The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Friday, September 22, 2023
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Exodus 16:1-21; 2 Corinthians 13:5-10
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
Remembering the wilderness
Friday, September 22, 2023
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Exodus 16:1-21; 2 Corinthians 13:5-10
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
Remembering the wilderness
The verses from Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 are a call to worship and remember the Lord’s wondrous deeds and faithfulness towards the people of Israel, from the covenant with Abraham to the exodus from Egypt and provision in the wilderness. The verses highlight God's power, justice, and compassion, and invite people to seek His presence continuously.Give thanks to the LORD and call upon his Name; *
make known his deeds among the peoples.
Sing to him, sing praises to him, *
and speak of all his marvelous works.
Glory in his holy Name; *
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Search for the LORD and his strength; *
continually seek his face.
Remember the marvels he has done, *
his wonders and the judgments of his mouth,
O offspring of Abraham his servant, *
O children of Jacob his chosen.
He led out his people with silver and gold; *
in all their tribes there was not one that stumbled.
Egypt was glad of their going, *
because they were afraid of them.
He spread out a cloud for a covering *
and a fire to give light in the night season.
They asked, and quails appeared, *
and he satisfied them with bread from heaven.
He opened the rock, and water flowed, *
so the river ran in the dry places.
For God remembered his holy word *
and Abraham his servant.
So he led forth his people with gladness, *
his chosen with shouts of joy.
He gave his people the lands of the nations, *
and they took the fruit of others’ toil,
That they might keep his statutes *
and observe his laws.
Hallelujah!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, We come before You with hearts full of gratitude and mouths full of praise. As the Psalmist exhorts us, "Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done." Today we heed that call.
Lord, we sing to You, we sing praises to You; we speak of all Your wondrous works. Your deeds are magnificent, far beyond our understanding, yet close enough to touch our lives each day.
We remember Your covenant, Your promise that extends from generations past into our present moment. You, Lord, are our God, and we are the people of Your pasture, the sheep of Your hand.
Father, we recount the marvels of our own lives, the personal Egypt's You have led us out of, and the wildernesses in which You have provided. Just as You brought out Your people with joy, their chosen ones with singing, so have You delivered us time and again.
You have given us land, spiritual inheritance, and sustenance, that we may keep Your statutes and observe Your laws. May we, O God, be grateful beneficiaries of Your blessings, and willing participants in Your divine will.
We look for Your hand in our lives, remembering Your miracles of old, that our children and our children's children may know of Your goodness and unending mercy. May we seek Your face always, knowing that in Your presence is fullness of joy.
And so, with hearts committed to Your service, and spirits attuned to Your call, we say, “Praise the Lord!”
Be with us today and every day in Jesus Christ, Who taught us to pray:
“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”
The passage from Exodus 16:1-21 is a foundational text that deals with the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, focusing specifically on the provision of manna and quail. The passage illustrates not only God's miraculous provision but also exposes the faith and obedience (or lack thereof) among the Israelites.The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt. In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”
Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.”
So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of Egypt, and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?” Moses also said, “You will know that it was the Lord when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.”
Then Moses told Aaron, “Say to the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the Lord, for he has heard your grumbling.’”
While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the Lord appearing in the cloud.
The Lord said to Moses, “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’”
That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was.
Moses said to them, “It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Everyone is to gather as much as they need. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.’”
The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. And when they measured it by the omer, the one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. Everyone had gathered just as much as they needed.
Then Moses said to them, “No one is to keep any of it until morning.”
However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.
Each morning everyone gathered as much as they needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away.
Commentary
Overview
The Israelites, newly freed from Egyptian slavery, find themselves in the wilderness. They begin to grumble against Moses and Aaron, their leaders, for their lack of food. In response, God promises to send manna from heaven for daily sustenance and quails for meat. God also tests the Israelites’ obedience by setting specific guidelines on how the manna should be gathered.
The Complaint (Verses 1-3)
The Israelites have quickly forgotten the hardship of their life in Egypt and the miracles that led to their freedom. When faced with the discomfort of their journey, they romanticize their past, complaining that in Egypt at least they had food. This shows how easily human beings can forget past sufferings and miracles when faced with immediate difficulties.
God's Provision and Test (Verses 4-5, 9-12)
God's response to the complaints is both gracious and educational. He promises to provide food but also sees this as a test of obedience and trust. The Israelites are instructed to gather enough manna each day for that day's needs, except on the sixth day when they are told to gather enough for two days in anticipation of the Sabbath. God is not only providing but is teaching the importance of rest and trust in His provision.
The Miracle of Manna and Quail (Verses 6-8, 13-15)
Manna and quail appear just as God had promised. The manna is described in detail, perhaps to emphasize its divine quality. It is also worth noting that the quail are provided in the evening and the manna in the morning. God's provision is both continuous and timely, meeting the immediate needs of the Israelites.
