In this week’s reading, Isaiah offers a new vision for the world. It is a vision of peace and harmony that necessarily includes justice. Which begs the question, what is justice? In an increasingly pluralistic society in which there are differing and competing views of justice, what informs our understanding of justice? For Christians, many of us would say that the Bible informs our understanding of justice. But which parts? For instance, Matthew’s gospel records Jesus as saying “I know it has been said . . . , but I say . . .” (Matthew 5:38-48). Do the teachings of Jesus carry more authority than the teachings (law) of Moses? Which raises another question, if the law of the land is inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus, what are we as Christians called to do? Are Paul’s instructions to the church in Rome to be followed? “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. 2Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgement” (Romans 13:1-2). Which raises another question still, is it possible that the teachings of Jesus and the teachings of Paul are not always consistent?

Are the above questions beginning to make your head spin a little? Good! Humility, which means in part an awareness of our limited understanding and our propensity toward inaccurately rationalizing that which is our self-interest at the expense of others, is good place to (re)start this ongoing journey of what it means to be a follower/disciple of Jesus.

During this week’s “Courageous Conversation,” we will take up this urgently important topic. Between now and then, review Isaiah 65:17, 21-25 (below) as well as the video. Zoom info is at the bottom of the page.

Isaiah 65:17, 21-25

17 For I am about to create new heavens
   and a new earth;
the former things shall not be remembered
   or come to mind.
21 They shall build houses and inhabit them;
   they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22 They shall not build and another inhabit;
   they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
   and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 They shall not labor in vain,
   or bear children for calamity;
for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord—
   and their descendants as well.
24 Before they call I will answer,
   while they are yet speaking I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together,
   the lion shall eat straw like the ox;
   but the serpent—its food shall be dust!
They shall not hurt or destroy
   on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.

Zoom Info:

Join Men’s Bible Study Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81210234586?pwd=Tm6ieMrfYwNFIOZoI286zaqzLsf8FC.1

Meeting ID: 812 1023 4586

Passcode: 626607

Join Women’s Bible Study Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82089397014?pwd=RLdWePy2g5vFwl2bPdbMJhsgMvn47d.1

Meeting ID: 820 8939 7014

Passcode: 473712

A Whole New Vision

Next (New?) Chapter

Powerful Beyond Measure