The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Saturday, October 28, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Saturday, October 28, 2023

Eternal Shelter and the Testimony of the Word

Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; Deuteronomy 32:44-47; John 5:39-47
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Introduction

Across the ages, the enduring relationship between God and His creation remains steadfast. As days turn to nights and generations come and go, our omnipotent Creator provides an eternal shelter to those who seek Him. Psalm 90 brings forth a powerful meditation on God's unchanging nature and the fleetingness of human life, echoing the sentiments of how man's days are like grass that withers away. In the heart of Deuteronomy, we see the word of God being revered as a life-giving testimony, emphasizing the importance of adhering to its teachings. In John 5, Jesus confronts the inability of the religious leaders to recognize Him despite the scriptures testifying about Him. Together, these passages intertwine to stress the importance of recognizing God's eternal presence, the value of His word, and the testimony of Jesus Christ. As we dive into these verses, let us reflect upon the unfailing refuge that God provides and the role of scriptures in guiding, teaching, and bearing witness to the truth of Christ.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
Show your servants your works

Psalm 90 stands as a testament to God's eternity in contrast to human frailty. Attributed to Moses, it is a meditation on the transience of human life against the backdrop of the eternal nature of God. This selection of verses juxtaposes the temporal nature of humanity with the enduring nature of the Creator, emphasizing the fleeting moments of our lives compared to God's infinite timeline. It calls upon the Lord to have mercy, to extend His steadfast love, and to establish the work of human hands. As you read and reflect on these verses, consider the transient nature of your own life and the everlasting nature of God's love and presence.

1 Lord, you have been our refuge *
    from one generation to another.

2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
      or the land and the earth were born, *
    from age to age you are God.

3 You turn us back to the dust and say, *
    “Go back, O child of earth.”

4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday
      when it is past *
    and like a watch in the night.

5 You sweep us away like a dream; *
    we fade away suddenly like the grass.

6 In the morning it is green and flourishes; *
    in the evening it is dried up and withered.

13 Return, O LORD; how long will you tarry? *
     be gracious to your servants.

14 Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; *
     so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.

15 Make us glad by the measure of the days that you afflicted us *
     and the years in which we suffered adversity.

16 Show your servants your works *
     and your splendor to their children.

17 May the graciousness of the LORD our God be upon us; *
     prosper the work of our hands;
       prosper our handiwork.

Eternal God, our everlasting refuge, From generation to generation, You have been our home. Before the mountains were born, Before the earth and world were formed, From everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

We are but a fleeting breath in Your sight, Returning to the earth as quickly as a dream fades at dawn. Our lives are like grass that springs up in the morning, Flourishing and blooming, only to wither and fade by evening. Yet, in the vast expanse of Your eternity, even a thousand years are but a day gone by.

Return to us, O Lord, with Your compassion, And satisfy us each morning with Your unfailing love, That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. May Your deeds and Your wondrous works be evident to us, And to our children, and our children’s children.

Grant us the grace to number our days aright, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. May Your favor rest upon us, O God, Establish the work of our hands, yes, establish the work of our hands, That our endeavors may bear fruit and honor You.

For You, O God, are our dwelling place, And in Your love and mercy, we find our purpose and hope.

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.”

Deuteronomy 32:44-47
Moses’ farewell

Deuteronomy 32:44-47 is situated in a critical juncture of the biblical narrative. The Israelites stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land, and Moses, the longstanding leader, delivers his final teachings and blessings before his impending death. This passage is part of the “Song of Moses,” a poetic piece that encapsulates the covenantal relationship between God and His people, outlining blessings and curses, fidelity and infidelity, hope and warning. As Moses speaks these concluding words, there is a strong emphasis on the vitality, relevance, and life-giving nature of the law that has been given to the Israelites. These verses culminate Moses’ song and prepare the ground for the transition of leadership to Joshua.

44 Moses came with Joshua son of Nun and spoke all the words of this song in the hearing of the people. 45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

Commentary

In verses 44-47 of Deuteronomy 32, we witness Moses, accompanied by Joshua, proclaiming the words of the song to the people of Israel. The presence of Joshua, the successor of Moses, signifies the continuity of leadership and the divine mandate that will guide the Israelites in their journey ahead. The text underscores the pivotal role that Joshua will play in the life of the Israelite community as they step into a new era.

