The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers with Commentaries for Sunday, September 24, 2023—Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

 

The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers

with Commentaires
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Grace, Grumbling, and the Generosity of God
Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45;

Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16
[Ordinary 25, Proper 20]
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
  (Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Introduction

In the grand tapestry of scripture, certain themes stand out as foundational to our understanding of God's character and His interaction with humanity. The selected passages for our reflection—Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, and Matthew 20:1-16—provide a rich array of such themes. Woven together, they offer profound insights into the complexities of faith, the human penchant for grumbling, and God's boundless grace and generosity.

Together, today's passages challenge us to re-evaluate our attitudes toward fairness, suffering, and God’s providence. They ask us to focus on God's grace and generosity, to curb our impulse to grumble, and to live a life that is congruent with the blessings we've received. In a world often preoccupied with merit and entitlement, the lessons from these scriptures call us to a different standard—one rooted in the boundless grace and generosity of God.

First Last; Last First

Opening Prayer
(Exodus 16, Psalm 105)

Guide our way, Caretaker God, in the wilderness of our lives. Offer us the bread of heaven, that we may taste your Spirit and be nourished in body and soul. Reveal your presence among us and show us the tender mercies of your love. In joy and jubilation, we pray. Amen.

Call to Confession
(Exodus 16, Psalm 105, Matthew 20)

God of infinite patience, we turn complaining into an Olympic sport: “The journey is too long. The road is hard and our feet hurt. We’re hungry and bored. This isn’t what we signed up for!” You’ve heard it all before, faithful One. You’ll hear it all again. Yet, you never forsake us in our grumbling. Shower us with your manifold blessings and open our lips to sing songs of gratitude. For we are weary of our complaining and long to make a fresh start. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon
(Psalm 105)

Rejoice, you who seek the Lord. Count your blessings, not your troubles. For in acts of gratitude, you will find peace.

Today’s Verse-of-the-Day

Hebrews 10:35-36

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

In order to get you off track, Satan wants to get you to doubt your eternal security in Christ and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Since he could not stop you from being saved, he will try to prevent you from doing God’s will and receiving your reward. Don’t let him. Be faithful to the Lord because obedience to Him always brings blessing.

Introduction to the Word
(Exodus 14, Exodus 15)

Today we hear a familiar story. Hear it with new ears! Let it shock you. Let it move you. Would you dance and play your tambourine? Listen to this amazing story of an impossible getaway made possible by God.

Today’s Lectionary Readings
First Reading

Exodus 16:2-15
Manna in the wilderness

Exodus 16:2-15 is a key passage that illustrates the tensions and struggles the Israelites face during their wilderness journey, and also the patience and provision of God. The narrative teaches timeless lessons about trust, faithfulness, and divine provision. The passage describes how the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, expressing their frustration with the lack of food. God responds by promising to send manna from heaven. Moses and Aaron communicate God's plan and relay God's concern about the people's grumbling. God's glory appears, and He reaffirms His plan to provide food, a promise which He fulfills by sending quail and manna.

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.

Commentary

Grumbling in the Wilderness
    The Israelites, fresh out of slavery in Egypt, quickly become discontented with their circumstances. Their grumbling represents not just a complaint about physical hunger but also an existential questioning of God's care and plan. The amnesia of hardship kicks in, and they look back to their lives in Egypt with nostalgia, forgetting that they were enslaved and mistreated.

God's Response: Provision and Testing
    God's response to the Israelites is one of compassionate provision. He promises to "rain down bread from heaven," meeting their immediate physical need. Yet, God is also interested in their spiritual development. He puts a condition: they must collect only a day's worth of manna except on the sixth day. This restriction serves as a test of their obedience and trust in God's consistent provision.

Leadership Under Fire
    Moses and Aaron find themselves in the difficult position of being intermediaries between a disgruntled people and a providing God. They clarify that the complaints of the people are ultimately directed at God. In this, there is a lesson about the role of spiritual leadership: to redirect focus away from human limitations and toward divine sufficiency.

The Glory of the Lord
    The glory of God appearing in the cloud serves multiple functions. It reaffirms God's divine presence among His people, and it acts as a divine stamp of approval on the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Most importantly, it serves as a prelude to divine action—God's miraculous provision of food.

Manna: The Bread from Heaven
    The manna appears mysterious and unknown, prompting the question "What is it?" This reflects the awe and wonder that often accompanies God’s miraculous provision. Manna becomes a daily sustenance for Israel, symbolizing God's constant care.

Quail: Meat in the Evening
    Along with manna, God provides quail, giving a more rounded diet and answering the Israelites' desire for meat. The quail serves as a reminder that God is not just a provider of bare necessities but also of abundance.

Application:
    1. Trust During Adversity: Life's challenges often make us question God's plan. This passage reminds us to trust God's provision and care, even when we can't see the way forward.

    2. Daily Reliance on God: The requirement to gather manna daily underscores the need for us to rely on God daily. It reminds us that faith is not a one-time event but an ongoing relationship.

    3. Leadership and Humility: Moses and Aaron model leadership that is not defensive but redirects the focus to God. Leaders today can learn the humility of pointing people towards God instead of taking things personally.

