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2017, September 24 ~ Exodus 16:2-15; Jonah 3:10-4:11; Philippians 1:21-30

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Exodus 16:2-15

The Book of Exodus covers the period from the slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh (around 1250 BCE, if the account is historical), the Exodus itself, and the early months in the Wilderness.

Today’s reading was set one month after the Crossing of the Sea of Reeds. It combines two traditions – finding manna and the arrival of quail (meat). The manna story is Priestly as shown by the prohibition on collecting manna on the Sabbath (v. 5). Manna (which literally means “what is it?”) is the carbohydrate-rich excretion of two scale insects that feed on twigs of tamarisk trees. It can be purchased, even today, in the Arab Quarter of Jerusalem.

One of the overarching themes of the Book of Exodus is acknowledging that YHWH is Israel’s God, and Moses and Aaron emphasize this to the Israelites (v. 6-7).

Jonah 3:10-4:11

The Book of Jonah is one of the shortest in the Bible, and is included with the 12 Minor Prophets. Even though Jonah is never described in the Book as a “prophet,” he is a “prophet” who speaks (in his own way) for YHWH by urging the Assyrians to repent.

The story was written after the Exile (after 539 BCE), but was set in the period of Assyrian power and threats against Israel and Judea (850 to 609 BCE). Sending Jonah to convert Nineveh (the capital of Assyria) would be unthinkable, and Jonah knew this was a “Mission Impossible.” When told by God to go to Nineveh, Jonah got on a ship for Tarshish (Spain) – about as far from Assyria as possible.

Just before today’s reading, Jonah warned the Assyrians of impending destruction. Because they repented, God decided not to punish them. Today’s reading recounts Jonah’s anger with God’s mercy. He was so angry that he preferred to die (4.3, 4.8).

Jonah, like the Book of Ruth and portions of Isaiah, emphasized the inclusivity of God’s love and mercy for all, not just the people of Israel and Judea. This tension between inclusivity and exclusivity continued into the First Century, and is still with us today.

Philippians 1:21-30

Philippi was a major city in Macedonia on the Roman road to Byzantium (Istanbul). Most of its inhabitants were Roman citizens. Paul had deep affection for the Jesus Followers in Philippi, and thanked them for gifts sent to him in prison (4:18). Paul wrote this letter from prison, but it is not clear if he was in Rome, Caesarea or Ephesus.

Today’s reading reflects Paul’s tension between living in the flesh and seeing dying as “gain” for living in Christ (v. 21). His exhortation to “live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (v.27) is subversive for Roman citizens in the sense that it presents Jesus the Christ as LORD rather than Caesar. This may lead to suffering but will be salvation for the Philippians (vv. 28-29).

2017, September 17 ~ Exodus 14:19-31 or 15:1b-11,20-21; Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 14:1-12

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This Sunday, three different readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss all these readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Exodus 14:19-31 or 15:1b-11, 20-21

The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible, and covers the period from the slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh (around 1250 BCE, if the account is historical), the Exodus itself, and the early months in the Wilderness.

Today’s readings tell the story of the deliverance of the Israelites from Pharaoh by the parting of the Sea of Reeds. Just before this account, (somewhat curiously) YHWH told Moses that he will “harden the hearts of the Egyptians so I will gain glory for myself over Pharaoh and all his army” (14.17). In this portion of the Exodus, the focus is on the power of YHWH versus the power of Pharaoh (whom Egyptians saw as a god). The exercise of YHHW’s power led the Israelites to “fear the LORD and believe in YHWH and his servant Moses” (v. 31).

The alternate reading recounts the same story and is called the “Song of Moses.” It is one of the oldest parts of the Bible. The concluding verses (20-21) are the Song of Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron. This is the first place where she is identified by name (she was part of the Rescue of Moses by Pharaoh’s daughter). She is also described as a prophet (one who speaks for God).

Genesis 50:15-21

Today’s reading is from the last chapter of Genesis. Jacob/Israel died and was buried in Canaan. Afterwards, Joseph’s brothers offered themselves as Joseph’s slaves (thereby fulfilling Joseph’s dream in Genesis 37) but Joseph forgave them for their treatment of him. He told them that even though they intended to do harm to him, God intended their sale of him into slavery “for good, in order to preserve a numerous people” (v. 20). This statement reflects two important theological tenets in Genesis – that God controls all that occurs and God’s purposes are not always readily apparent.

Romans 14:1-12

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last, and theologically most complex letter, written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written. One of Paul’s goals was to reduce tensions and eliminate distinctions between the Jewish Jesus Followers in Rome and Gentile Jesus Followers there.

