Isaiah 28 and 29: The Fate of Samaria – Part IV
Third Sunday of Lent, March 4, 2018
David Teniers the Younger after Francesco Bassano: The Good Samaritan
We might look to the fate of Samaria to see if we discover ourselves in the story. We might be a society that works at maintaining openness to God, or we might look for the quick ease and comfort of filter bubbles that repeat to us the words we want to hear. In this season of searching, we look for fidelity, and we refuse to panic.
Thus says the Lord God,
See, I am laying in Zion a foundation stone,
a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation:
“One who trusts will not panic”. (NRSV)
In the story of the Good Samaritan with which Jesus teaches us, we might be the Levite on our way to the Temple, consumed with following the letter of the Law and closing ourselves to the Spirit. We might be the Samaritan moved with compassion to help a broken traveler. Or we might even be the traveler. In this season of hope, we rest in expectation of God’s goodness, and we trust in Christ.
“Watch closely. I’m laying a foundation in Zion,
a solid granite foundation, squared and true.
And this is the meaning of the stone:
a trusting life won’t topple”. (MSG)
In the story of Jesus, we encounter the rejected cornerstone that God promises through the prophet Isaiah. We see the redemption of Samaria that Isaiah foretells. We meet the firmest of foundations that saves us from toppling. In this season of repentance, we attempt to imitate God’s merciful love as we forgive those who harm us.
This, now, is what the Sovereign Lord says: “I am placing in Zion a foundation that is firm and strong. In it I am putting a solid cornerstone on which are written the words, ‘Faith that is firm is also patient.’” (GNT)
As we ponder the fate of Samaria, we discover ourselves in the story. We rise to step upon the shoulders of the promised, precious stone. We stand firmly on the granite underpinning of Christ’s promise, and we refuse to topple.
When we compare varying translations of Isaiah 28:16, we find fresh sustenance for the times we panic. For a modern story of The Good Samaritan, click on the image or visit: http://www.martyduren.com/2015/11/17/the-good-samaritan-a-retelling/
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