The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Monday, October 23, 2023
Seeking God's Presence in Times of Fulfillment and Judgment
Psalm 63:1-8; Exodus 40:34-38; Revelation 18:1-10, 19-20
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
Monday, October 23, 2023
Seeking God's Presence in Times of Fulfillment and Judgment
Psalm 63:1-8; Exodus 40:34-38; Revelation 18:1-10, 19-20
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
The scriptures Psalm 63:1-8, Exodus 40:34-38, and Revelation 18:1-10, 19-20 weave together the intricate themes of God's sustaining presence, the fulfillment of divine guidance, and the consequential judgment that follows a departure from God's ways.
In Psalm 63, we witness David's personal longing for God's presence, even when he finds himself in the wilderness. His earnest yearning for God serves as a timeless example for us, reminding us that God is the ultimate sustenance for our souls.
Exodus 40:34-38 depicts the spectacular descent of God’s glory upon the newly-constructed Tabernacle. This event marks not only the culmination of a long journey but also the beginning of a new phase in the Israelites' relationship with God. Here, the presence of God is not just a desire but a reality that guides and protects His people.
Finally, Revelation 18 discusses the fall of Babylon, a symbol of worldliness and opposition to God. The chapter serves as a warning about the implications of living a life separated from God’s presence and guidance. It presents a contrasting image to Psalm 63 and Exodus 40, showing us the consequences of rejecting God.
As we delve into these passages, we will explore the overarching theme of how the pursuit of God's presence can serve as a guiding light in times of fulfillment and judgment. We'll uncover the depths of what it means to seek God earnestly, how His presence manifests in our collective journey, and what awaits those who turn away from His guiding light.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 63:1-8
I rejoice in the shadow of your wings
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 63:1-8
I rejoice in the shadow of your wings
Psalm 63 is often attributed to King David and is thought to have been written during his time in the wilderness, a period of great suffering and isolation, yet also a time of deep reliance on God. The Psalm resonates with those who find themselves in "deserts" of various kinds: emotional, spiritual, or physical. David's intense longing for God—depicted through vivid imagery of thirst and hunger—is met with an even greater realization of God's steadfast love and provision.1 O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you; *
As we read this Psalm, we're invited to examine our own lives, asking ourselves how much we really thirst for God, and how we experience His sustaining love even in times of difficulty. David's words are not merely an expression of personal longing but also serve as a profound encouragement for us to seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, one that goes beyond the superficialities of ritual or religion.
my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you,
as in a barren and dry land where there is no water.
2 Therefore I have gazed upon you in your holy place, *
that I might behold your power and your glory.
3 For your loving-kindness is better than life itself; *
my lips shall give you praise.
4 So will I bless you as long as I live *
and lift up my hands in your Name.
5 My soul is content, as with marrow and fatness, *
and my mouth praises you with joyful lips,
6 When I remember you upon my bed, *
and meditate on you in the night watches.
7 For you have been my helper, *
and under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.
8 My soul clings to you; *
your right hand holds me fast.
Eternal God, the fountain of all life and the giver of all that is good, we come before You today, recognizing that like David, our souls are parched and our bodies long for You in a dry and weary land. Yet often, we seek to quench our thirst from wells that do not satisfy. Open our eyes, O Lord, to see that You alone are the source of living water that can satisfy the deepest yearnings of our souls.
As we reflect on Psalm 63, help us to understand that even in our moments of desperation, Your love is steadfast and Your grace sufficient. May our souls cling to You, knowing that Your right hand upholds us. May our lips sing praises, our hands be lifted in worship, and our hearts be filled with joy as we contemplate Your loving-kindness.
We ask that Your Spirit guide us into a closer walk with You, so that even when we traverse through the deserts of life, we will experience Your presence as David did—a sanctuary of hope, strength, and peace.
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 Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible, chronicles the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian bondage under the leadership of Moses. This sacred text is not just a story of physical emancipation but also a narrative of spiritual formation, as the Israelites transition from a slave nation to a covenant community. Exodus details not only the great miracles God performs but also the legal, moral, and ritual frameworks that He provides for Israel’s newly forming religious and social life.34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
The chapters near the end of Exodus shift focus to the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people. It was built according to God's precise instructions and under the careful supervision of Moses. The section ending with Exodus 40:34-38 marks the completion of this project and is rich in theological and liturgical significance.
36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.
Commentary
Divine Presence and Approval (Verses 34-35):
The cloud covering the tent and the glory filling the tabernacle indicate God's presence and His approval of the work completed. It confirms that the Israelites have obeyed God's commands faithfully, and in return, God's glory—His manifest presence—fills the space. Moses, despite being the leader and the mediator between God and the Israelites, could not enter because of the overwhelming presence of God. This portrays the holiness and majesty of God, which cannot be casually approached, even by His chosen servant.
Guidance and Leadership (Verses 36-37):
These verses highlight the notion of divine guidance. The cloud serves as a "heavenly GPS," indicating when the Israelites should move and when they should remain stationary. This is a visual manifestation of God's providence and direction, emphasizing the Israelites' complete dependence on Him for their journey. The cloud serves both as a guide and a barrier, reminding the Israelites that their steps are ordered by God.
