Dear friends in Christ,
Out of Egypt: Reading Exodus Theologically
On August 12 at 10 a.m., the Sunday class continues its study of the book of Exodus in the Old Testament. Having survived not having water (chapter 15), then not having food (chapter 16), the Israelites now find themselves both without water and under attack from marauders (chapter 17).
And yet the Lord provides. Again. I’m sensing a pattern.
In addition to being a record of the central event in Jewish history – the exodus from Egypt and journey toward the Promised Land – Exodus also provides a prime case study of the benefits of a utilization of the traditional “four senses” of scripture: the literal, the typological, the moral, and the mystical.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Well, no, it isn’t, but it might be wise to start thinking about it. That’s because Fleming Rutledge – friend of the parish, the author of Crucifixion, and the preacher at the Seven Last Words service on Good Friday last year – has another well-reviewed book coming out in September (review here, book here). This one is titled Advent: The Once & Future Coming of Jesus Christ. I am giving you the heads-up about it now, however, because it weighs in at 400 pages. I speak only for myself, but it would be hard for me to get through 400 pages of Fleming Rutledge in the course of the short season of Advent. It may be worth getting started ASAP; I know I will.
Yours in Christ,
Joel
