The Reverend Dr. William A. Evertsberg
Almost the entire Hebrew Bible is singularly focused on the unique status of the Jewish tribe and the exclusive blessing God has reserved for it. The Jews are the chosen people. Israel is the favored nation. Canaan is the promised land. And Yahweh is the one true God.
However, there are two minority reports in the Hebrew Bible which suggest that God’s love is broader, God’s grace more inclusive, and God’s care less discriminating.
Both Minority Reports are charming short stories. Very short. The Book of Jonah is 48 verses and 1320 words long, or about the length of one of my sermons. The Book of Ruth is 85 verses and 2574 words long, or about the length of two sermons, way shorter than a story from Poe, Twain, Wharton, O’Connor, Updike, or another known master of the art.
But it’s tough to see how the faith of the ages could do without their alternative truth. I hope you’ll join us this summer as we look at these inimitable treasures of the narrative craft.
Two Minority Reports in the Hebrew Bible
| Date | Scripture | Sermon Title |
|---|---|---|
| May 28 | Ruth 1:1–5 | I: Grief |
| June 4 | Ruth 1:6–12 | II: Loyalty |
| June 11 | Ruth 2 | III: Friendship |
| June 18 | Ruth 3 | IV: Seduction |
| June 25 | Ruth 4 | V: Royalty |
Kelly Latimore, Iconography Artist: “Kelly’s art is a ‘holy pondering’, meditation, and process that potentially brings about a new way of seeing for himself and the viewer.” Visit kellylatimoreicons.com for more information about ‘Ruth and Naomi’, Kelly, and his work.
| Date | Scripture | Sermon Title |
|---|---|---|
| July 2 | Jonah 1:1–16 | VI: The Inescapable Call of God |
| July 9 | Jonah 1:17–2:10 | VII: The Inescapable Presence of God |
| July 16 | Jonah 3 | VIII: The Inescapable Tasks of God |
| July 23 | Jonah 4 | IX: The Inescapable Love of God |