Words of Current Interest

Related to the Lesson-Sermon for February 20, 1977, in the CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY Subject: Mind

Call ye upon him while he is near (Isa. 55:6)

In the prophet's thought at the time—the period of the Exile in Babylon—is the concept of a day of salvation and justification very close at hand. This concept may have influenced the translator here to show the prophet pleading for repentance while there is still opportunity. Yet the Hebrew text permits another translation: "Call upon him in his nearness"—literally, "being near."

Returneth not thither, but watereth the earth (Isa. 55:10)

The flexibility of the Hebrew conjunction ("but") permits the translation "without" here. The meaning is that rain does not evaporate without bestowing its blessing of fertility upon the earth.

So shall my word be (Isa. 55:11)

The concept of the creative and causative power of God's Word is basic to prophetic thought.

Who is this that darkeneth counsel (Job 38:2)

The New English Bible translates the verse, "Who is this whose ignorant words cloud my design in darkness?"

In thy light shall we see light (Ps. 36:9)

Light here is synonymous with life, the supreme gift of God. The Interpreter's Bible points out that in Hebrew thought "to see the light is to live."

At thy right hand there are pleasures (Ps. 16:11)

"Right hand" connotes nearness as well as authority and strength; see also Isa. 41:10.

Who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ (I Cor. 2:16)

In the first sentence Paul is quoting from the Old Testament: Isa. 40:13. He quotes the same passage in Rom. 11: 34. In the second sentence, however, he shows how Christian faith goes beyond the ancient sense of God's inscrutability and elevates humanity to perceive the divine nature.

The Lesson-Sermons contain Bible references (King James Version) and correlative passages from "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

TESTIMONY MEETINGS

February 12, 1977

Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit