It is odd to see many of these tribes mentioned again as
they haven’t been heard from since way back prior to the conquest of the
land. Only three of the tribes listed,
the Ammonites, Moabites and Egyptians actually existed at the time of
Ezra. It seems likely that the reason
for the listing is to recall the original prohibition against intermarriage and
include the problematic marriages among the people at the time. Ezra is
appalled when he learns this practice is common and even among the officials
and chief men. He sees that the Lord has
granted grace to allow the remnant to return and rebuild even though they
aren’t truly free men, but under the rule of Artaxerxes and is now dismayed
that this sin, one of the most important prohibitions given the people,
threatens to bring God’s judgment back.
After the feeding of the five thousand Jesus sends the
disciples away in a boat so that He can have some time alone with the Father.
The wind is hard against them and, while they are a long way from shore, they
are making less progress than expected. Jesus walks on the water and Peter
believes that if this is possible for Jesus it is also possible for him, but
only if Jesus will call him to do so. Peter’s faith is great but it cannot
stand against the wind when he sees it and quickly he needs saving. He will, of
all the disciples, have the moment of walking on water but he will also have
the rebuke of the insufficiency of faith.
John’s Gospel tells us that Jesus said we would do greater things than
these, do we have such faith to believe?
One of the seven final angels beckons John to come and see
the destruction of the great prostitute who has enticed the nations with sexual
immorality. Do you see that in both the first reading and this reading that
sexual immorality is an important thing?
Here, the woman is exposed in her lewdness and debauchery and yet John’s
reaction to her is to marvel. The angel
wonders why and then explains the future regarding the beast, which will be
resurrected from the dead, captivating the world and then kings will cast down
their crowns and worship the beast, joining together with it against the Lamb
but in the end the Lamb will conquer because He is the King of kings and Lord
of lords. We must have wisdom and discernment
in all things, we must keep ourselves in obedience to Him lest we bring
judgment on ourselves.
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