[Propertalk] Fwd: Scripture in Context for April 2, 2017

[Joe Parrish]

Forwarded:



-------- Original message --------
From: Tom O'Brien <tgobrien at comcast.net> 
Date: 3/17/17  1:17 PM  (GMT-05:00) 
To: Tom O'Brien <tgobrien at comcast.net> 
Subject: Scripture in Context for April 2, 2017 



Dear Friends, 
 
Below is Scripture in Context for April 2, 2017.  I hope you and others find it helpful and informative.  I also posted it on Facebook and on the website www.scriptureincontext.org.
 
Blessings, 
 
Tom 


TODAY’S READINGS IN CONTEXT
APRIL 2, 2017
 
 
Ezekiel 37:1-14
 
Ezekiel is one of the three “Major” Prophets – so calledbecause of the length of the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Ezekiel wasa priest who was among the first group of persons deported by the Babylonianswhen they captured Jerusalem in 597 BCE. 
 
The Book of Ezekiel is in three parts: (1) Chapters 1 to 24are prophesies of doom against Jerusalem before the destruction of the Templein 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 theBabylonian Exile (586-539 BCE). 
 
Today’s reading is the “Valley of the Dry Bones” in whichEzekiel is called by YHWH to “prophesy” (speak for God) to the bones (which isa metaphor for the Judeans). Just as YHWH gave life to the “adam” (theearthling made from fertile earth in Genesis) by putting breath/spirit/life inhim, the LORD says breath will be put in the dry bones (v. 5) and sinews willbind the bones together (v. 6).  Afterthis happens, breath/wind/life comes to those slain (v. 9) and a multitudestood on its feet.  The “multitude” continuesthe metaphor of the people of Judea who will be restored to Jerusalem.  
 
 
 
Romans 8:6-11
 
Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last and mostcomplex letter. It was written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about tenyears before the first Gospel (Mark) was written. 
 
In today’s reading, Paul contrasts (a) flesh and sin with(b) the Spirit, the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ.  “Flesh” is a shorthand word Paul uses for thevalues of the world: selfishness, self-centeredness and the desire for powerand wealth.   It is contrary to“righteousness” – being in right relationships with God, with others and with theworld.  “Flesh” is not intended as asubstitute for physical sins such as lust. Similarly, “sin” as used by Paul is best understood as “sinfulness” or livingaccording to the inclinations of the “flesh” – all of which will lead to the“death” (v. 6) of an unfulfilled life that is not in right relation with God. 
 

The Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ bring life andpeace (v. 6) – a peace that passes all understanding – and a life ofrighteousness (v.10).  


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