Pastor John Wright

This is the second installment of Bible studies from the Book of Common Prayer lectionary -- for a week and a half away (May 21). The Scripture readings are Isaiah 45:11-13, 18-19; 1 John 4:7-21; and Gospel of John 15:9-17.

Approaching the lectionary text one has to remember how the texts fit within the liturgical season (in this case, Easter) as well as they find their place within the drama of the Christian Scriptures. Historical context of the composition of these texts can help us understand them, but the theological context of the life of the church in this time between Christ's resurrection and return provides a more important context. Addressed to a specific historical situation, the lectionary reminds us that they are more fundamentally addressed to a particular people -- a congregation drawn together by the Spirit in worship as part of the church catholic.

The Isaiah text arises in the middle section of Isaiah, a section that speaks of "comfort" to Israel, the people of God, for their judgment is past. Isaiah 45 has a historical setting in the rise of the Iranian king Cyrus to conquer Babylon. The word goes forth that his Cyrus, a pagan prince, will help free the Judeans in exile and deliver them back to their land.

Vv. 11-13

What does the passage presuppose that the people of God in exile are doing? Why would they question God? What is the divine response? What is the significance of God as Creator?

Vv. 18-19 What is the relationship between God as the Creator and the One who will redeem through Cyrus? What is the significance of God speaking as "I am"? What is the function of Cyrus? How does Cyrus, called the Lord's Messiah, in a close by section of Isaiah, foreshadow Jesus Christ?

1 John 4:7-21

Overall this emphasis on God as Creator provides the background for 1 John 4:7-21. What does it mean that the Creator God IS Love? In reading this passage, how do we know what love is? Why is it that the one who loves knows God, then? Why is God's love in Christ (not merely in creation) prior to our love? Why is God's love perfected in our love of each other?

The passage speaks of perfection in love. What is the relationship between faith in Christ and loving each other? What is prior to our love for brothers and sisters within the church? What is all this in relationship to the Spirit? How do we participate in God through Christ by abiding by the Spirit?

Why is abiding in the Spirit abiding in Christ, also abiding in God? What is the importance of perfection in love? Why would perfect love cast out fear? Who is Perfect Love? Why can we then not participate in God and hate our brothers and sisters? What is the relationship between love of God and love of brothers and sisters? Why?

Now, read John 15:9-17 and then re-read 1 John 7-21. How do they mutually enlighten each other? Why would experiencing this be an experience of joy?

What is the relationship between human love and desire and God's love for us in Christ? What is it the divine Love in Christ offers human love? Can love be self-generating, as is often spoken about in certain circles today? Could human love dictate and predict the Love that we see in Jesus Christ?

What are our obstacles to loving in such a way today? Why instead do we fear? What are the sources of fear? Of love? What is the result of love?