Proverbs 19-20
In Proverbs 19, the authors jump around, covering many themes. Of importance is the realization that anger is the fools tool, anger and uncontrolled passion can be very destructive and a wise person keeps both in check. Concern is also raised regarding behavior leading to corruption and households that are not harmonious. In both, the fool can lead to disharmony and destructive behavior. A positive is raised about generosity, the care for the other is the sign of wisdom.
The authors continue in their concern about a harmonious society, and in Proverbs 20 they focus on the royal household. The ruler must abide by wisdom as well, for a ruler who follows anger and emotion will lead to strife and discord. Deceit and stealing are lifted up as empty pursuits that might offer immediate benefits but will lead to misery.
1 Thessalonians 2
Paul references his arrival in Thessalonica, after being forced to flee from Philippi. Paul and his companions could have been chasten by their experience in Philippi but instead they are emboldened. I wonder if it is because of the warm reception that they might have received as being a part of this feeling of being emboldened. He also points out that the ministry of Paul and the others was not one of deceit but of being out of a commitment to God.
Furthermore, the relationship that developed between Paul and his companions with the Thessalonians was very intimate, as he speaks in imagery of being a parent to them. Paul speaks of his desire to encourage them, as opposed to making demands. He is seeking that they follow his example, and it seems from the introduction that they have.
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Ezra 3-4
The people have returned to Jerusalem, and have settled. Now public worship resumes under the leadership of Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, and the priest, Jeshua, a descendant of the last high priest in Jerusalem, Jehozadak.
The community returns to the ruins of the old temple in Ezra 3 and find the place of the altar to erect a new altar according to the instructions of Moses. They offered up sacrifices and then followed the tradition of the Festival of Tabernacles. They also instituted regular sabbath services and started taking collections.
Part of these collections went to rebuild the temple, and the foundation is laid for this new temple with the appropriate religious ritual.
Rebuilding would not be easy, however, as the peoples of the land around Jerusalem were not supportive. It is possible that between the relocation of peoples under the Assyrian rule in the region and the settlement of non-Jews in the region during the exile, that many did not want to see the religion of Israel to return, for then they might loss influence in the region.
In Ezra 4 they attempt to join the efforts to rebuild, but that would have been a violation of Jewish law. So instead they move towards intimidation and political maneuvering. A letter is sent, full of false accusations mostly, that accuse the Jews of sedition. After sending a letter to the Persian king, work is halted until the king can make a final decision.
Luke 3
The story now shifts back to John the Baptist who receives the Word of God, in other words the Holy Spirit inspires John. He proclaims the word of Isaiah, which is a passage from the portion of the prophets book which refers to the restoration of Israel. Clearly John is speaking of the dawning of a new day, in which God will come and restore the fortunes of Israel.
However, this new age is marked by a new behavior, a new attitude. It is not enough to think of oneself as a son or daughter of Abraham; one must actually bear the fruit of one who lives with God. Hereditary issues are not as import and moral and ethical living. Righteousness is not a genetic disposition but a mode of behavior, those who live with God are righteous.
With much lead up, Jesus is baptized , but it is not clear who baptizes Jesus nor who heard God's voice. Luke, for all his desire to be historical, leaves this out for whatever reason. Luke, does however, trace Jesus not just back to David but to Abraham and Adam.
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