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From: Tom O'Brien <tgobrien@comcast.net><br>
To: Tom O'Brien <tgobrien@comcast.net><br>
Sent: Tue, Mar 21, 2017 12:55 pm<br>
Subject: Scripture in Context 4.9.17<br>
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<div class="aolmail_MsoNormal">Dear Friends, </div>
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<div class="aolmail_MsoNormal">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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.scriptureincontext.org">www.scriptureincontext.org</a> and on Facebook. I hope you and others find it helpful and informative. </div>
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<div class="aolmail_MsoNormal">Blessings, </div>
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<div class="aolmail_MsoNormal">Tom </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b>TODAY’S READINGS IN CONTEXT<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b>APRIL 9, 2017<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Isaiah 50:4-9a<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><u><o:p> </o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">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 gives encouragement to the Judeans who
returned to Jerusalem after the Exile. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">Just before today’s reading, the prophet told the Judeans
that YHWH has not broken the promises made to them, but their sin is the cause
of their suffering and the Exile. The
prophet asserts that he is YHWH’s agent to teach (v.4) the Judeans to pursue
righteousness. He (sometimes understood
as Judea) describes his suffering at the hands of the Babylonians, but because
YHWH helps him, he has not been disgraced and will be vindicated (v.7). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><o:p> </o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Philippians 2:5-11<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">Philippi was a major city in Macedonia on the Roman road to
Byzantium (Istanbul) and most of its inhabitants were Roman citizens. Paul has
a deep affection for the Jesus Followers in Philippi, and thanks them for gifts
sent to him in prison (4:18). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">Today’s reading is derived from a hymn that was already in
use in Jesus Follower communities, perhaps in a Baptism liturgy. Its statements are not only religious, they
are also political. The Roman Caesars claimed to be “in the form of God” and (as
rulers) to be the “Lord.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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