During the four Sundays of Advent this year, the Old Testament lessons are drawn from the prophet Isaiah. A list of the lectionary readings is HERE and can also be found on p.889 of the BCP (Isa. 2:1-5, 11:1-10, 35:1-10, 7:10-16). More than any other book of the Hebrew Scriptures (except maybe the Psalms), Isaiah speaks to the identity and purpose of the Messiah who is to come. Isaiah prophesized in Jerusalem during the reigns of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Isa 1:1. This was a period of both great power for Judah as its borders expanded under Uzziah and Jotham, but also a time when Judah was almost completely destroyed by Assyria. A brief history of this time is found in 2 Chronicles 26-32. It is in this period that Isaiah looks forward to a more perfect kingdom.
This week we will be reading through and discussing the four Advent readings from Isaiah (or at least as many as time allows). Each of these readings is concerned with expectant eschatology of the coming of God’s Kingdom where everything will be restored. Please read through Isaiah 2:1-5 concerning the future House of God, Isaiah 11:1-10 on the future Peaceful Kingdom of God, Isaiah 35:1-10 about the Return of the Redeemed, and Isaiah 7:10-17 where the sign of Immanuel is given. As you read through each of these verses, think through how these readings anticipate the coming of Jesus in both this age and in the age to come. And, if you have the opportunity, review how the Church’s lectionary pairs these verses with the Gospel reading for the day.
Dinner is at 6. The menu is Domino’s pizza. If you want a specific type, please let Amy know. Discussion about 6:45. Hope to see you here.
Give the king your justice, O God,
Psalm 72:1-7
and your righteousness to a king’s son.
May he judge your people with righteousness,
and your poor with justice.
May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,
and the hills, in righteousness.
May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor.
May he live while the sun endures,
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth.
In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound,
until the moon is no more.