Continual Presence (Verse 38):
The cloud by day and the fire by night are constant reminders of God’s ever-present guidance and protection. This continuity signifies God's commitment to His covenant with the Israelites. The community is never alone; God's presence is unceasing, serving as a perpetual sign to all Israel throughout their sojourns.
The passage serves as a pinnacle that wraps up the construction narrative of the Tabernacle and sets the stage for the religious life of Israel. It demonstrates how God's glory is not just a high theological concept but a lived reality among the people. It tells us that when human obedience meets divine faithfulness, the result is a community where God's presence is tangibly experienced.
The book of Revelation is a complex tapestry of apocalyptic visions and symbols, authored by John, who was exiled on the island of Patmos. The book serves as a letter to seven churches in Asia Minor and aims to provide comfort and exhortation to early Christians undergoing persecution.18 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. 2 With a mighty voice he shouted:
Chapter 18 is particularly focused on the fall of Babylon, which serves as a metaphor for oppressive worldly systems that stand against God and His people. This chapter is not just a grim prophecy of judgment but also a call to faithful living and separation from systems that are incompatible with the values of the Kingdom of God.
“‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
She has become a dwelling for demons
and a haunt for every impure spirit,
a haunt for every unclean bird,
a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.
3 For all the nations have drunk
the maddening wine of her adulteries.
The kings of the earth committed adultery with her,
and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.”
“‘Come out of her, my people,’9 “When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. 10 Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry:
so that you will not share in her sins,
so that you will not receive any of her plagues;
5 for her sins are piled up to heaven,
and God has remembered her crimes.
6 Give back to her as she has given;
pay her back double for what she has done.
Pour her a double portion from her own cup.
7 Give her as much torment and grief
as the glory and luxury she gave herself.
In her heart she boasts,
‘I sit enthroned as queen.
I am not a widow;
I will never mourn.’
8 Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her:
death, mourning and famine.
She will be consumed by fire,
for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.
“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,19 They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out:
you mighty city of Babylon!
In one hour your doom has come!’
“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,
where all who had ships on the sea
became rich through her wealth!
In one hour she has been brought to ruin!’
20 “Rejoice over her, you heavens!
Rejoice, you people of God!
Rejoice, apostles and prophets!
For God has judged her
with the judgment she imposed on you.”
Commentary
Revelation 18:1-3
An angel descends from heaven, illuminating the earth with his splendor. This serves to emphasize the gravity and authority of the message being delivered. Babylon is described as fallen, but the cause of its fall is its moral decay and idolatry. Its corruption has not only affected its inhabitants but also the nations and merchants who have become intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries. This imagery suggests the pervasive influence of Babylon on a global scale, as it entices others to partake in its wickedness.
Revelation 18:4-5
God's people are called to separate themselves from Babylon. The command to "come out" is urgent and conveys a sense of immediate action. Remaining in Babylon poses the risk of sharing in its sins and, consequently, its judgment. This message is not just about physical departure but spiritual and ethical disengagement from systems that are contrary to God’s will.
Revelation 18:6-8
The passage emphasizes the concept of divine retribution. Babylon's actions have not gone unnoticed, and the text declares that she will receive a double portion of what she has meted out. This is a common biblical motif, wherein the measure used is also the measure received. The speed and finality of Babylon's judgment are stressed: her destruction will be swift and absolute.
Revelation 18:9-10
The lament of the kings signifies the downfall of those who have prospered through association with Babylon. The kings are depicted as distant observers, horrified yet unable to intervene. Their mourning is not out of sympathy for Babylon but for the loss of their own luxuries and power. This reveals the self-centered nature of the relationships that sustained Babylon; they were built on mutual exploitation rather than genuine care or respect.
Revelation 18:19-20
Here, the perspective shifts to a celestial celebration over Babylon's fall. The call to rejoice may seem strange, especially when juxtaposed with the intense lamentation that pervades the rest of the chapter. Yet, this joy is not based on the destruction per se but on the justice being served and the vindication of God’s people. The implication is that the fall of Babylon creates the space for the ultimate reign of God’s justice and peace.
Conclusion
Revelation 18 is a challenging text that presents a multifaceted look at divine justice, the corrupting influence of power, and the call for ethical living. While the symbolism and apocalyptic language may seem distant, its core message remains deeply relevant: the necessity for individuals and communities to extricate themselves from systems that defy God’s righteousness and to look forward to the consummation of God's justice.
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 Monday, October 23, 2023
Seeking God's Presence in Times of Fulfillment and Judgment
Psalm 63:1-8; Exodus 40:34-38; Revelation 18:1-10, 19-20
Today's scriptures readings weave together the intricate themes of God's sustaining presence, the fulfillment of divine guidance, and the consequential judgment that follows a departure from God's ways. As we delve into these passages, we will explore the overarching theme of how the pursuit of God's presence can serve as a guiding light in times of fulfillment and judgment. We'll uncover the depths of what it means to seek God earnestly, how His presence manifests in our collective journey, and what awaits those who turn away from His guiding light.
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