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.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

God Looks Favorably, a Reflection on Luke 7:11-15

Allen & Williamson in Preaching the Gospels list many scriptures that underly the Jewish tradition of providing for widows and others on the margins of life:
Leviticus 22:13; Deuteronomy 10:18; 14:14-19, 29; 24:17-22; 25:5-10; 26:12; 27:19; Psalm 68:5; 94:1-7; 146;7; Isaiah 1:16-17, 21025; 10:2; Jeremiah 49:1

They also remind us that Elijah in 1 Kings 17:8-24 and Elisha in 2 Kings 4:18-3 compassionately raise the sons of widows.

Jesus continues this tradition. He restores a widow's son.Allen & Williamson read this passage as indicating that the members of the church are also supposed to care for widows and others on the margin.

Through the church, God can continue to look favorably on the people. Through the church, those who need sustenance and support can receive it.

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