THE BIBLE – DISCOVERY YEAR 07
COMMENT FOR ADVENT 3 --- 17-12-06
Zephaniah 3: 14-20
Babylonian forces over ran the Assyrian capital, Nineveh, in 612 BCE, - Zeph.2:1-15.. With the power of Egypt in the south, the people of Judah were thoroughly alarmed at the power politics around them. But the prophet now ignores all this, and calls for heartfelt praise and rejoicing at the divine presence, removing the judgment against them and keeping them all safe – even to the lame and the outcast.
Isaiah 12: 2-6
This hymn of thanksgiving is used here in place of a psalm. Its vital message is about the judgment which is associated with the “day of the Lord”, but once that process is over there is comfort and a spiritual renewal through a heightened experience of God’s presence. So the political calamities are put to one side, and the covenant people are exhorted to live their spiritual and justice faith before the nations of the world.
Philippians 4: 4-7
Paul, in prison in Rome, is delighted that this congregation in Philippi is extending its loving influence in the community which includes a Roman colony. So he sends greetings from “the emperor’s household.” Paul grew up with the Jewish Shalom, now he lives under the Pax Romana. But his real message is about the peace of God which is beyond description but is deeply experienced. This experience like a vigilant guard protects against the anxieties of life.
Luke 3: 7-18
It was through Paul that Luke made his discovery of that Spiritual Power, creator and creatively sustaining all that exists. Now he is tracing how that discovery was made available to the human race. A man named John appears with all the power and mystique of the Hebrew awareness of divine power. He called people to respond to the best that the prophets had taught, and therefore be able to recognize the one bringing good news with the day of the lord.
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