Hi Mark,

What long, long posts! Now I'm really behind in reading.

I'd like to share a couple of comments.

1. Indeed, in this day and age, I feel lonely. I'm longing for a brotherhood which I find no one really offers. We all seem to have created little self-contained lives and we typically don't share. That seems to be our culture in the U.S. I'm trying to counter that culture. Psalm 133 says, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! ... For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

2. More of a question than a comment. You said in reference to Jesus, "as a boy his father died". I never caught the verse that points to Joseph's death. Is there a verse? Or do we assume he died because Joseph is not mentioned later in the Gospels?

Thanks!
Gary | Homepage | 11.13.06 - 5:44 pm | #

Sorry for the long posts Gary - They're sermons I'm preaching on Ecclesiastes at the moment.

I was preaching on that comcept last night of how even Christians forget that they are called to community not just little compartments that relate to God, we also relate to each other.

As regards Joseph, I have no concrete proof, just a number of poinbters - his father is never mentioned appearing after the temple incident when Jesus was 12, his mother and brothers are, and it is his mother and brothers that were being 'shameed' by his popularity, and there is no sign of his father at the cross, or in Acts 1 where Mary is again mentioned.

I cant see Joseph doing a runner - not after the angel had told him to stay in Matt 1, so I surmise that he passed away.

A little reading between the lines - but justifiable I think.
jmark | Homepage | 11.13.06 - 9:26 pm | #

Regarding Joseph, I agreee with you. I never thought much about it before reading your post and perhaps there was a verse I missed. Thanks again! Keep posting.
Gary | Homepage | 11.13.06 - 9:57 pm | #

ONLY GOD SATISFIES... didn't have time to read all your post
God bless
Maria in the UK
www.inhishands.co.uk
Maria Toth | Homepage | 11.14.06 - 7:35 am | #

Hi Maria - welcome to 3:17. Sorry the posts are so long, but at the moment it is somewhere I'm posting sermons I'm preaching on Ecclesiastes.

There will be a few book reviews along soon though.
jmark | Homepage | 11.14.06 - 9:23 am | #