In today’s reading, Paul (who was a Jewish Jesus Follower after his conversion) urges Gentile Jesus Followers not to look down on Jewish Jesus Followers who follow the Kosher laws (v. 2-3) and who observe the Lord’s Day (Sabbath) on a different day (v. 5-6). Paul emphasizes that Jews and Gentiles both live in honor of the Lord (v.8) and will each be accountable in their own ways (v.12).

2017, September 10 ~ Exodus 12:1-14; Ezekiel 33:7-11; Romans 13:8-14

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Exodus 12:1-14

The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible, and covers the period from the slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh (around 1250 BCE, if the account is historical), the Exodus itself, and the early months in the Wilderness.

Today’s reading comes after Pharaoh’s 9th refusal to free the Israelites, and comes just before the final plague (death of the firstborn). It gives detailed instructions for the first Passover. Like Genesis, Exodus contains portions that were written around 950 BCE and parts that were written as late as 450 BCE by the Priestly writers. The directions here are presented as being given by YHWH to both Moses and Aaron (the first priest). Like almost all Priestly writings, it contains specific details as to dates for observances.

The sacrifice of the Passover lamb was integral to the deliverance of the Israelites, but was not as a means of atonement. The Fourth Gospel describes Jesus as “the Lamb of God” and the means of deliverance.

Ezekiel 33:7-11

Ezekiel is one of the three “Major” Prophets – so called because of the length of the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Ezekiel was a priest who was among the first group of persons deported by the Babylonians when they captured Jerusalem in 597 BCE.

The Book of Ezekiel is in three parts: (1) Chapters 1 to 24 are prophesies of doom against Jerusalem before the destruction of the Temple in 586 BCE; (2) Chapters 25 to 32 are prophesies against foreign nations; and (3) Chapters 33 to 48 are prophesies of hope for the Judeans written during the Babylonian Exile (586-539 BCE).

Here, YHWH is presented as referring to Ezekiel as Israel’s “sentinel” to warn the people to turn from their wicked ways (v.8). The emphasis in the Book of Ezekiel is on personal responsibility rather than seeing the acts of prior generations as the cause of the current situation. This was a new development in the Theology of Ancient Israel. Ezekiel also presents repentance as the way to a restored life.

Romans 13:8-14

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last, and theologically most complex letter, written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written. One of Paul’s goals was to reduce tensions and eliminate distinctions between the Jewish Jesus Followers in Rome and Gentile Jesus Followers there.

Paul exhorts the Jesus Follower Community in Rome to follow the Commandments, particularly to love one another as neighbors. Like most early Jesus Followers, Paul believed that Christ would return soon (“salvation is nearer to us now”). Paul uses “the flesh” as his code word for the values of the world – values not consistent with living in the Lord Christ Jesus (v. 14).

2017, September 3 ~ Exodus 3:1-15; Jeremiah 15:15-21; Romans 12:9-21

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Exodus 3:1-15

The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible, and covers the period from the slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh (around 1250 BCE, if the account is historical), the Exodus itself, and the early months in the Wilderness.

Today’s reading is the first account of the Call of Moses (the other is in Exodus 6). Prior to today’s reading, Moses fled from Egypt to Midian where he met his wife, Zipporah, at a well (naturally). While tending his father-in-law’s flocks, he encountered a Burning Bush, heard a voice, and asked God’s name.

In the Bible, names describe a person’s qualities, and having power to name someone shows the ability to control them. When Moses asks for God’s name, the elliptical response is “YHWH” which is a form of the Hebrew word “to be.” The name shows God is not to be controlled. YHWH is variously translated as “I AM WHAT I AM” or “I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE” or “I AM BECOMING WHAT I AM BECOMING.” One of the great insights of the Hebrew Bible is that YHWH is a God of Mystery and is active (as a verb is active) and not fixed like a noun.

Jeremiah 15:15-21

After the righteous King Josiah was killed in battle in 609 BCE, the fortunes of Judea took a sharp downward turn. Babylon threatened Judea’s existence, and Judea had a series of hapless kings from 609 until Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The Babylonians deported some Judean leaders in 597 and a larger number of them in 586 (the beginning of the Babylonian Exile). Jeremiah’s prophesy (i.e. speaking for Yahweh) began around 609 and continued until 586 BCE when he died in Egypt.

Jeremiah’s predictions of harsh times for Judea and Jerusalem were opposed by the kings and the “court prophets.” Jeremiah was ridiculed and mistreated. Today’s reading is a lament by Jeremiah (vv. 15-18) to which YHWH replies that Jeremiah will be delivered and redeemed (v. 21). Because of Jeremiah’s laments, the Book of Lamentations is sometimes incorrectly attributed to him.

