It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

The day will come, a reflection on 2 Esdras 13:14-58

The interpretation: the day will come when the most High will begin to deliver the ones left behind. They will fight each other, city against city, one people against another, one realm against another. The man you saw ascending is my Son. When everyone hears his voice, they will stop fighting each other. A multitude will gather to overcome him. But, he shall stand on the top of Zion. The hill you saw as carved without hands. He will rebuke the ones with wicked intentions.

He will gather another peaceful multitude--the ten tribes that were taken by the Assyrians. They intended to keep the law, which they had never kept in their own land. They made a plan to go to a more distant region so that there at least they might keep the statues. The Most High performed signs for them and stopped the river so they could cross it. After an 18 month journey, they will arrive at Arzareth. They lived there until the last times, when they are to come again. The Most High will again stop the river, so they may cross over in peace.

Therefore, the Most High will destroy the multitude of nations gathered together but will save those who are found within the holy orders.

Ezra said, "O sovereign Lord, why did I see the man coming up from the sea? The reply: "Just as no one can know what is in the depths of the sea, so no one on earth can see my Son or those who are with him, except in the time of his day. You alone have seen him because you have forsaken your ways and have followed mine; you have devoted your life to wisdom and called understanding your mother. Therefore I have shown you these things; for there is a reward laid up with the Most High. After three more days I will tell you other things, and explain weighty and wondrous matters to you."

Ezra stayed in the field three days, giving great glory and praise to the Most High.

No comments: