Zechariah 10:1-12

10:1 Ask rain from the LORD

in the season of the spring rain,

from the LORD who makes the storm clouds,

who gives showers of rain to you,

the vegetation in the field to everyone.

2 For the teraphim utter nonsense,

and the diviners see lies;

the dreamers tell false dreams,

and give empty consolation.

Therefore the people wander like sheep;

they suffer for lack of a shepherd.

3 My anger is hot against the shepherds,

and I will punish the leaders;

for the LORD of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah,

and will make them like his proud war-horse.

4 Out of them shall come the cornerstone,

out of them the tent peg,

out of them the battle bow,

out of them every commander.

5 Together they shall be like warriors in battle,

trampling the foe in the mud of the streets;

they shall fight, for the LORD is with them,

and they shall put to shame the riders on horses.

6 I will strengthen the house of Judah,

and I will save the house of Joseph.

I will bring them back because I have compassion on them,

and they shall be as though I had not rejected them;

for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them.

7 Then the people of Ephraim shall become like warriors,

and their hearts shall be glad as with wine.

Their children shall see it and rejoice,

their hearts shall exult in the LORD.

8 I will signal for them and gather them in,

for I have redeemed them,

and they shall be as numerous as they were before.

9 Though I scattered them among the nations,

yet in far countries they shall remember me,

and they shall rear their children and return.

10 I will bring them home from the land of Egypt,

and gather them from Assyria;

I will bring them to the land of Gilead and to Lebanon,

until there is no room for them.

11 They shall pass through the sea of distress,

and the waves of the sea shall be struck down,

and all the depths of the Nile dried up.

The pride of Assyria shall be laid low,

and the scepter of Egypt shall depart.

12 I will make them strong in the LORD,

and they shall walk in his name,

says the LORD. (Zechariah 10:1-12, NRSV)

The following comments are repeated with revision and supplement here from November 22, 2004, two years ago (Monday of the week of the Sunday closest to November 23, Year Two):

In this reading the LORD promises to restore Judah and Israel. The opening admonition, in which the prophet Zechariah directs the people to “ask rain from the LORD . . . who makes the storm clouds, / who gives showers of rain” (Zech. 10:1), focuses attention on the true source of blessings (cf. the reference to “rain” in 14:17). They should ask the LORD for rain because teraphim [an oracular device], diviners and dreamers are no help at all (v. 2a, b, c, d). Because the LORD controls nature, the people should turn to the one who can help them. In the same way, “the LORD alone controls history and will gather the redeemed” ( R. Lansing Hicks and Walter Brueggemann, NOAB, 2^nd ed., on Zech. 10:3-12).

“Therefore the people wander like sheep,” says the LORD; “they suffer for lack of a shepherd” (v. 2e, f). The LORD refers here to Israel’s failed leadership, and asserts his own authority. “My anger is hot against the shepherds, / and I will punish the leaders [‘attûdîm, literally ‘male goats,’ cf. NRSV note a]; / for the LORD of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah, / and will make them like his proud war-horse” (v. 3). The LORD cares about his sheep. “He will feed his flock like a shepherd; / he will gather the lambs in his arms, / and carry them in his bosom, / and gently lead the mother sheep” (Isa. 40:11). Zechariah continues with the promise that, out of the people (the “flock”), “shall come the cornerstone” (v. 4a), that is, “the chief (Judg. 20:2) or king (Ps. 118:22; Isa. 19:13)” (Gregory Mobley, NOAB, 3^rd ed., on Zech. 10:4). With the “tent peg” (v. 4b), the “battle bow” (v. 4c), and “every commander” (v. 4d), Israel will be prepared to fight “like warriors in battle, / trampling the foe” (v. 5a, b), “for the LORD is with them (v. 5c). The LORD promises to reverse the fortunes of both the southern and northern kingdoms. “I will strengthen the house of Judah, / and I will save the house of Joseph” (v. 6a, b), who will “be as though I had not rejected them” (v. 6d), says the LORD, “for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them” (v. 6e). As the people of Judah will become “like warriors” (v. 5), so will the people of Ephraim (v. 7a). The promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Gen. 15:5) will be renewed. “I will signal for them and gather them in, / for I have redeemed them, / and they shall be as numerous as they were before” (v. 8). The LORD’s people, though “scattered . . . among the nations . . . in far countries . . . shall remember me, / and they shall rear their children and return” (v. 9). Their return will be “a new Exodus” (Mobley, on Zech. 10:10-12). God “will bring them home from the land of Egypt, / and gather them from Assyria” (v. 10a, b). The crossing of the Reed See will be repeated. “They shall pass through the sea of distress, / and the waves of the sea shall be struck down, / and all the depths of the Nile dried up” (v. 11a, b, c). The oppressive power of Assyria, the new “Egypt,” will be broken (v. 11d, e), and Israel will be “strong in the LORD” and walking “in his name” (v. 12).

