READINGS FOR APRIL 25TH: GENESIS 17, 1 CORINTHIANS 15, PSALM 35:1-14
GENESIS 17
This chapter involves another confirmation of God’s covenant with Abram. It involves name changes for Abram and Sarai. The covenant is confirmed by the act of circumcision.
The name, Abram, means “Exalted Father.” The name, Abraham, means “father of many”. By giving Abraham a new name God set Abraham apart in a special way and marked him as God’s servant. By becoming the “father of many” (Abraham), it confirms that the promise from God will be fulfilled. Abraham’s descendants will number as many as the stars.
The name, Sarai, means “my princess.” It implies being a princess within a tribe or a certain people. The name, Sarah, means “princess.” It implies that Sarah’s stature is more important than before. She will be a princess among the nations.
There are some that believe this name change for Sarah also places her on a more level plane with Abraham. She is no longer his princess (Sarai – “my princess). She is now a princess (Sarah).
The sign of the covenant between God and Abraham will be shown by the act of circumcision. On the eighth day after birth, all male descendants shall have their foreskin removed as a sign of their connection to God. The act of circumcision was Abraham consecrating himself and his offspring to the service of the Lord. For more information about circumcision signifying consecration see Exodus 6:12; Leviticus 19:23, 26:41; Deuteronomy 10:16, 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4, 6:10, 9:25-26; and Ezekiel 44:7,9.
1 CORINTHIANS 15
This chapter deals with matters surrounding the resurrection. It can be broken down to three distinct (but related) units: the resurrection of Christ (verses 1-11), the resurrection of the dead (verses 12-34), and the resurrection of the body (verses 35-58). Each section builds upon the one before.
Verses 1-11 – The Resurrection of Christ – This section begins by reviewing the gospel message that Paul preached to the people of Corinth. The sacrifice Christ made by which Christians are saved. The path is 1) Christ died for our sins; 2) Christ was buried; 3) Christ rose from the dead on the third day; 4) The risen Christ appeared to the disciples (including Paul).
Paul uses his own life as an example of the power of God’s forgiving grace. Paul was known for his persecution of the Church (see Acts 8). And yet, through God’s grace Paul has become an apostle and entrusted with sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Verses 12-34 – The Resurrection of the Dead – Paul then takes on the question as to whether there will be the resurrection of the dead. Paul states that because Jesus was the first to be raised from the dead that as his brothers and sisters we too shall experience the resurrection. In verses 22-23, Paul uses a comparison between our relationships to Adam and Christ. Through Adam and original sin, we are destined to die. Through Christ, we are destined for everlasting life.
As to the time of the resurrection, Paul states that the fullness of God’s work in the world must come first. We must wait until Satan is defeated once and for all.
Verses 35-58 – The Resurrection of the Body – The last section of this chapter deals with what body will be resurrected. Almost every Christian funeral quotes from this section to emphasize that after death our mortal bodies (perishable) will make way for our immortal ones (imperishability). Paul quotes from Isaiah 25:6 and Hosea 13:14 to emphasize his point.
Do you have faith in the risen Christ? Do you believe that you are going to participate in the resurrection? What questions might you have?
PSALM 35:1-14
This psalm is an appeal to God to come to defend God’s servant David. It seems that David is being attacked by people that he has treated as dear friends. David appeals to God as an innocent victim that has been attacked during a time when he was already under distress. We will discuss the psalm based upon its structure.
Verses 1-3 – The psalm begins by David calling on God as a warrior to come to his defense. David calls on God to put on his armor and to come to his assistance. David needs God to save him from this situation.
Throughout the Bible (especially the Psalms), God is metaphorically called our shield (Psalm 3:3, 7:10, 18:2,30 to name a few). The shield in Biblical times was the first line of defense in battle. They were large (four feet tall and two and a half feet wide) and could deflect swords and absorb the impact of arrows.
Verses 4-6 – David asks God to frustrate the efforts of David’s attackers. David asks that the attackers be disgraced and driven away. David is asking God to stop the attack and to scatter those who are at fault.
Verses 7-10 – David wants God to match the power of his salvation to the strength of his attackers. David is asking God to use the attackers own cunning against them. The “net” and “pit” his attackers planned to use on David, may the tables be turned and the attackers become entangled.
Verses 9-10 suggest a difficulty. It is implied that David will only praise God “if” he is saved from this situation. If his attackers are “disgraced” then will David praise God. Placing this within the context of the entire psalter, it does not mean “only if” God does this. It means “when” God does this, David will praise God.
Verses 11-14 (15-16) – This section of the psalm has been split in our readings. This section details the reasons why David is seeking God’s assistance. The attackers repaid David’s friendship with slander and attacks.
David prayed for his attackers when they were ill. David fasted and prayed for their healing. Even though he did these things, his attackers waited for an opportunity to betray him. Sometimes when we are friendly to people, they do not reciprocate. Sometimes when we are loving, we get hatred in return. As Christians, we are called to love regardless of our neighbor’s response.
