The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Thursday, October 5, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Thursday, October 5, 2023

The Harmony of God's Revelation:

Creation, Conduct, and Christ
Psalm 19; Exodus 23:1-9; Colossians 2:16-23
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
  (Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Introduction

In the rich tapestry of Scripture, we often encounter diverse yet harmonious threads that weave together to create a coherent picture of God's relationship with humanity. One such harmony can be seen in the conjunction of Psalm 19, Exodus 23:1-9, and Colossians 2:16-23. At first glance, these passages from the Old and New Testaments may seem disparate: one sings the glory of God in creation and His law, another lays out the foundational principles for social justice, and yet another warns against the pitfalls of religious legalism. However, when viewed together, these texts provide a triad of insights into how God reveals Himself and desires relationship with us—through the natural world (Creation), through ethical living (Conduct), and through the person of Jesus Christ (Christ).

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 19
The law rejoices the heart

Psalm 19 is a profound hymn of praise that serves as a theological bridge between God's revelation in the natural world and His revelation in the Word. Written by King David, this Psalm opens with an awe-inspiring look at how the heavens and the skies testify to the glory and craftsmanship of God. Without saying a word, creation itself sings an eternal hymn of God's majesty. The Psalm then pivots to celebrate the Law, described as perfect, sure, and righteous—qualities that rejuvenate the soul, enlighten the eyes, and endure forever. David acknowledges that it's through God's Law that individuals are warned and rewarded, and he ends the Psalm with a prayer for purity and acceptability in God's sight.

This Psalm prompts us to consider two important facets of divine revelation: general revelation available to everyone through nature, and special revelation given to us through God's Word. Both forms guide us to a deeper understanding of the Creator and provide us a way to live a life pleasing to Him.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, *
    and the firmament shows his handiwork.

2 One day tells its tale to another, *
    and one night imparts knowledge to another.

3 Although they have no words or language, *
    and their voices are not heard,

4 Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
    and their message to the ends of the world.

5 In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *
    it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
      it rejoices like a champion to run its course.

6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
      and runs about to the end of it again; *
    nothing is hidden from its burning heat.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect
      and revives the soul; *
    the testimony of the LORD is sure
      and gives wisdom to the innocent.

8 The statutes of the LORD are just
      and rejoice the heart; *
    the commandment of the LORD is clear
      and gives light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is clean
      and endures for ever; *
    the judgments of the LORD are true
      and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold,
      more than much fine gold, *
    sweeter far than honey,
      than honey in the comb.

11 By them also is your servant enlightened, *
    and in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can tell how often he offends? *
    cleanse me from my secret faults.

13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;
      let them not get dominion over me; *
    then shall I be whole and sound,
      and innocent of a great offense.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
      heart be acceptable in your sight, *
    O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.

Heavenly Father, Creator of the Universe, we pause in this moment to acknowledge Your grandeur, so evident in the world around us. The sun, moon, and stars—each one crafted by Your hand—declare Your glory day after day, filling our hearts with wonder.

But Lord, Your glory is not only distant in the heavens; it is near and intimate in Your Word. Thank You for the Scriptures, for the wisdom and truth they contain. Your Law is more precious than gold, sweeter than honey, a light to our path and a comfort to our souls.

Help us, O God, to not just be hearers but doers of Your Word. Open our eyes to its riches, make us receptive to its warnings, and let its precepts guide our actions. Like David, we ask that our words and thoughts be acceptable in Your sight, for You are our Rock and Redeemer.

Lord, help us to harmonize the song of creation with the call of Your Law, that our lives might be a seamless anthem of Your glory and grace.

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.”

Exodus 23:1-9
Justice for all

Exodus 23:1-9 is a pivotal segment within what is often termed the 'Covenant Code.' Located immediately after the Ten Commandments, these verses provide more detailed legal and ethical precepts that were meant to govern Israel's societal conduct. They encompass various principles from false testimony, to matters of justice, to ensuring kindness to strangers. Far from being merely a list of rules, this section offers profound insights into the character of God and His desires for just human relationships. It reflects a God who cares deeply about justice, equity, and the welfare of the vulnerable.

23 “Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.

2 “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, 3 and do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit.

4 “If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. 5 If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.

6 “Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. 7 Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.

8 “Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent.

9 “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.

Commentary

Verses 1-3: On Integrity and Justice
These verses focus on the dangers of false reports, underscoring the importance of integrity in both speech and judicial matters. The warning against following the majority in doing wrong suggests that societal or peer pressure should not deter an individual from upholding the truth. The instruction against favoring a poor person in a lawsuit emphasizes that true justice is impartial; it neither favors the rich nor panders to the poor out of misplaced pity.

