Lent 3 - readings for March 7 2010

Take a moment to centre yourself in prayer, focussing on the "fruitfulness" of our faith journeys:

O God of open table, of open door, we are thankful that we are invited into your embrace. For you give food that nourishes us in body and in spirit. You offer us the Living Water of Jesus. You open to us a whole household of grace. You fill us with Spirit and hope. May your Word, your grace and your Spirit enter into our reading and reflection today, for we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

READ Isaiah 55:1-9

There are 3 eras covered by Isaiah’s prophecies – pre-exile (Leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE), exile (in Babylon and Persian empires), post-exile (after Cyrus gave permission to return to Jerusalem, 400 BCE)

This passage comes from the end of the exile period, looking forward to or already living in the return to their promised land. There is some scholarly dispute about whether it is exile or post-exile for this passage, but clearly it is in that time of transition, where the people are facing a journey into the unknown.

NOTES:
v.1 – The passage begins with “Ho!” – the only place in the Bible that informal greeting or call is used – it is the biblical equivalent of “Hey you! Get a load of this!” Used to get people’s attention in a busy and competitive market place.

The prophecy alone should get people’s attention – you can eat and drink without cost!
These are a people without land, resources, possibly after long journey, feeling uprooted.
God gives them the best deal.

It sends the message that God recognizes the real needs of the people, but also looks to fill a hunger beyond the belly.

Question for Reflection: What things do you “hunger” for? Do you think God knows about that hunger? What do you think God plans to do about it? What does God want you to do about your own hunger?

Isaiah 55 contrasts the early chapters (9:2) where the people wasted resources on things that do not satisfy.

v.3 – If one wants to be filled it is imperative to come, listen, incline your ear.
v.3-4 – This is the only mention of David in all of 2nd or 3rd Isaiah (Chapters 40-60) – because for Isaiah the focus of covenant is God’s people, not the king. He was a strong critic of human kings.
v. 5 – “You shall call nations … and nations shall come to you…” But it is YHWH who glorifies the people of God, not by their own actions.

v.6 – To contact YHWH you must act justly, or repent. Evil deeds get in the way.
v.7 – Those who have been unfaithful are encouraged to repent, so “the return” is imagined on 2 levels – both returning to right relationship with God, and returning to the promised land.

v.8-9 – Yet God is beyond our understanding, a warning that we cannot manipulate God with our actions.

READ Luke 13:1-9

What is a Parable? A short story that teaches a lesson – not meant to be taken as historical, but metaphorical.

But it is prefaced by a real historical situation – where Galileans were martyred, probably for rebellion, and their blood was mixed with animal blood at the sacrifice. There was a very public denouncement by Pilate of Jewish sensibilities – and a warning to the Jewish leaders to get their people under control. It is an indication of the politically charged climate of the time. There is also reference to an accident at Siloam, and whether the victims were being punished by God for sinning.

Jesus teaching is contrary to traditional “wisdom” literature – what befalls us is accident, not punishment. His point is to demonstrate why we should always be ready to meet our maker. There is urgency in Jesus’ message, asking what could be more important?

Parable of fruitless fig tree – valuable land, water, resources
Draws on previous understandings of fig trees
Micah 7:1 – signifies peace, security a time to rest
Isaiah 5:1-7 – a beloved vineyard destroyed

But Jesus shows how God gives another chance, demonstrates extravagant love.
True faith must have purpose, not just for the comfort of the believer.

Question for Reflection: Do you feel you are bearing fruit, or just taking up space? As a congregation, are we bearing fruit?

READ 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Paul reinterpreting Moses’ people in the wilderness – takes for granted knowledge of Exodus.
Yet his point was about the followers of Jesus – how they needed to be faithful and not just part of a particular group.
Ch 9 has been about idol worship, this chapter points out how the people of God, whether in the wilderness or Corinth, all need to be faithful to ONE God.

Closing Prayer:

O God, in your stories we read of your mercy and reconciling Spirit. Be gracious to us, O God, as we seek to understand the choices you would have us make. Give us hearts full of compassion and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast to the truth of your word. We pray in Jesus’ name, the one who with you and Holy Spirit lives forever and ever, Amen