Romans 12:9-21

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last, and theologically most complex letter, written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written. One of Paul’s goals was to reduce tensions and eliminate distinctions between the Jewish Jesus Followers in Rome and Gentile Jesus Followers there.

Building on his prior discussions, Paul urges all the Jesus Followers in Rome to love one another (v.10) and live in harmony (v.16). In verse 19, Paul paraphrases Deuteronomy 32:35 to say “vengeance” is God’s, but a better translation of the Hebrew is “vindication” because the idea in the Hebrew was justice (in the sense of making things right) rather than revenge.

2017, August 27 ~ Exodus 1:8-2:10; Isaiah 51:1-6; & Romans 12:1-8

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Exodus 1:8-2:10

The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible, and covers the period from the slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh (around 1250 BCE, if the account is historical), the Exodus itself, and the early months in the Wilderness.

Today’s reading is the familiar story of the rescue of Moses by Pharaoh’s daughter from the reeds in the Nile River. The same story was told of Sargon of Akkad (2300 BCE) and likely was the model for the Moses story. In Hebrew, the word for “ark” in the Noah story is the same word used for “basket” (v.2:3) in the Moses story. (Just as Noah’s ark rescued humankind, Moses liberated the Israelites from Pharaoh.) Moses’ priestly role is emphasized by stating that both his father and mother were Levites (v. 2:1). Moses’ sister (v. 2:4 and 7) will later be identified as Miriam (15:20).

Isaiah 51:1-6

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 by “Isaiah of Jerusalem” 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 gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

Today’s reading is a powerful affirmation that the promise to Abraham (v.2) will be kept by YHWH, and Israel will be a teacher to the peoples (v.5). The word for “peoples” is sometimes translated as “nations” or “pagans” or “Gentiles” depending on the context.

Romans 12:1-8

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last, and theologically most complex letter, written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written. One of Paul’s goals was to reduce tensions and eliminate distinctions between the Jewish Jesus Followers in Rome and Gentile Jesus Followers there.

Today’s reading builds on the theology expressed in earlier chapters, and emphasizes that all members of the Jesus Follower Community in Rome are “brothers and sisters” (v.1). They should not be “conformed to this world” (v.2), which is another way Paul speaks of being “subject to the flesh” – having earthly values. Paul urges the Jewish and Gentile Jesus Followers to be humble (v.3). They are one body in Christ (v.5) with many members with separate roles to play (vv.6-8).

2017, August 20 ~ Genesis 45:1-15; Isaiah 56:1,6-8; & Romans 11:1-2a,29-32

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Genesis 45:1-15

Today’s reading continues the story of Joseph. After being sold into slavery, he was sold to Potiphar, an officer of the Pharaoh who put him in charge of his house. Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph, then falsely accused him and had him imprisoned. When in prison, Joseph (with YHWH’s help) interpreted dreams for the Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. Later, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and Pharaoh placed Joseph in charge of the nation. Joseph’s interpretation of the dreams was accurate and Egypt prepared for (and survived) a famine.

The famine also hit Israel, and Jacob sent his 10 oldest sons to Egypt where they bought grain. Joseph did not identify himself to them. When the grain ran out, and they went to Egypt again. After Joseph accused the brothers of stealing his silver cup, Judah agreed to be Joseph’s slave if Joseph would spare Jacob’s youngest and favorite son, Benjamin. Judah’s selflessness showed he was a true brother to Benjamin and his other brothers.

Hearing this affirmation of brotherhood, Joseph identified himself to his brothers in today’s emotional reading.

Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

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 by “Isaiah of Jerusalem” 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 gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

Today’s reading is part of Third Isaiah and is inclusive in tone. Speaking for YHWH, Isaiah affirms that foreigners who join themselves to YHWH and keep the sabbath will be joyful in YHWH’s house (v.7). The tension between the “exclusivists” (Ezra and Nehemiah) and the “inclusivist” books (Isaiah, Jonah and Ruth) continued into the First Century of the Common Era. Jesus of Nazareth is presented in the Gospels as an inclusivist.

Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last, and theologically most complex letter, written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written.

One of Paul’s goals in this letter was to reduce tensions and eliminate distinctions between the Jewish Jesus Followers in Rome and Gentile Jesus Followers there.

