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

Second Isaiah 54-55

"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

The Scripture Study group was in free-form mode tonight. We started out with the table fellowship, potluck style, with delicious treats of macaroni and cheese hotdish, chicken, pickles, cheeses of several sorts, and a variety of cakes, pie, and cookies for dessert. Wine and coffee filled our beverage needs.

Then, after glancing at the early election returns, we turned to Second Isaiah. Since we had no facilitator. we took turns reading the text and the commentary. The theme of these two chapters was the promise of return to Israel from the Babylonian exile with the assurance of God's comforting words. We then reflected on some of the passages which struck us, for instance, 55: 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are my ways your ways, says the Lord." How often we find ourselves most effective doing something we have not planned or trained for. One member related how a few minutes spent holding toddlers in a Haiti orphanage seemed to be so important to those kids so desperate for a loving touch, and none of that had anything to do with her years of education or degrees earned. Another verse was 54: 1 "...for more numerous are the children of the deserted wife than the children of her who has a husband." Numerous children were a form of wealth in Biblical times, so what seems paradoxical to us in the 21st century CE is a clear message of promised spiritual prosperity on return to Israel.

We closed with a wonderful homespun prayer of connection and mystery.

GOD'S RAIN AND WORD
Oh God, as we thank you for your rain, that waters the earth,
makes it fertile,
makes it fruitful,
gives seed to the sewer,
gives bread to the eater, so we thank you for your word, that is the seed of
our life.

When we listen to your word,
Let us feel the way our brown back yard feels when the rain starts to fall on it, Let us feel the way a Minnesota corn stalk feels when the moisture starts coursing up through the stem and pushing out plump yellow kernels of corn, Let us feel the way the farmer feels when there is plenty of corn for feed and for planting next year's crop. Let us feel as in those cool, fall mornings at the breakfast table with the smell of fresh toast stimulating our appetite.
Amen

Thank you Cristina!

November 9: Isaiah 56, 57, and 58

• Facilitator: the group
• Opening prayer: Rita
• Closing prayer: Vi
• Treats: Marlys