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This week we will finish our Bible Study of Isaiah. It has been a very long study -- it's a long book -- and we've had many interruptions, so the class will start with a short video reviewing the previous chapters.
Isaiah is a challenge for the students if only because of its time line. The first part is historical record of the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel at the time of Hezekiah. The second part is prophecy about Israel going into exile and third part is about Israel returning from exile. As well, some of the prophetic passages are about Jesus, the suffering servant. Of course, the first hearers of Isaiah's message knew nothing about Jesus Christ.
Our Bible class has the advantage of history. We know how the prophecies turned out. We know about Christ. To study an Old Testament book requires us to constantly remember the context. This is a time when God sent prophets to His chosen people, but it is long before He sent His son to rescue a fallen people. All in all, a quick review will be a welcome refresher for the study group.
The week after, on May 8, we're going to watch a movie, probably Chariots of Fire. The movie has a strong message about living out our beliefs. It also has a great soundtrack.
Up next will be a less intensive video-based study called Drive Through History, a kind of travelogue through sacred places in the Holy Land. Just like kids at the end of the school year, we're going to relax, watch videos and enjoy some great discussion -- there might even be popcorn on occasion.
So, if you've been holding back from Bible study because you missed too many lessons on Isaiah, now is the time to come back. If you've never come to Bible study because you thought it would be too hard, now is the time to give it a try. Wednesdays at 9:30 am and 6:30 pm. Time well spent!
The Wednesday morning Bible Study group has wrapped up their study of the Sermon on the Mount. For a change of pace they watched the movie "Chariots of Fire" last Wednesday.
The British made movie was first in theatres in 1981. I recall seeing it then but most of what I remembered was the terrific sound track by Greek composer, Vangelis Papathanassiou. The opening theme, released as a single, topped the charts for weeks. It has been played at weddings, graduations, funerals and sporting events ever since.
I also remembered that Eric Liddell refused to run on Sunday, but I'd forgotten the resolution to that dilemma. Liddell was a devout man, son of missionaries and destined for the mission field himself, yet he had this gift of speed. He believed that "God made me fast," and that by running, he honoured God. He set aside his missionary training temporarily, in order to run in the 1924 Olympics. That decision was a great disappointment to his sister. Her disapproval pained Liddell deeply. When the date of his qualifying heat falls on a Sunday, Liddell refuses to run. All his sacrifice and pain and effort, will be for naught.
He is under tremendous pressure by the British Olympic committee and even the Prince of Wales to set aside his Christian convictions and run. Knowing he will disappoint the whole of Great Britain, Liddell maintains his stand. He will put God first and keep the Sabbath.
Rescue arrives in the person of Lord Lindsay. Lindsay has already won a silver medal in the 400 metre hurdles and offers his place in the 400 metre race to Liddell. The offer is gratefully accepted and Liddell goes on to win.
In the excitement over Liddell's principled stand and his subsequent victory, Lindsay can be overlooked. Yet his actions are equally heroic. An Olympic medal is a much-prized reward, but two are better. Gold is better than silver. Lindsay, although portrayed as an easy-going charmer, proves that beneath his suave demeanour lies a loyal friend and a true patriot. For the sake of others, he sacrifices his chance for personal glory.
None of us watching the movie on Wednesday morning has the gift of speed, but we have other gifts. We can speak, or garden, or sing, or bake cookies. We can organize, fund-raise, and run for office, all to the glory of God.
We might also be the means by which another's gift is realized and that pleases God as well.
Next week we begin our study of Women of the Old Testament, starting with Eve.
