Proverbs 11-12
The parallels continue in Proverbs 11 with an emphasis upon the pride of an individual as well as the impact the righteous can have on a city and community.
More parallels in Proverbs 12 emphasizing discipline, the abhorrence of lying and deceit and the need of a balance with Creation.
Colossians 3
The emphasis in this chapter is upon the new life that we have in Jesus Christ. The author demonstrates that in our baptisms we have died with Jesus and then raised with him to a new life. Therefore our new life is of "above", of the Spirit and not of this world. So we must turn away from the behavior of this world and continue in the life of Christ.
The author offers a brief household code calling for families to honor each other and children obeying parents. Also, the need for slaves to be faithful to their masters, for their reward will come from the Lord. This version is not as humane as in Ephesians, but slavery is a reality that cannot be ignored.
Backlogged Post
2 Chronicles 31-32
The Passover celebrate sparks a massive reform in 2 Chronicles 31 as the people themselves went throughout the region and tore down pagan altars and sacred poles. The chronicler, again, demonstrates this was an activity of all of Israel as he points out that people from Manasseh and Ephraim also participate. These are two regions that made up the heart of the old northern kingdom. .
A renewal in temple practices also occur, spurred on by Hezekiah's contribution. Now the tithing and first offerings begin appearing, in an abundance.. When Hezekiah follows up the priests to make sure they have enough, they point to the generosity of the people. In order to insure that these gifts are properly stored, Hezekiah appoints a couple of Levites to oversee the operations. A portion of these gifts are also shared with the surrounding region.
2 Chronicles 32 revisits the siege of King Sennacherib of Assyria that was first told in 2 Kings. Again the story speaks of Sennacherib sending messengers to Jerusalem and telling them that the God of Israel will not be anymore successful than gods of other lands that the Assyrians had conquered. Hezekiah and Isaiah enter into prayer and the Lord delivers Jerusalem. Sennacherib heads home in defeat and is killed in the temple of his god.
The rest of the chapter repeats Hezekiah's illness that God saves him from and speaks to Hezekiah's works in general.
Luke 1: 1-38
The Gospel of Luke was probably written between 85 and 95 CE, by an educated Greek. Traditionally the book has been ascribed to Luke, a doctor who was a companion of Paul on several missionary journeys. The author of the Gospel of Luke is also the author of the Book of Acts and frequently the two books are spoken of Luke-Acts. The primary audience seems to be a Gentile community that is familiar with the Jewish God. The Gospel was written to be an orderly account of the life and ministry of Jesus the Christ and is written to Theophilus, who could be an individual or a group, for the name translates as "God lover".
The story opens with dedication of the book to Theophilus and explains that the author seeks to put down this account so that others may know of the works of Jesus Christ. In setting the stage and the birth of John, the author draws a connection of Zechariah to Aaron, the first priest of Israel. John the Baptist will come from priestly stock and not some minor stock, but Aaron himself.
The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah strongly parallels other women of the Old Testament who could not conceive or where barren; Hannah, Sarah and Samson's mother. She receives a divine messenger, who promises great things. The child will be filled with Holy Spirit, the Spirit being the central mover in the Gospel of Luke. In this story Zechariah plays the scoffer, must as Sarah did.
Another divine visitor is sent, this time to the house of David, to Joseph and his betrothed, Mary. The stranger promises a son, named Jesus (Joshua) which means "God saves". And great things will come from this child. Bemused or not, Mary accepts.
No comments:
Post a Comment