The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Tuesday, October 31, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Faith Manifested: Word, Face, and Deeds

Psalm 119:41-48; Exodus 34:29-35; James 2:14-26
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Introduction

The scriptures often weave a tapestry of connected messages across books, authors, and eras. Psalm 119:41-48, Exodus 34:29-35, and James 2:14-26 offer a profound convergence on the theme of the tangible manifestations of faith.

In Psalm 119, we delve into a heartfelt plea for God's mercy and a proclamation of commitment to His statutes. The psalmist's dedication to the Word of God isn’t merely in words but is manifested in a way of life, much as one would show faith through action. Exodus 34 narrates the illuminating account of Moses after receiving the Ten Commandments. His face literally shone with God’s glory—a testament to his direct experience with the divine. Moses' face becomes a testament to an intimate encounter with God, revealing the reality of his faith. Lastly, the book of James challenges believers on the authenticity of their faith. James asserts that true faith is not passive but is complemented and evidenced by one’s works.

Together, these passages remind us that genuine faith in God doesn't remain hidden. Whether through devotion to His Word, the radiance of His presence on our countenance, or the deeds that result from our faith, our relationship with the Divine inevitably leaves a mark in our lives and in the world around us.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 119:41-48
I will keep God’s law

Psalm 119 is a majestic and deeply spiritual outpouring of love, reflection, and praise centered around God's Word. This particular section, verses 41-48, is a passionate reflection on the liberating power of the truths found in God's commandments and how the psalmist's love for them becomes a witness before rulers and people alike. It emphasizes the comfort and assurance derived from trusting and reveling in God's decrees. Let us approach these verses with an open heart, eager to embrace the freedom that comes from truly understanding and living by God's Word.

41 May your unfailing love come to me, Lord, *
        your salvation, according to your promise;

42 then I can answer anyone who taunts me, *
        for I trust in your word.

43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth, *
        for I have put my hope in your laws.

44 I will always obey your law, *
        for ever and ever.

45 I will walk about in freedom, *
        for I have sought out your precepts.

46 I will speak of your statutes before kings *
        and will not be put to shame,

47 for I delight in your commands *
        because I love them.

48 I reach out for your commands, which I love, *
        that I may meditate on your decrees.

Heavenly Father, may Your unfailing love and grace envelop us, as we navigate the challenges and joys of our days. Root our hearts firmly in the promises You've made, giving us the strength to stand steadfast against any adversity that we face. Let Your word be a constant source of truth and guidance in our lives, so that we may confidently speak of Your great love and mercy, even before those who might oppose or doubt us.

Lord, may we never stray from Your teachings. Let our actions and decisions be a reflection of the wisdom found in Your laws. By adhering to Your precepts, grant us the freedom to walk this life with purpose, peace, and righteousness.

Give us the courage, O Lord, to boldly proclaim Your statutes in every corner of the world, and may we always find delight in the depth and richness of Your commands. We yearn to constantly embrace Your teachings, not out of obligation, but out of our profound love for them.

As we meditate upon Your decrees, may they penetrate our hearts and minds, anchoring us in Your divine truth and illuminating our path. Keep us forever close to You, cherishing Your word and living in a way that brings honor to Your name.

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 34:29-35
Moses’ shining face

Exodus 34:29-35 is a powerful passage from the Old Testament that speaks of the radiant transformation of Moses' face after he met with God on Mount Sinai. This event follows the renewal of the covenant, where God reiterates the laws and commands to the Israelites through Moses. The passage underscores the profound impact of a close encounter with the Divine, emphasizing the holiness of God and the transformative effect this can have on individuals.

29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. 32 Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai.

33 When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. 34 But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord.

Commentary

This passage paints a vivid picture of the profound experience Moses had with God on Mount Sinai. A few points of reflection include:

1. Evidence of the Divine Encounter: The physical transformation of Moses’ face serves as a testament to the reality of his encounter. His radiant face isn’t just a sign for himself but also a visible manifestation of the divine for the entire Israelite community. In a way, it confirmed the authenticity of his prophetic role and the commands he brought from the mountain.

2. Response of the People: The reaction of Aaron and the Israelites is one of fear. This highlights the overwhelming awe and reverence the Israelites had towards the palpable presence of God. The very glow on Moses’ face was enough to instill a sense of trepidation, pointing to the sheer power and holiness of God.

3. Role of the Veil: The veil Moses wears is symbolic. While it shields others from the overwhelming radiance of his face, it also serves as a boundary between the sacred and the ordinary. Moses only removes it when he is in direct communication with the Lord, indicating the distinction between divine encounters and regular moments.

4. Continual Communication with God: Moses' repeated encounters with God, as depicted through the act of unveiling himself in the Lord’s presence and then covering up afterward, emphasize the ongoing relationship and dialogue he maintained with the Divine.

This passage beautifully encapsulates the transformative power of encountering God. It reinforces the idea that closeness to the Divine isn't just a matter of spiritual feelings but can manifest physically, influencing those around us and reinforcing our commitment to God’s commands.

James 2:14-26
Faith without works is dead

James 2:14-26, found in the New Testament, tackles the relationship between faith and works, emphasizing that genuine faith naturally produces good works. The author, traditionally understood to be James, the brother of Jesus, writes to early Christian communities, urging them to recognize that faith without accompanying actions is lifeless. Through a series of examples and arguments, this passage presents the idea that faith and deeds are interdependent, much like two sides of the same coin.

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Commentary

This passage can be unpacked in various layers:

1. Faith and Deeds Are Interlinked: James starts with a pointed question regarding the validity of faith that doesn't result in action. He’s clear in his assertion that mere profession of faith, if not matched with corresponding deeds, is ineffective.

2. Practical Illustration: Using the example of assisting those in need, James demonstrates the hollowness of offering platitudes without genuine help. It's a practical and relatable scenario that challenges the readers to introspect their understanding of faith.

3. Counterargument and Clarification: Anticipating potential misunderstandings, James addresses a hypothetical objector in verse 18. He’s not setting faith and works in opposition but rather showing that genuine faith will naturally be accompanied by deeds.

4. Theological Foundation: James turns to the patriarch Abraham and Rahab as exemplars of his argument. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac is portrayed as a demonstration of his faith in action. Rahab's assistance to the Israelite spies similarly epitomizes her faith manifested through deeds.

5. Clarifying the Nature of Faith: The mention of demons believing in God underscores the idea that mere intellectual assent isn't enough. Demons recognize God’s existence but don't submit to His will or manifest righteous deeds, contrasting with the life-transforming faith of believers.

6. Concluding Analogy: The passage culminates with a striking analogy: just as a body without a spirit is dead, so is faith without works. This drives home the central thesis of James' message.

Overall, this passage from James doesn't argue against the importance of faith. Instead, it contends that genuine, saving faith will invariably be accompanied by actions that align with God’s will.

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. 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 Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Faith Manifested: Word, Face, and Deeds
Psalm 119:41-48; Exodus 34:29-35; James 2:14-26
The scriptures often weave a tapestry of connected messages across books, authors, and eras. Today's readings offer a profound convergence on the theme of the tangible manifestations of faith. Together, these passages remind us that genuine faith in God doesn't remain hidden. Whether through devotion to His Word, the radiance of His presence on our countenance, or the deeds that result from our faith, our relationship with the Divine inevitably leaves a mark in our lives and in the world around us.