice of Isaac, she points out the intimate relationship the story describes between Abraham and his son, Isaac. Then she goes on to point out that this couple, Abraham, who is no paragon of faith, and is wife, Sarah, who is no model of faith, is nevertheless the slender thread upon which God hangs the promise that they shall be the parents of a great host of people - Israel. Some test is required to establish whether they can do what God wants them to do. Abraham passes the test with flying colors (Sarah is not heard from again until her death). Achtemeier goes on to say that we must not think that "God's test of our trust in him is behind every single affliction that we suffer. In the Scriptures, God tests his servants when his purpose is at stake." She points out that in Gethsemane Jesus passes a similar test and models unwavering faith and witness for persecuted Christians throughout the ages.

For me this was an inspiring read and was especially appropriate for devotional reading during Holy Week.

Charley Day, retired Episcopal priest and Board Certified Chaplain