In today’s reading, Paul reaffirms that he is an “Israelite” (v.1) and warns against arrogance by Gentile Jesus Followers (v.32). Paul was a Jew all his life and the Temple was active all during Paul’s life. Paul died in 63 CE and the Temple was destroyed in 70 CE.

2017, August 13 ~ Genesis 37:1-4,12-28; 1 Kings 19:9-18; & Romans 10:5-15

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28

The Book of Genesis starts with Creation and concludes with the death of Joseph (Jacob’s son) in Egypt. The Book is an amalgam of religious traditions, some of which are dated to about 950 BCE and others as late as 450 BCE.

Today’s reading begins the long and remarkably cohesive story of Joseph and his brothers in Chapters 37 to 50. Joseph was Jacob’s 11th son; his mother was Rachel, Jacob’s favorite wife. His older brothers’ antipathy and resentment arose from a “bad report” Joseph gave to Jacob (v. 2) and Jacob’s giving Joseph a robe with sleeves (not many colors), a sign of royalty.

Joseph was sold into slavery, and saved from death by the oldest brother, Reuben (v.22) and the fourth oldest brother, Judah (v.27). Judah later took the leadership role in dealing with Joseph in Egypt. Judah’s tribe will eventually inhabit Jerusalem and the area around it.

1 Kings 19:9-18

The Book of Kings is part of the “Deuteronomic History” that includes Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings. These books are a didactic history of Ancient Israel from the time in the Wilderness (c. 1250 BCE) to the Babylonian Captivity (587 BCE). They emphasize that God controls history, and when the people (and their kings) worship Yahweh properly, good things happen to them. When they worship false gods, however, tragic events overtake them.

Today’s reading is set during the reign of the evil King Ahab of Israel (the northern 10 tribes) from 873 to 852 BCE. Ahab’s wife was Jezebel, and she was a Baal worshiper. Just before today’s reading, the prophet Elijah demonstrated that YHWH’s power was greater than the priests of Baal. When Ahab told Jezebel what Elijah had done, she vowed revenge on Elijah, and Elijah fled to a cave in the holy mountain, Horeb (the name used by the Deuteronomists).

There, Elijah heard the still voice of YHWH and was directed to anoint Hazael as King of Aram (Syria), Jehu as king of Israel (an act of treason) and Elisha as his own successor (v. 16).

Romans 10:5-15

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last, and theologically most complex letter, written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written. One of Paul’s goals was to reduce tensions and eliminate distinctions between the Jewish Jesus Followers in Rome and Gentile Jesus Followers there (v.12).

Paul was a Jew all his life, and the Temple was active all during Paul’s life. (Paul died in 63 and the Temple was destroyed in 70 CE.) In Romans, Paul continued to use terms that need to be unpacked such as “righteousness” (right relationships with God and others), the “law” (the Torah), and “faith” (faithfulness). Paul emphasized that “belief” is a matter of the heart (v.10), not the intellect.

2017, August 6 ~ Exodus 34:29-35 & 2 Peter 1:13-21

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Exodus 34:29-35

The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible, and covers the period from the slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh (around 1250 BCE, if the account is historical), the Exodus itself, and the early months in the Wilderness.

Today is known by many Christians as “Transfiguration Sunday.” In today’s reading, Moses’ face shone when he came down from Mount Sinai after speaking with Yahweh and writing the “words of the covenant” (the Ten Commandments or the Ten Words) on tablets. Moses put a veil over his face after he gave the people the Commandments and removed the veil whenever he spoke to Yahweh face-to-face.

In Exodus, this was the second time Moses received the Ten Commandments. When he came down the mountain the first time, the Israelites were worshipping the Golden Calf and he broke the tablets at the foot of the mountain (Ex. 32.19).

Moses’ speaking with God face-to-face became part of the description of the expected Messiah. This expectation was combined with two verses in the Book of Deuteronomy. In one verse, Yahweh promised to “raise up for them [the people of Israel] a prophet like you [Moses]” (Deut. 18.18). The other verse notes that no other prophet in Israel (other than Moses) has been known by YHWH face-to-face (Deut. 34.10).

2 Peter 1:13-21

In the First Century, it was not uncommon to write something in another person’s name so that the writing would have extra “authority” – particularly when the writer believed he knew what the “authority” (in this case, Peter) would have said.

The Second Letter of Peter was likely written around the year 100 CE (Peter died much earlier) and was written in the popular Greek rhetorical style of the age. The letter is presented as a “testament” by Peter based on his own experiences.

In today’s reading, “Peter” claims he was an eyewitness to the Transfiguration of Jesus where he heard the voice of God declare that Jesus was God’s Son and God’s Beloved. “Peter” concludes that prophesy comes from God to humans who are moved by the Spirit to speak for God.

