[Propertalk] Fwd: Scripture in context 12.11.16 - for December 11, 2016

[Joe Parrish]

Forwarded:



-----Original Message-----
From: Tom O'Brien <tgobrien at comcast.net>
To: Tom O'Brien <tgobrien at comcast.net>
Sent: Tue, Nov 29, 2016 6:21 pm
Subject: Scripture in context 12.11.16



Dear Friends, 
 
Attached in Word is Scripture in Context for December 11, 2016.   I hope you and others find it informative and helpful. 
 
This offering and those that go back to July 2016 are posted at www.scriptureincontext.org.
 
My son has recommended that when I post new offerings on the website that I share this fact on Facebook, so I will in the future – at least for a while to see how people react. 
 
Blessings, 
 
Tom 


Re:
TODAY’S READINGS IN CONTEXT
DECEMBER 11, 2016
 
 
 
 
Isaiah 35: 1-10
 
The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from threedistinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were mostly written in the 30years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE.  “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 andbrings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return toJerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and contains encouragement tothe Judeans in Jerusalem after the Exile. 
 
Today’s reading, even though it is one of the “First Isaiah”chapters, was likely written during the time of the Exile. It promises that the“ransomed” (v.10) – a reference to the Exiles -- shall return to a fruitfulland with joy.  The chapters that followthis reading (Ch. 36-39) are an historical appendix which (except for a fewverses) parallel 2 Kings 18 -20. These chapters describe the siege of Jerusalemby the Assyrians and the Judean King (Hezekiah) foolishly turning to theBabylonians for help. The inclusion of parts of 2 Kings in the Book of Isaiahshows the continuing influence of the Deuteronomists in forming the “final”versions of both Isaiah and Jeremiah. 
 
 
James 5:7-10
 
Although the authorship of this epistle is not known, it hastraditionally been attributed to James, the brother of Jesus, who is presentedin Acts of the Apostles as the leader of the Jesus Follower community inJerusalem.  This James is sometimescalled “James the Just” and is distinguished from “James the Great” (anapostle, brother of John, and son of Zebedee) and from “James the Less”(apostle and son of Alphaeus).  
 
The letter is addressed to Jewish Jesus Followers andemphasizes the importance of good works. This emphasis has been understood by some (including Luther) as beingopposed to Paul’s position that one is saved by Faith alone.  These positions can be reconciled byrecognizing that salvation/wholeness does not come from works alone and that asaving Faith leads to good works. 
 
Today’s reading is from the last chapter of the Epistle, andoffers consolation to the hearers. Like many other writings from the late FirstCentury, it expresses the understanding that the coming of the Lord is near.(v.8)

 


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