Galatians 6:1-10

Bear One Another's Burdens

6:1 My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. 4 All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor's work, will become a cause for pride. 5 For all must carry their own loads.

6 Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.

7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. 8 If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. (Galatians 6:1-10, NRSV)

The following comments are combined with revision and supplement here from November 22, 2004, two years ago (Monday of the week of the Sunday closest to November 23, Year Two), from comments on Galatians 5:25-6:10 from February 5, 2005 (Saturday in the week of the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year One), and from comments on Galatians 5:25-6:10 from June 16, 2006 (Friday in the week of the Sunday closest to June 8, Year Two), when comments were repeated from June 11, 2004 (Friday of the week of Trinity Sunday, Year Two) in an email sent June 10, 2004, for June 11-13, 2004):

Paul’s advice to seek to restore the transgressor “in a spirit of gentleness” (Gal. 6:1a) reminds us of James’ encouragement to do the same (Jas. 5:10-20) in last Saturday’s lesson (Nov. 25, 2006). We are to “Take care that you yourselves are not tempted” (v. 1b). We are to “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way . . . fulfill the law of Christ” (v. 2). Ronald K. Fung comments:

When the burdens of life become simply unbearable for any member of the community, the others, if they are truly spiritual, will lighten his load by sharing his burdens and thus enabling him to stand. ‘They will do so sympathetically and gladly, not (as in 5:10) by compulsion.

To ‘carry each other’s burdens’ (NIV) is to manifest a God-like quality (cf. 1 Pet. 57, quoting Ps. 55:22 [LXX 54:23]), and is certainly consistent with the fruit of the Spirit. But Paul’s ground of appeal here is ‘the law of Christ’; reciprocal burden-bearing on the part of Christians, Paul believes, completely satisfies the demands of that law. (Ronald K. Fung, The Epistle to the Galatians, NICNT, 1988, p. 287 on Gal. 6:2)

Paul emphasizes the need for appropriate humility. “For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves” (v. 3). He stresses individual responsibility, “all must test their own work” (v. 4a) and “carry their own loads” (v. 5), For “then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride” (v. 4b). Paul gives “a directive for support of Christian teachers (see also 1 Cor. 9:3-14)” (Richard B. Hays, HarperCollins Study Bible, on Gal. 6:6). “Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher” (v. 6).

Paul emphasizes the principle of reaping what one sows. “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit” (vv. 7-8). “The rule of sowing and reaping, of which Paul reminds his readers,” says Fung, “confronts them with a fundamental principle of the Christian life, as of life in general” (p. 294 on Gal. 6:7). Paul urges us not to “grow weary in doing what is right,” with the promise that we “will reap eternal life from the Spirit” (v. 8). Apparently, Paul’s doctrine of justification by faith “not by the works of the law” (2:16), does not exclude work for the Christian believer. In closing he exhorts us not to “grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith” (6:9-10)

Luke 18:15-30

Jesus Blesses Little Children (Mt 19.13-15; Mk 10.13-16)

15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. 16 But Jesus called for them and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."

The Rich Ruler (Mt 19.16-30; Mk 10.17-31)

18 A certain ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 19 Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 20 You know the commandments: 'You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.' " 21 He replied, "I have kept all these since my youth." 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." 23 But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."