2017, July 30 ~ Genesis 29:15-28, 1 Kings 3:5-12 & Romans 8:26-39

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Genesis 29:15-28

Today’s story is the concluding part of Jacob’s journey to find a wife. As many Biblical men do, he went to a well. There he encountered Rachel, who was his first cousin. (Laban was Rebekah’s brother and Jacob’s uncle.) When Jacob saw Rachel, he kissed her (v.11), and agreed to work for her father Laban so Rachel would be his wife (v.18).

After seven years, and in an ironic twist (because Jacob himself tricked his father Isaac into giving him the blessing that belonged to Esau, his older twin brother), Laban tricked Jacob by substituting his older daughter (Leah) for Rachel in Jacob’s tent on the wedding night (v.23). Jacob agreed with Laban to “complete Leah’s week” of marriage festivities, and Laban gave Rachel to Jacob as another wife (v.28). Jacob worked for Laban for another seven years (v.30). Leah bore Jacob’s first four sons, including Judah.

1 Kings 3:5-12

The Book of Kings is part of the “Deuteronomic History” that includes the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings. These books are a didactic history of Ancient Israel from the time in the Wilderness (c. 1250 BCE) to the Babylonian Captivity in 587 BCE. They emphasize that God controls history, and when the people (and their kings) worship Yahweh properly, good things happen to them. When they worship false gods, however, tragic events overtake them.

Prior to today’s story, Solomon (who was David’s son by Bathsheba, and not the oldest of David’s sons) acceded to the throne upon David’s death in about 965 BCE through the machinations of Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan. Solomon was anointed king even before David’s death, and then ruthlessly eliminated those who might have challenged him as king.

Today’s story presents a dream sequence in which Solomon asked YHWH for wisdom, and YHWH granted him a wise and discerning mind (v.12). As events will unfold, Solomon ruled Israel harshly and married many foreign wives who turned his heart away from YHWH. According to the Deuteronomist, this contributed greatly to the breakup of the Kingdom in 930 BCE when Solomon died.

Romans 8:26-39

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last, and theologically most complex letter, written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written.

Today’s reading concludes Paul’s theologically dense discussion in Chapter 8. His theology includes the idea that even if matters are not going well (v.36), God’s purpose nevertheless prevails (v.28). He asserts “foreknowledge” on God’s part (v.29) and predestination (v.30).

The reading concludes with an oft-quoted affirmation that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (vv. 38-39).

2017, July 23 ~ Genesis 28:10-19a, Isaiah 44:6-8 & Romans 8:12-25

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During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.

Genesis 28:10-19a

Today’s story occurred after Jacob (with Rebekah’s connivance) tricked Isaac into giving him the blessing that should have gone to Jacob’s older twin brother, Esau. Jacob and Esau parted company, and Isaac directed Jacob to go to Haran (where Abraham came from) to find a suitable (i.e. non-Canaanite) wife.

Enroute, Jacob dreamt of a ladder (or stairway) with angels descending and ascending from heaven to earth. In Jacob’s dream, YHWH stood beside Jacob and reaffirmed the promise of extensive lands and many offspring that was made to Abraham in various forms in Genesis 12.

When Jacob awoke, he said this was a holy place and the “house of God” (v.19). He named the place “Bethel” because in Hebrew, “Beth” means house (as in “Bethlehem” – house of bread), and “el” is the most ancient name for God. The suffix “el” appears in many names that have meanings “of God” such as Gabriel (God is my strength), Daniel (God is my judge) and the like.

Isaiah 44:6-8

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 by “Isaiah of Jerusalem” 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 gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

Today’s reading is part of Second Isaiah in which the prophet speaks for YHWH to the Judeans in Exile and reassures them that YHWH is “first and last” (v.6), unique (v.7) and the “rock” upon which they can rely (v.8).

Romans 8:12-25

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last, and theologically most complex letter. It was written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written.

Today’s reading continues Paul’s extended discussion of sin, the flesh, and the Spirit. For Paul, “the flesh” is our human tendency towards self-centeredness and self-interest. “Sin” is our personal egoism that leads to “death” (both spiritual and physical). Life in the Spirit of God (or the Spirit of Christ Jesus) leads to wholeness and life. Paul emphasizes that as children of God, we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ – if we suffer with him. This suffering can take many forms, including rejection by those who embrace the values of the world/the flesh. Paul also introduces the sense of “now, but not yet” in terms of the glory to be revealed, and that God’s purposes for us are greater than the present time would indicate.