Verse 4-5: Kindness to Enemies
These verses present a surprising ethic for ancient times. If one finds an enemy's animal astray or burdened, they are commanded to return it or help it. This principle transcends personal feelings or past grievances and underscores the inherent worth of all individuals. The focus is not on the past or existing enmities but on the immediate need and the right action.

Verse 6: Protecting the Rights of the Poor
While the earlier verse ensured that the poor weren't favored unjustly in legal matters, this verse guarantees that their rights are protected. It demonstrates God's concern for the marginalized and His desire for a society where the rights of all are safeguarded.

Verse 7: Distance from False Charges
This verse underscores the sanctity of truth. By cautioning against false charges and the killing of the innocent, it emphasizes the weight and repercussions of bearing false testimony. Such actions can lead to irreversible harm and are deeply abhorrent in God's sight.

Verse 8: Bribery Corrupts
The prohibition against taking bribes highlights the corrupting influence of bribery on moral and judicial integrity. A bribe can blind even the most discerning and skew justice, leading to miscarriages of justice, especially against the blameless.

Verse 9: The Alien's Experience
Here, the Israelites are reminded of their history as strangers in Egypt and the suffering they underwent. This memory is meant to inspire empathy and ensure just treatment of foreigners living among them. It's a call to recognize the shared humanity and vulnerability that binds people together.

Conclusion
Exodus 23:1-9, while providing specific regulations for ancient Israel, holds timeless ethical principles relevant to contemporary societies. These verses call individuals and communities to prioritize truth, justice, and empathy, reflecting a divine standard that values every individual regardless of their social or economic status.

Colossians 2:16-23
Hold fast to Christ the head

The passage from Colossians 2:16-23 sits within a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Colossae, a community grappling with heresies and alternative teachings that threatened to dilute the Gospel. This particular section confronts religious legalism and asceticism, which had crept into the community, distorting the believers' understanding of the essence of Christian faith. Paul emphasizes that in Christ alone is the fullness of God found, and therefore, any additional religious or ascetic practices are not just unnecessary, but potentially harmful. By doing so, Paul reminds the Colossians (and by extension, all believers) that the focus of their faith should be on Christ's finished work, not on human traditions or philosophies.

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Commentary

Verses 16-17: Shadows and Reality
Paul starts by addressing the judgment the Colossians were facing over religious practices related to dietary laws and festivals. He asserts that these things are but "shadows" of what was to come, and the reality is found in Christ. Essentially, the religious rituals were a foreshadowing of Christ's work; they were never meant to replace or supersede the significance of Christ himself.

Verse 18: False Humility and Worship of Angels
Paul warns against being swayed by individuals who take delight in false humility and angelic worship. Such practices divert attention away from Christ, the head of the Church. The implication is that any form of spirituality not centered on Christ is not just misguided but potentially harmful.

Verse 19: Disconnection from the Head
Here, Paul emphasizes that Christ is the head from whom the whole body grows. A shift in focus from Christ to external practices is equated with being disconnected from the source of nourishment and growth. This verse is a strong call to maintain Christ-centeredness in faith and practice.

Verses 20-22: Human Commands and Teachings
If believers have died with Christ to elemental spiritual forces, Paul questions why they still submit to human rules like "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!" He criticizes these regulations as mere human commands and teachings that have an appearance of wisdom but lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Verse 23: The Ineffectiveness of Asceticism
Paul concludes by noting the ultimate ineffectiveness of ascetic practices in combating the desires of the flesh. While such practices may seem rigorous or spiritually impressive, they do not have the power to bring true spiritual growth or sanctification, which come from focusing on the completed work of Christ.

Conclusion
The passage, therefore, serves as a strong warning against diverting focus from Christ to religious rituals, human philosophies, or ascetic practices. It reinforces the centrality of Christ in Christian faith, emphasizing that true spiritual vitality comes from being rooted in Him. Colossians 2:16-23 is a timeless reminder that faith is not about external practices or self-imposed piety but about a relationship with Christ, who is the embodiment of divine fullness.

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 Thursday, October 5, 2023
The Harmony of God's Revelation: Creation, Conduct, and Christ
Psalm 19; Exodus 23:1-9; Colossians 2:16-23
In the rich tapestry of Scripture, we often encounter diverse yet harmonious threads that weave together to create a coherent picture of God's relationship with humanity. One such harmony can be seen in the conjunction of Psalm 19, Exodus 23:1-9, and Colossians 2:16-23. At first glance, these passages from the Old and New Testaments may seem disparate: one sings the glory of God in creation and His law, another lays out the foundational principles for social justice, and yet another warns against the pitfalls of religious legalism. However, when viewed together, these texts provide a triad of insights into how God reveals Himself and desires relationship with us—through the natural world (Creation), through ethical living (Conduct), and through the person of Jesus Christ (Christ).