    4. God’s Glory and Presence: The appearance of God's glory is an assurance of His presence in our lives, reaffirming that He hears our complaints and will act in His time.

    5. Divine and Daily Provision: God's provision of manna and quail illustrates His willingness and ability to meet both our basic and extended needs. It reminds us to thank God for His daily provision in our lives.

In summary, Exodus 16:2-15 highlights the tensions between human impatience and divine provision. It provides timeless lessons about the need for trust, the role of leadership, and the constancy of God’s care.

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 Your throne of grace, grateful for Your everlasting love and faithfulness. Inspired by Psalm 105, we can't help but give thanks to You, O Lord, and proclaim Your greatness to all the world.

O God, You are our God, and we seek to serve You with joy and gladness. Help us to call on Your Name every day, acknowledging Your sovereignty over our lives. May our hearts always sing to You, and may our lips speak of the wonders You have performed, not just in our lives but throughout history.

We declare Your glory among the nations, Your marvelous deeds to all peoples. We know Your judgments are right and Your precepts are trustworthy. You remember Your covenant forever, the promise made to thousands of generations, and we are humbled to be a part of that covenant through faith.

Just as You delivered the Israelites out of Egypt, laden with silver and gold, and led them through the wilderness, so too have You delivered us from the bondage of sin through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. We are astounded by Your miracles, Your wonders, and Your provision. Like the Israelites, we too have known Your provision — manna in the wilderness, water from the rock, and a land flowing with milk and honey.

You brought them into a rich land and filled them with blessings so they could keep Your statutes and observe Your laws. Lord, as we remember how You've brought us into spiritual freedom and blessing, help us also to keep Your statutes and laws. Grant us hearts that are eager to obey You and hands that are quick to serve.

May we live lives that seek Your Kingdom first, upholding justice, and practicing righteousness. You've given us so much; let us always remember to offer our thanks, to sing praises to Your Name, and to speak of all Your wonderful works.

For Your mercy endures forever, Your love is everlasting, and Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. May we always give thanks to You, O Lord, and call upon Your Name, that our lives may be a testimony to Your greatness.

In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Second Reading
From the Epistles

Philippians 1:21-30
Standing firm in the gospel

The passage of Philippians 1:21-30 is rich with themes of life, death, suffering, and the advancement of the Gospel. Written by the Apostle Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome, this portion of the letter reflects on the tension between the desirability of death, which would bring Paul closer to Christ, and the necessity of life, which allows him to continue his ministry for the sake of others.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Commentary

The Apostle Paul's Dilemma: Life or Death
    Paul begins this section with a profound theological and existential statement: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Here, he summarizes the Christian perspective on life and death. To "live" is to be Christ-centered, to carry out work that is meaningful and eternal. To "die" is "gain" because it means being in the presence of Christ, the ultimate goal for any Christian. This perspective enables Paul to see the dilemma of life and death as a win-win situation.

Fruitful Labor vs. Eternal Rest
    Paul is genuinely torn between the two options. He recognizes that his earthly ministry yields "fruitful labor," helping to build the Church and advance the kingdom of God. On the other hand, he deeply desires to "depart and be with Christ," which he considers "better by far." Yet, his concern for the Philippians and their spiritual growth convinces him that his earthly ministry should continue.

Community and Unity in Faith
    Paul emphasizes the necessity of living a life "worthy of the gospel of Christ," which includes standing "firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." The call here is for unity in the body of Christ, to stand together against any opposition or persecution. Paul argues that such a unified stance is not just a strategy but a clear indicator to the opponents of the gospel of their impending "destruction" and of the believer's "salvation."

Suffering as a Gift
    One of the most counter-intuitive statements is found in verse 29: "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake." Here Paul elevates suffering to the status of a "grant" or a gift. This perspective radically challenges any prosperity-based notions of the gospel, emphasizing that the Christian life isn't merely about blessings and comfort. Instead, suffering is framed as a part of the Christian experience, something that deepens our relationship with Christ and our understanding of the gospel.

Applications:
    1. Life's Ultimate Goal: Are we, like Paul, able to say that "to live is Christ, and to die is gain?" This question challenges us to evaluate our priorities and the ultimate goal of our lives.

    2. Community and Unity: How well are we doing at maintaining unity within our communities? Are we "striving side by side for the faith of the gospel," or are we divided by secondary issues?

    3. Suffering: Do we view suffering as something to be avoided at all costs, or can we, like Paul, see it as something that has been "granted" for our growth and the advancement of the gospel?

    4. Living Worthy of the Gospel: This passage calls us to live a life worthy of the gospel, not just to proclaim it. How well are our lives aligned with this mandate?

In summary, Philippians 1:21-30 provides a profound look into the Apostle Paul's mindset concerning life, death, community, and suffering. His words offer crucial lessons for anyone seeking to live a life centered on Christ and the gospel.

Today’s Gospel Reading

Matthew 20:1-16
The parable of the vineyard workers

This passage, commonly known as the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, describes a landowner who goes out to hire laborers at different times of the day. Despite the varying amounts of work they do, he pays all of them the same wage. When those who had worked the longest complain, the landowner responds that he is simply being generous.

