The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Thursday, November 16, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Thursday, November 16, 2023

From Dependence to Rebellion: Divine Judgement and Mercy

Psalm 123; Judges 2:6-15; Revelation 16:1-7
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Introduction

Throughout the sacred texts, humanity's relationship with the Divine has experienced peaks and troughs, revealing our consistent need for guidance, mercy, and correction. In Psalm 123, we encounter a soul looking up to the heavens, seeking mercy and grace in moments of distress. In Judges 2:6-15, the cyclical nature of Israel's obedience and rebellion post-Joshua is laid bare, reminding us of the ease with which we forget Divine interventions and revert to old ways. Lastly, in Revelation 16:1-7, we are drawn into the apocalyptic narrative where the just wrath of God is poured out on a rebellious world. All three passages, though seemingly disparate in tone and content, converge on a singular truth: humanity's dependence on God and the consequential judgment or mercy we receive based on our choices. Let's journey together through these scriptures, contemplating our own spiritual trajectory and our response to the Divine call.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 123
Our eyes look to God

Amidst the vast collection of hymns, laments, and praises found in the Book of Psalms, Psalm 123 stands out as a poignant cry for mercy. In the midst of oppression and disdain from those who hold themselves in higher esteem, the psalmist looks towards the heavens, seeking God's unfailing grace. It is a timeless reminder of the humility with which we approach the Creator, recognizing our dependence on His mercy and longing for His favor. As you read this psalm, may you be reminded of the ever-present love of God, who never turns a deaf ear to the pleas of His children, and may you find solace in His embrace.

1 I lift up my eyes to you, *
        to you who sit enthroned in heaven.

2 As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, *
        as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress,

  So our eyes look to the Lord our God, *
        till he shows us his mercy.

3 Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us, *
        for we have endured no end of contempt.

4 We have endured no end *
        of ridicule from the arrogant,
            of contempt from the proud.

O Lord of Mercy, With eyes lifted high, we turn to You, our shelter and strength. In a world where pride often overshadows humility, where contempt can outweigh compassion, we seek Your face, O Sovereign One.

Teach us, Lord, to emulate the servants who watch the hand of their master, to remain patient, vigilant, and ever-hopeful in Your promises. For in the darkest moments, when disdain tries to cast its shadow upon our souls, Your mercy shines the brightest.

May we remember that our worth is not measured by the world's standards, but by the love You bestow upon us, day after day. Grant us the grace to remain humble in our walk, steadfast in our faith, and persistent in our plea for Your mercy.

For in You, we find refuge from contempt, solace from scorn, and love that never ends. Hear our prayer, O God of Mercy, and let Your grace flow over us, now and forevermore.

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.”

Judges 2:6-15
After Joshua’s death

The Book of Judges narrates a cyclical pattern of Israel's history during the period between Joshua's conquest and the establishment of monarchy under Saul. These cycles consist of Israel's disobedience to God, followed by oppression from enemies, a cry for help, and then God raising a judge to deliver them. Judges 2:6-15 provides a succinct summary of the beginning of this cyclical pattern, illustrating the rapid moral and spiritual decline of the Israelites after the death of Joshua and the elders who witnessed God's great acts.

2 6 After Joshua had dismissed the Israelites, they went to take possession of the land, each to their own inheritance. 7 The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel.

8 Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten. 9 And they buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath Heres in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash.

10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. 11 Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals. 12 They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They aroused the Lord’s anger 13 because they forsook him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. 14 In his anger against Israel the Lord gave them into the hands of raiders who plundered them. He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. 15 Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the Lord was against them to defeat them, just as he had sworn to them. They were in great distress.

Commentary

Verses 6-7: These verses set the stage for the post-Joshua era. During Joshua's leadership and that of the elders who outlived him, the Israelites remained faithful, having witnessed firsthand the miracles and interventions of God in their conquest of the Promised Land.

Verses 8-9: Joshua's death is noted with brevity, emphasizing the end of an era. His burial in Ephraim marks the end of the generation that directly experienced God's wonders.

Verse 10: This verse highlights a significant transition. The new generation, distanced from the firsthand experiences of God's miracles, lacks the same commitment to the covenant and to Yahweh. This distancing shows how vital direct experiences and testimonies were in maintaining the Israelites' faith.

