The Hebrew scriptures are a key foundation in Christianity. There are many key ideas that Christians see as important in our religion as well, Sabbath, Covenant, Messiah, the Law, Grace, these are all inherited from a Jewish tradition. It is a helpful practice to keep a few of these themes in mind however, when we are reading through the Hebrew scriptures, so as to aid in understanding the Christian tradition.
God Initiates a Covenant with God's People
It is primarily through the covenants that God related to and works in the community of faith. There are a number of covenants established, a covenant with Noah, a covenant with the ancestors Sarah and Abraham, a covenant with David and the promise of a New Covenant. Circumcision was the sign of the covenant, a outward sign of the inward spiritual reality. The covenant also defines who is included in the People of God. There are many passages such as Jeremiah 31:31-34 that describes a day when the covenant will be for all who desire to follow God's will.
God is a God of love but also of Justice
God is revealed in the Hebrew scriptures as a God of love, grace and mercy. God cares deeply that humans interact in ways that are fair and just with each other and our world. Throughout the covenants, God or the prophets speaking on God's behalf, called out injustices and unfairness. The Ten Words or the Ten Commandments, are in essence regulations dealing with fair and honest dealing between God and humanity. The first commandments dealing with our relationship to God and the second with our neighbor. God moves in the world to bring about the justice of God by showing ways of reconciliation, restoration, repair, and repentance.
God is Sovereign but People have Free Agency
This is one of the mysteries of our existence. Whether we ask this in theological terms or philosophical ones. If God is sovereign how do people have free will. If everything is predetermined, do people have free agency. The issue is complex. Whether through random experiences or predetermined programming, we often face dilemmas and decisions. The scriptures show people who make choices, and also a God who is sovereign, governing and directing all things for God's divine purposes of love and grace. God does not cause evil, we remain responsible for our actions, and people are held accountable for justice in society. The scriptures are concerned with our actions in the world in caring fro the poor, the foreigner, the stranger, and the alien. Acknowledging the human rights and dignity of all people, as well as our ability to choose.
God Moves to Bring Liberation to the World
As God is always moving people into truth, towards forgiveness, restitution, restoration and healing, through the Torah, the Prophets, and eventually through the Promise of a coming Messiah, God seeks to reveal to the world a way of salvation and liberation not just for the next life but for this one. The promise of resurrection is a promise of new creation. Sin and oppression often comes as a result in the exploitation and oppression of other humans. Yet God's message is for people to live into the humanity God has created us for and this includes living in freedom, love and community. God's liberation always comes in order to free people and allow all to live into the purposes we have been created for.
As we read and study through the stories of the Hebrew scriptures, make it a point to see if you can identify these themes. Can you find examples? How do each theme illuminate the different narratives. How can these themes illustrate or deepen our commitment to God's world?
No comments:
Post a Comment