[Propertalk] Fwd: Scripture in Context 4.9.17

[Joe Parrish]

Forwarded: 



-----Original Message-----
From: Tom O'Brien <tgobrien at comcast.net>
To: Tom O'Brien <tgobrien at comcast.net>
Sent: Tue, Mar 21, 2017 12:55 pm
Subject: Scripture in Context 4.9.17



Dear Friends, 
 
Because Alison and I will be traveling for much of April, I am going to send you the Scriptures in Context for April in advance of our departure.   Here is the one for April 9, 2017.  It is also posted on www.scriptureincontext.org and on Facebook.    I hope you and others find it helpful and informative. 
 
Blessings, 
 
Tom  


TODAY’S READINGS IN CONTEXT
APRIL 9, 2017
 
 
Isaiah 50:4-9a
 
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 written in the 20 yearsbefore 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 (587 to 539BCE) 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 whoreturned to Jerusalem after the Exile. 
 
Just before today’s reading, the prophet told the Judeansthat YHWH has not broken the promises made to them, but their sin is the causeof their suffering and the Exile.  Theprophet asserts that he is YHWH’s agent to teach (v.4) the Judeans to pursuerighteousness.  He (sometimes understoodas Judea) describes his suffering at the hands of the Babylonians, but becauseYHWH helps him, he has not been disgraced and will be vindicated (v.7).  
 
Philippians 2:5-11
 
Philippi was a major city in Macedonia on the Roman road toByzantium (Istanbul) and most of its inhabitants were Roman citizens. Paul hasa deep affection for the Jesus Followers in Philippi, and thanks them for giftssent to him in prison (4:18). 
 
Today’s reading is derived from a hymn that was already inuse in Jesus Follower communities, perhaps in a Baptism liturgy.  Its statements are not only religious, theyare also political. The Roman Caesars claimed to be “in the form of God” and (asrulers) to be the “Lord.”  
 

By contrast, instead of exploiting his connectedness to God,Jesus took the form of a slave/servant and emptied himself (poured himself out)for others. For this, he has been highly exalted (resurrected). As the Christ/Messiah,he is also called “Lord” and at the name of Jesus, every knee should bend.


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