(M,C,P)B...
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(M,C,P)
These verses are a capsule summary of one of the most fertile and significant periods in the history of the Hebrew people. It was during the exile that the prophet we know as second Isaiah wrote. Probably many of the psalms were composed during that era. Many scholars believe it was in the Babylonian exile that synagogue worship developed. It took adversity to make the Hebrew people reflect upon their faith. In the glory days of the kingdom, it was easy to see a direct relationship between faith in God and prosperity. But in bad times it is necessary to redefine the purpose of faith. In this crucible were forged the concepts of the suffering servant, the people of the book, and the lyrical expression of faith.
So, in our lives, we need to step away from the business of a works-oriented faith to reflect upon what our faith means to us in and of itself -- as a force operating in our lives independent of our external circumstances. Lent can provide that opportunity for us if we will put just a little effort into protecting some time in our schedules for meditation. Call it a few moments of Babylonian captivity in each day. It may not be enjoyable -- as the captivity was not to the Hebrew people -- but it is necessary to our growth in faith.
-- Shearburn
These verses are a capsule summary of one of the most fertile and significant periods in the history of the Hebrew people. It was during the exile that the prophet we know as second Isaiah wrote. Probably many of the psalms were composed during that era. Many scholars believe it was in the Babylonian exile that synagogue worship developed. It took adversity to make the Hebrew people reflect upon their faith. In the glory days of the kingdom, it was easy to see a direct relationship between faith in God and prosperity. But in bad times it is necessary to redefine the purpose of faith. In this crucible were forged the concepts of the suffering servant, the people of the book, and the lyrical expression of faith.
So, in our lives, we need to step away from the business of a works-oriented faith to reflect upon what our faith means to us in and of itself -- as a force operating in our lives independent of our external circumstances. Lent can provide that opportunity for us if we will put just a little effort into protecting some time in our schedules for meditation. Call it a few moments of Babylonian captivity in each day. It may not be enjoyable -- as the captivity was not to the Hebrew people -- but it is necessary to our growth in faith.
-- Shearburn
