The 2nd and 3rd Books of Isaiah
Fall 2004 Bible Study

Second Isaiah 62-64

"St. Joan of Arc Bible Study is an open and growing group that meets for fellowship and to discuss the Bible and other faith-centered literature. Our informal study group draws from biblical scholarship, historical perspectives, current events and personal reflections. We welcome honor and respect the personal ideas and spiritual journeys of all who join us."

Greetings

Bob was gracious enough to pass this on to all of us...

The Scripture group met to discuss Isaiah chapters 62, 63, and 64. We were leaderless, but we were not lacking in inspiration. Lacking a leader, we are also lacking an outline; therefore what follows are a few notes of one in attendance:

The Opening Prayer was a re-reading of Matt 5: 38 - 48 (a part of the Sermon on the Mount): "You have heard that it was said: 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth". But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you. You have heard that it was said: "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy'. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be compassionate, as your heavenly Father is compassionate." Timely, yes?

Yes!

Scriptures study 12-07-04

These three chapters of Isaiah gave us a roller coaster ride, as aptly put by one of the participants. God is sometimes the loving redeemer "who delights in you and makes your land his spouse". Soon, though, he becomes the wrathful avenger, stomping out the Edomites like grapes in a wine press, and other language too gory to repeat here. This up and down ride led members to read other passages more in tune with the message of love, Such as Isaiah ch 54, and Deut 32, the Song of Moses.

The discussion following the readings ranged from the mindset of the Israelites at the time these chapters were written to the various mindsets in Christianity today. In part, these various faces of God were an attempt by the Israelites to preserve the integrity of God, the One God. Previously, calamities and misfortune were blamed on all different kinds of gods in the polytheistic pantheon. Now the One God had to be responsible for the bad as well as the good.

We reflected how in our spiritual development we do not ascribe to God every little happening and do not believe God is susceptible of manipulation, but at the same time we believe that God cares for us and that we can call on God for help and mercy.

But too soon (???) it was treat time. Two pans of very fresh rice crispie bars miraculously appeared to feed the hungry flock, and almost as miraculously, they disappeared, for they were so sticky and chewy and so yummy! Thanks, Tammi.

After further discussion too lengthy and intense to report, the group moved on to pondering future events.

We finish Isaiah 65 - 66 on Tuesday December 14 and then Tuesday, December 21, at 7:00 PM as usual, we will assemble in Hospitality Hall for our traditional Nativity readings. We will do Luke and Matthew, and then some contemporary meditations on the coming of Jesus: listening to a part of Michael Morwood's Who Is Jesus presentation from a couple of months back, and reading Letters from Mary , alternative stories of the nativity. This will be a table fellowship, with wine, apple cider, cheeses, olives, breads, hummus, fruit, nuts, and other goodies. Members should each bring a candle (and holder, if necessary) to illuminate the table. We hope to see some of our members who have not been able to join us lately.

What to read for the sessions starting in January was our next topic. The current trend in the group appears to be a return to the Christian Testament, maybe Paul's letter to the Romans, or to the Galatians. We could possible use a companion text, as we did with Zanonni's Parables. We need to decide by next week, so please do some research and be ready to choose. If you cannot be present, let someone in the group know of your suggestions (Betty? We need your help!)

Sorry folks, we don't have any privileges to print at this point. Can anyone tell me if we have any for the 14th?

Deep Peace to you
Rik
Rik Murray
(612) 872-8694