COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Exodus 17:1-7
Moses brings water out of a rock. In their wilderness wanderings, the Israelites came to Rephidim where there was no water. The people were angry enough to stone Moses to death. He takes the problem to Yahweh who directs him to strike a rock to get water.

Old Testament: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
God appeals to Israel to repent and live.

Epistle: Philippians 2:1-13
Paul, in appealing for unity, presents Jesus as the model of humanity and obedience. Paul pleads for unity in the congregation at Philippi. He uses Jesus as an example of humility. In this pericope Paul shows the dual reality of the humanity and divinity of Jesus. His deity is indicated by the words, "in the form of God" and "equality with God." His humanity is expressed in the phrases, "emp…