Verses 11-13: The religious syncretism of the Israelites is depicted here. Instead of solely worshiping Yahweh, they incorporated the deities of the surrounding nations, particularly the Baals and Ashtoreths. This is a direct violation of the covenantal commandment to have no other gods (Exodus 20:3).

Verses 14-15: The consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness are dire. The protective hand of God, which was once with them during the conquest, is now against them. This shift from divine favor to divine opposition is a tangible demonstration of the covenant's blessings and curses (Deuteronomy 28).

In conclusion, Judges 2:6-15 encapsulates the tragic downward spiral of Israel's spiritual state after Joshua's death. It underscores the importance of generational transmission of faith and the dangers of forgetting God's deeds and covenant. The consequences of their infidelity serve as a stark reminder of the seriousness of the covenant relationship with Yahweh.

Revelation 16:1-7
God’s judgments are true and just

Revelation 16:1-7 is a segment of the New Testament that delves deep into the apocalyptic visions experienced by the apostle John. As a pivotal chapter within the Book of Revelation, it recounts the pouring out of the first seven bowls of God's wrath upon the earth. Symbolism is rampant, illustrating the divine judgments upon those who reject God and choose to follow the beast. Just as with much of Revelation, these verses are a tapestry of intense imagery, spiritual messages, and prophetic declarations that have inspired numerous interpretations and discussions throughout Christian history.

16 1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.”

2 The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the land, and ugly, festering sores broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.

3 The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead person, and every living thing in the sea died.

4 The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. 5 Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say:

    “You are just in these judgments, O Holy One,
        you who are and who were;
6     for they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets,
        and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.”

7 And I heard the altar respond:

    “Yes, Lord God Almighty,
        true and just are your judgments.”

Commentary

1. Voice from the Temple: The loud voice that emanates from the temple is indicative of divine authority. It signifies a direct command from God for the initiation of the final judgments upon the earth.

2. First Bowl – Sores: The first judgment targets specifically those who had aligned themselves with the beast. The appearance of sores serves as both a physical and spiritual ailment, emphasizing the consequences of their choices.

3. Second Bowl – Sea Turns to Blood: The transformation of the sea into blood is reminiscent of the plagues in Egypt. It symbolizes the corruption and death of life, with every living creature in the sea succumbing to this judgment.

4. Third Bowl – Fresh Waters Turn to Blood: Extending the previous judgment, even fresh waters aren't spared. The significance lies in water's life-giving property. By turning it into blood, God underscores the gravity of His wrath.

5. Angel's Proclamation: The angel in charge of the waters recognizes and proclaims the justice of God's actions. This underscores the righteousness of God's judgments, reinforcing that they are neither arbitrary nor unwarranted.

6. Retributive Justice: The notion of giving them blood to drink as they deserve emphasizes a sense of retributive justice. Those who persecuted God's people and prophets have brought upon themselves a fitting recompense.

7. Response of the Altar: The altar, often seen as the place of sacrifice and atonement, acknowledges the truth and justice of God's actions. It's a powerful affirmation, considering the role the altar plays in religious rites and its symbolic association with reconciliation and redemption.

Throughout this passage, readers are called to reflect on the grave consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable justice that ensues. The use of intense imagery serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of God's warnings and the finality of His judgments.

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 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, November 16, 2023
From Dependence to Rebellion: Divine Judgement and Mercy
Psalm 123; Judges 2:6-15; Revelation 16:1-7
Throughout the sacred texts, humanity's relationship with the Divine has experienced peaks and troughs, revealing our consistent need for guidance, mercy, and correction. In Psalm 123, we encounter a soul looking up to the heavens, seeking mercy and grace in moments of distress. In Judges 2:6-15, the cyclical nature of Israel's obedience and rebellion post-Joshua is laid bare, reminding us of the ease with which we forget Divine interventions and revert to old ways. Lastly, in Revelation 16:1-7, we are drawn into the apocalyptic narrative where the just wrath of God is poured out on a rebellious world. All three passages, though seemingly disparate in tone and content, converge on a singular truth: humanity's dependence on God and the consequential judgment or mercy we receive based on our choices. Let's journey together through these scriptures, contemplating our own spiritual trajectory and our response to the Divine call.