The gravity of Moses’ message is evident as he urges the people to “Take to heart all the words” he has declared. This is not merely a suggestion, but a solemn command, highlighting the essential nature of the law. Moses understands that the future of Israel hinges on their adherence to the teachings and commandments of God. By internalizing these words, the people not only ensure their individual well-being but also the collective prosperity and spiritual integrity of the entire community.

Verse 47 encapsulates the essence of Moses’ message, declaring the words of the law as not “just idle words for you—they are your life.” This underscores the life-giving and sustaining nature of God’s commandments. The law is not a burdensome obligation, but rather, it is the very source of life and prosperity for the people of Israel. By obeying the commandments, the Israelites align themselves with the divine will and secure their place in the land “they are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

The emphasis on long life in the Promised Land serves as a reminder of the covenantal promises made by God. It reiterates that obedience to the law is intrinsically linked with the blessings of the covenant. The land across the Jordan is not just a geographical location; it is a place of divine promise and fulfillment, a tangible manifestation of God’s faithfulness to His people.

In conclusion, Deuteronomy 32:44-47 serves as a powerful reminder of the indispensability of God’s law for the people of Israel. Moses’ final exhortation calls for a deep internalization and faithful adherence to the divine commandments, positioning them as the very source of life. As the Israelites stand at the threshold of a new beginning, these words echo with timeless relevance, urging every generation to embrace the life-giving words of God and walk in the path of obedience and blessing.

John 5:39-47
Moses judges the disobedient

The Gospel of John, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament, often delves into deep theological and philosophical territory, exploring the nature and personhood of Jesus Christ and His relationship to God the Father. John's Gospel is distinct in its poetic, symbolic language and its emphasis on the intimate connection between the believer and Jesus. The passage from John 5:39-47 presents a significant discourse of Jesus as He confronts the religious leaders of His day, illuminating the differences between mere religious knowledge and true, life-giving faith.

39 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

41 “I do not accept glory from human beings, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

45 “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”

Commentary

In this passage, Jesus directs a pointed critique at the religious leaders and scholars of His day. These leaders placed a significant emphasis on the study of the Scriptures (what Christians now call the Old Testament) and believed that this knowledge would grant them eternal life. Yet, Jesus declares that their diligent study misses the central message of those Scriptures: the testimony about Him.

In verses 41-44, Jesus underscores the motivations of these leaders. Their seeking of validation and glory from one another blinded them from recognizing the divine glory standing before them in the person of Jesus. Their hearts were not truly for God, as they were more interested in their social and religious standing. By seeking validation from fellow humans, they missed out on the true glory that comes from God alone.

In verses 45-47, Jesus makes a profound statement regarding Moses, a revered figure among the Jews. He says that if they genuinely believed in Moses and understood his writings, they would recognize Jesus as the one Moses wrote about. Instead, their disbelief in Jesus also indicates disbelief in the very scriptures they claim to uphold. Jesus' assertion here is profound: the entirety of the Old Testament, including the writings of Moses, points to Him.

In essence, this passage serves as a reminder of the dangers of religious pride and the vital difference between mere knowledge of scripture and genuine faith. Jesus invites everyone to approach Him with humility and an open heart, for it's in Him that eternal life is truly found.

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 Saturday, October 28, 2023
Eternal Shelter and the Testimony of the Word
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; Deuteronomy 32:44-47; John 5:39-47
Across the ages, the enduring relationship between God and His creation remains steadfast. As days turn to nights and generations come and go, our omnipotent Creator provides an eternal shelter to those who seek Him. Psalm 90 brings forth a powerful meditation on God's unchanging nature and the fleetingness of human life, echoing the sentiments of how man's days are like grass that withers away. In the heart of Deuteronomy, we see the word of God being revered as a life-giving testimony, emphasizing the importance of adhering to its teachings. In John 5, Jesus confronts the inability of the religious leaders to recognize Him despite the scriptures testifying about Him. Together, these passages intertwine to stress the importance of recognizing God's eternal presence, the value of His word, and the testimony of Jesus Christ. As we dive into these verses, let us reflect upon the unfailing refuge that God provides and the role of scriptures in guiding, teaching, and bearing witness to the truth of Christ.