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.

“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’

“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.

“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Commentary

The Context of the Kingdom
    This parable is one of the many teachings of Jesus that reveal the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. It presents a radical vision that challenges conventional understandings of fairness, reward, and the economics of grace.

The Generous Landowner
    The landowner in the parable represents God, who seeks laborers (believers) to work in His vineyard (the world). His multiple trips to the marketplace to hire workers signify God's persistent and ongoing invitation to join His work throughout different stages of life or even spiritual journeys.

The Same Wage: A Denarius
    The decision of the landowner to pay all the workers the same wage, a denarius, is puzzling from an economic viewpoint but revelatory from a theological one. A denarius was the usual daily wage for laborers, sufficient to sustain life for a day. Here, it symbolizes the gift of eternal life, freely given to all who accept the invitation to work in God’s Kingdom, regardless of when they come to faith.

Envy and Grumbling
    Those who are hired first and work the longest are not content with their wage, not because it is insufficient but because it is the same as those who worked less. This reflects human tendencies to compare, compete, and complain, often missing the point of God's generous nature. Their grumbling reveals a transactional approach to God’s grace — the idea that one can earn more of God’s favor by doing more work.

The Last Will Be First
    This phrase encapsulates the upside-down nature of God's Kingdom, where human measurements of worth and merit are often turned on their heads. It can be seen as a caution against self-righteousness and a call to appreciate God's boundless generosity.

Applications:
    1. Grace Over Merit: The parable teaches that God’s grace is not something we earn but something freely given. It challenges believers to reflect on their understanding of grace, salvation, and reward.

    2. God’s Generosity vs. Human Fairness: God's ways are not our ways. This parable pushes us to wrestle with our notions of fairness and justice, particularly as they relate to the kingdom of God.

    3. Community and Envy: The dissatisfaction expressed by the first-hired workers calls us to examine our hearts for envy or entitlement, especially within the community of believers.

    4. Inclusivity: The parable illustrates God’s inclusive call. The latecomers to the vineyard are welcomed just as warmly as those who have been there all day. This serves as a reminder that it is never too late to turn to God.

    5. Joy in Labor: Lastly, the parable invites us to find joy in the labor itself, in being co-workers in God’s vineyard, rather than merely focusing on what we will gain.

In summary, the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard serves as a profound teaching tool that confronts our preconceived notions of fairness, reward, and the nature of God’s grace. It challenges us to not only understand but to also live out the radical and generous love of God in our lives.

Here end the Readings

Click HERE to read today’s Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed

• We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

• And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end.

• And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord's Prayer - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that 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, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Communion

Holy Communion
A nondenominational serving of bread and wine

Though no video can truly replace the experience of celebrating together in our places of worship, we know that where two or more are gathered, the Lord is present. This table is open to all who recognize Jesus Christ as healer and redeemer. This table is open to all who work to bring God’s Kingdom here on earth. No one is turned away because of life circumstances. No one is barred from this table. No one seeking God’s abundant grace and mercy is turned aside. We see before us the abundance that a life of faith offers as we respond to God’s everlasting mercy in prayer and deed.

Benediction
(Exodus 16, Matthew 20)

God meets us on our wilderness journeys, that we may not journey alone. Christ tends us on our wilderness journeys, that we may receive our daily bread. The Spirit sustains on our wilderness journeys, that we may be strengthened for what lies ahead. Go with God’s blessings.

Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen

Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen
by Wally Joiner

Come honoring the glorious Prince of heaven!
See how few are interested in the honor of His Son,
See how few will choose to come!
Many are called but few are chosen!

Those blind to Him, unimpressed with heaven,
Pay no attention,
Their boast is in their worldly distractions;
They, with no time for Him;

Not loving Him, dishonor Him,
Not choosing Him, despise the Prince of heaven!

Dare not to glory in your sin!
Dare not to offend the King of heaven!
Dare not to despise His Son!
Come now and rejoice with wedding garments on!
Come and celebrate the Son!

And so we call to the good and evil,
To compel them to attend,
And not to stall or prove themselves unworthy,
By not loving the King's Son,

Come honor Him! Rejoice in Him!
Exult in Him; the glorious Prince of heaven!

Still so few are interested in the honor of His Son,
See how few will choose to come!
Many are called but few are chosen!

Copyright (c) 2013 by Wally Joiner.
All rights reserved.

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 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 Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, September 24, 2023
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Grace, Grumbling, and the Generosity of God
Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16
In the grand tapestry of scripture, certain themes stand out as foundational to our understanding of God's character and His interaction with humanity. The selected passages for our reflection—Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, and Matthew 20:1-16—provide a rich array of such themes. Woven together, they offer profound insights into the complexities of faith, the human penchant for grumbling, and God's boundless grace and generosity.
Together, today's passages challenge us to re-evaluate our attitudes toward fairness, suffering, and God’s providence. They ask us to focus on God's grace and generosity, to curb our impulse to grumble, and to live a life that is congruent with the blessings we've received. In a world often preoccupied with merit and entitlement, the lessons from these scriptures call us to a different standard—one rooted in the boundless grace and generosity of God.