26 Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" 27 He replied, "What is impossible for mortals is possible for God."

28 Then Peter said, "Look, we have left our homes and followed you." 29 And he said to them, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life." (Luke 18:15-30, NRSV)

The following comments are combined with revision and supplement here from November 22, 2004, two years ago (Monday of the week of the Sunday closest to November 23, Year Two), and from June 4, 2005 (Saturday in the week of the Sunday closest to June 1, Year One):

The events of today’s lesson occur as Jesus’ journey from Galilee to Jerusalem is drawing to a close. His departure from Galilee, announced already in Luke 9:51, at the beginning of his “Travel Narrative,” corresponds to Mark 10:1 (cf. Mt. 19:1-2). Luke does not need to say here that Jesus was “setting out on his journey” (cf. Mk. 10:17), for the last nine chapters have been on that journey.

This lesson is about who may enter the Kingdom of God, with representative examples, not an exhaustive list. When people brought children to Jesus for blessing, the disciples attempted to prevent them. We read that Jesus blesses the children (Lk. 18:15-17). “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them . . . Truly I tell you, whosoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it” (vv. 16-17).

William Barclay does not fault the disciples:

It was kindness that made them act as they did. Remember where Jesus was going. He was on the way to Jerusalem to die upon a cross. The disciples could see upon his face the inner tension of his heart; and they did not want Jesus to be bothered. (William Barclay, The Gospel of Luke, Daily Study Bible, rev, ed, 1875m 225-226)

But Jesus did take time for the children saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs” (Lk. 18:16). Jesus adds that “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it” (v. 17) Barclay reflects upon this and notes four childlike qualities of which Jesus must have been thinking: “the sense of wonder,” “trust,” natural obedience, and “an amazing faculty of forgiveness” (Barclay, 226).

Then he responds to the ruler’s question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (v. 18). When Jesus quotes the Commandments, he uses the second part of the list, the Commandments referring to relations between human beings, not those referring to God. “You shall have no other gods before me,” and so on. It is perhaps going too far to say that money was his God, but it is clear that he was not yet ready to put God first in his life and values.

Apart from the reference to the journey in Mark (noted above), Luke’s account of the ruler’s question, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” and the ensuing discussion is essentially the same as that of the other Gospels (Lk. 18:18-23; cf. Mk. 10:17-22; Mt. 19:16-22), Luke alone calls him a “ruler” (v. 18). Matthew reports Jesus’ response not as “Why do you call me good? No one is Good but God alone” (Mk. 10:18; Lk. 18:19) as “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good” (Mt. 19:17). But the list of commandments Jesus cites–those dealing with relationships among human beings–is the same, and the result is the same. William Barclay asks, “Why did Jesus make this demand specially of this man?” (Barclay, 228). In answer he cites “an apocryphal gospel called the Gospel according to the Hebrews,”

most of which is lost; in one of the fragments which remain there is an account of this incident which gives us a clue. “The other rich man said to Jesus, ‘Master, what good thing must I do really to live?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Man, obey the law and the prophets.’ He said, ‘I have done so.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go, sell all that you possess, distribute it among the poor, and come, follow me!’ The rich man began to scratch his head because he did not like this command. The Lord said to him, ‘Who do you say that you have obeyed the law and the prophets? For it is written in the law, “You must love your neighbour as yourself,” and look you–there are many brothers of yours, sons of Abraham, who are dying of hunger, and your house is full of many good things, and not one single thing goes out of it to them.’ And he turned and said to Simon, his disciple, who was sitting beside him, ‘Simon, Son of Jonas, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.’” (Barclay, 228)

Barclay concludes that “He was living utterly selfishly. He was rich, and yet he gave nothing away. His real God was comfort, and what he really worshipped were his own possessions and his wealth. That is why Jesus told him to give it all away” (Barclay, 228-229). The closing promise to Peter (Lk. 18:29) is a comfort to many.

Ronald D. Worden, Ph.D.

rdworden@hgst.edu

rworden@houston.rr.com