May 9 Readings: Rev. 21:10, 22:1-5, Acts 16:9-15, Ps. 67 first cutRev.22:1-5 the river reminds us of the rivers of Eden in Gen. 2 and the river in Ezek. 47. It is the opposite of the poisoned rivers earlier and the bloody Nile of Exodus. then we encounter a tree of life as in Eden and we again hear echoes of the fruit in Ezek. 47. Again it is expanded from nation to nations, to fit the expansive view of salvation here. Even though it has open gates, nothing immoral or accursed will enter to threaten us. distinctions of sacred and secular are abolished as God's locale is our locale, and we will encounter God fully. It will be the hope of the kingdom of priests fulfilled. No bridge is necessary, as the bridge himself, Jesus, is on the throne. I think that the name is the baptismal name, christian, to be in the book of life.

 

The Acts passage shows some openness to new methods. Paul moves by the Spirit's prompting and direction, off to Greek lands. This is not a synagogue, Lydia is probably a Gentile. She is well-off and sells her purple goods to the servants of the rich. Paul says nothing about her leadership in the small marginal outskirt community.

 

Ps. 67- 1) Note the Aaronic blessing part.

2) To the nations, plural, a global thrust is evident.

3) God guides all nations.

4) In the face of a terrible oil spill, the earth yields increase as blessing. We must be careful not to destroy the source of the blessing.

5) Note God wants justice, not charity. god wants proper structures not only alms.