Proverbs 15-16
While the author continues in the parallels in Proverbs 15, it is important to notice that the wise are those who value relationships. Whether it is working with others, being attentive to the family, seeking counsel from others or even being disciplined by another, the wise person is part of a community. Wisdom is a communal effort, not an individual pursuit. On the other hand, folly is so wrapped up in self, there is no time for others.
A shift occurs in the Book of Proverbs in Proverbs 16, a shift from individual instruction, to a discussion about royal theology. The emphasis in Proverbs 16 is on the those who are faithful to God, and in particular demonstrates the relationship between God and king. The king who fears the Lord, is the Lord's servant and as such is wise.
1 Thessalonians 1
Quick, what is the oldest book in the New Testament? What came first? Mark? Matthew? Romans? Wrong, wrong, wrong. First Thessalonians is the first big in the New Testament. ( Just for your knowledge, almost all the letters either written by Paul or written by a follower of Paul where written before any of the Gospels.) According to Acts, Paul and Silas formed a community in Thessalonica but then were forced to leave the community when the Jewish community chased them out of town. This letter was sent around 51 CE, after Timothy reported back to Paul that things were fine with the community.
The letter itself might be a compilation of two or three letters, but they are all written by Paul himself. The occasion of the letter is a pastoral one, there are no real conflicts that Paul is seeking to address, just to encourage the community and give thanks for them.
From the opening, the relationship between Paul and the community is special, he uses the word church, or assembly and offers the peace and grace of God. It might seem simple but it is significant that Paul is addressing the entire community and he recognizes them to be in God.
The nature of this relationship is further demonstrated as Paul speaks of how he and Silas and Timothy are constantly praying and giving thanks to the church in Thessalonica. The truth of the community was seen in the reception of Paul's preaching and the presence of the Spirit in the community. Through this activity of the Spirit, Paul knows they have been chosen by God.
It is most likely that the community was Gentile and did not have a strong background in God of Israel, so they followed the imitation of Paul and the others in how to live and worship and Paul commends their commitment. And now other regions of Greece are using the Thessalonians as the imitation to follow.
Backlogged Posts
2 Chronicles 35-36
Following the renewal of the covenant between Israel and God, the Passover is celebrated. Much like with the story of Hezekiah and his Passover celebration, the telling by the chronicler follows the story found in Second Kings. 2 Chronicles 35 does offer one variation and that involves the role of the Levites. Through the Book of Chronicles the author has given a very flattering portrayal of the Levites and this is no exception. While the priest play their liturgical role, the Levites are important teachers in the Passover.
Things do not go to well for Josiah from this point forward. In taking the field against Egypt, Josiah failed to see God's hand at work in the world for the greater conflict between Egypt and Babylon was part of the God's judgment. The story of Josiah now resembles Ahab, as he dies while in disguise on the battlefield. His final breath takes place in Jerusalem to fulfill Huldah's prophecy, but once again a reform minded king has fallen by the wayside.
The closing of 2 Chronicles 36 brings an end to the Kingdom of Judah, as one king is taken to Egypt, another is taken to Babylon and a third reigns until the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. But hope remains, for God stirs up a new people and turns to their leader to be his anointed. Cyrus and the Persians conquer the region and sends a herald, Ezra, to rebuild Jerusalem.
Luke 1: 39-80
The Visitation and Magnificat form the major portion of the reading. While some might see the Visitation as confirmation to Mary of what the angel had told her, it really is just an encounter of two family members, but it is the young life that in each show how majestic God's activity is. The story of the unborn John recognizing his Savior recalls the story about the Jacob and Esau in which Rebekah is told that the elder will serve the younger.
The Magnificat draws so much inspiration from Hannah's Song, again God can bring life from the unknown places. God can bless those that life would frequently just ignore. The Magnificat tells the radical story of a God who turns the world upside down. But this is not just a story about Mary but the timeless work of God.
Luke gives great prominence to the story of John, for while we know that John was the one sent to prepare the way, John also had quite a following that was powerful and many preferred John to Jesus. John's birth ushers in the new time, he is the new Elijah. Zechariah is given new life in his statement that the boy will be named John and then with this new life offers the Benedictus in which he recounts the work of God and points toward what God is doing now.
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