Gathering Manna (Verses 16-21)
The people are told to gather an "omer" for each person. When they do, they find that those who gathered much did not have too much, and those who gathered little did not have too little. This illustrates the principle of equitable distribution and God’s justice. The people are also tested on their ability to follow God's instructions concerning the Sabbath, as they are told not to keep any manna overnight except for the sixth day, where they could keep it for the Sabbath. Some people, however, fail this test by hoarding, only to find their stash rotted the next day.
Lessons and Themes
- Provision: God can provide even in the most improbable circumstances.
- Obedience and Trust: God's blessings often come with instructions that test our willingness to trust and obey Him.
- Human Frailty: Despite witnessing miracles, the Israelites quickly lose faith when faced with hardship.
- Divine Timeliness: God's provision is not just miraculous but timely, teaching us to trust in His perfect timing.
- Social Justice: The gathering of manna in a way that everyone has enough but not too much indicates principles of social justice, which are close to the heart of God.
The passage from 2 Corinthians 13:5-10 serves as a concluding exhortation in Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church. This letter is often viewed as one of Paul's more personal and emotionally intense writings, and this specific passage brings together many of the overarching themes in a direct call to self-examination, authentic faith, and Christian maturity.Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
Commentary
Text Overview
Here's a basic summary of the passage:
- Verse 5: Paul urges the Corinthians to examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith.
- Verse 6: Paul expresses his hope that the Corinthians will find that they have not failed the test.
- Verse 7: Paul's prayer is for the Corinthians to do no wrong.
- Verse 8: He emphasizes that truth is the ultimate aim.
- Verse 9: Paul shows his willingness for personal weakness if it means the Corinthians' perfection.
- Verse 10: He concludes by saying that he writes these things before he comes so that when he does come, he will not have to be severe in using the authority given to him for building up and not tearing down.
Thematic Breakdown
Self-Examination (Verse 5)
Paul's exhortation to examine and test oneself is a call for introspective spirituality. He invites the Corinthians to reflect on the genuineness of their faith. This is particularly pertinent given that the Corinthian church had been marred by divisions, ethical issues, and doctrinal misunderstandings. The testing is not a point of insecurity but a process to confirm the authenticity of one's faith.
Hope and Authenticity (Verses 6-7)
Paul expresses hope that the Corinthians will pass the test of authentic faith and that they will realize that he himself has not failed the test of being a true apostle. Here, the focus shifts subtly from personal examination to communal integrity. Paul wishes them to do no wrong, not to prove him right but to ensure that they are living in the truth. The focus is not on outward appearances but inward authenticity.
Truth and Integrity (Verse 8)
Paul makes a profound statement: "For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth." His allegiance is to the truth of the Gospel and the Christian message, and all his actions, teachings, and even rebukes are aligned to uphold that truth. The truth here is non-negotiable and serves as the plumb line against which all actions and attitudes are measured.
Weakness and Perfection (Verse 9)
Paul articulates a paradoxical Christian principle: strength in weakness. He is willing to be seen as weak if that allows the Corinthians to be strong and perfect in their faith. His authority and power are not goals in themselves but are tools for the "perfection" (maturity and completeness) of the church.
Authority for Edification (Verse 10)
Finally, Paul speaks of the authority that he has been given. He states clearly that his God-given authority is aimed at building up and not tearing down. This brings full circle the pastoral concern that has pervaded the entire letter. He prefers not to use his authority in a punitive manner and warns them in advance so that they may correct themselves before his arrival.
Summary
This passage provides a deep insight into Paul's pastoral heart and apostolic authority. It deals with themes of self-examination, authenticity, truth, and spiritual maturity, concluding with a view of authority as fundamentally restorative rather than punitive. It serves as a strong reminder that the Christian life requires ongoing self-scrutiny, communal integrity, and a continuous alignment with the truth of the Gospel.
Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]
The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Responsive Readings from the Common Book of Prayer (1789). Commentaries are by Rev. Kenny Sallee, ThM.
The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Friday, September 22, 2023
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Exodus 16:1-21; 2 Corinthians 13:5-10
The verses from the Psalms are a call to worship and remember the Lord’s wondrous deeds and faithfulness towards the people of Israel, from the covenant with Abraham to the exodus from Egypt and provision in the wilderness. The verses highlight God's power, justice, and compassion, and invite people to seek His presence continuously.
The passage from Exodus is a foundational text that deals with the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, focusing specifically on the provision of manna and quail. The passage illustrates not only God's miraculous provision but also exposes the faith and obedience (or lack thereof) among the Israelites.
The passage from 2 Corinthians serves as a concluding exhortation in Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church. This letter is often viewed as one of Paul's more personal and emotionally intense writings, and this specific passage brings together many of the overarching themes in a direct call to self-examination, authentic faith, and Christian maturity.
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