2016, July 3rd ~ Isaiah 66:10-14 & Galatians 6:1-16

Isaiah 66:10-14
The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were written in the 20 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and contains encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile. Today’s reading is from the last chapter in the Book of Isaiah and is set in the time after the Return. In these verses, Isaiah speaks for Yahweh and affirms that Jerusalem will be a mother to all who mourn and that prosperity will return to Jerusalem.

Galatians 6:1-16
Galatia was a large Roman province in what is now western Turkey. This letter was written in the late 40’s or early 50’s (CE), and deals in part with controversies between Jewish Jesus Followers and Gentile Jesus Followers regarding the continuing importance of Torah (Law) and whether Gentile Jesus Followers had to be circumcised and follow the Kosher dietary laws. Today’s reading is the conclusion of the letter. Paul continues to emphasize that the Spirit enables believers to live out the principle of love, thus fulfilling the law without slavishly observing the law’s requirements. He affirms the opposition of “the flesh” to the Spirit and emphasizes that whether or not a person is circumcised is not important. The final words of today’s reading ask for peace upon the “Israel of God” – words that are unique to this verse. Scholars understand these words as meaning the “true Israel,” that is, those who follow Paul’s understanding of the Gospel rather than those who follow the teachings of Paul’s opponents.