The story of the Bible is not just the story of God in the lives of individuals, but the story of how God acts on and through - and is understood by - communities of people. The emphasis on community is strong in the readings this week: its identity now, in the present, and its participation in a future apocalypse.

We have a wonderful historical progression through the readings this week. The Israelite exiles are coming back to Jerusalem at the dawn of the second temple era, and the prophet Joel introduces us to the apocalyptic literature of the period. Finally, Paul brings it home with an ethos for the life of the Christian who is waiting for that end time to come that will bring back Jesus our Lord.

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References

Kidner, Derek (1979). Ezra and Nehemiah: An Introduction and Commentary, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Downer's Grove, IL: IVP Academic.
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Wolff, Hans Walter tr. Janzen, W; McBride Jnr, S. D.; Muenchow, C. A. (1977). Joel and Amos: A Commentary on the Books of the Prophets Joel and Amo, Hermeneia: a Critical and Historical Commentary on the Bible. Philadelphia: Fortress Press.
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Tags

Nehemiah 7, Ezra 2, 1 Esdras 5, TOTC15EZRUS, Joel 2, Hebrews 12, Exodus 10, Deuteronomy 4, Psalm 98, Revelation 9, Isaiah 43, Jeremiah 31, HRMNEIA29JLAM, 2 Thessalonians 1, 1 Thessalonians 2