The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Tuesday, November 21, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Tuesday, November 21, 2023

God's Providence and Protection

Psalm 83:1-4, 9-10, 17-18;

Exodus 2:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
  (Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Introduction

Throughout the tapestry of Scripture, a constant thread emerges: the steadfast providence and protection of God for His people. Whether faced with enemies conspiring against them, as depicted in Psalm 83, or navigating treacherous circumstances like the baby Moses in the reeds of the Nile in Exodus 2, the hand of God is evident. His protection is not just physical; it's also spiritual and communal. The call in 1 Thessalonians 5 to respect, admonish, and encourage each other, as well as to rejoice and pray continually, shows that God's provision extends to the well-being of the community and the heart. This theme of divine care invites believers to trust in God's sovereign hand, even amidst challenges and uncertainties.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 83:1-4, 9-10, 17-18
Do not be silent O God

Psalm 83 stands as a fervent plea to God in the midst of turmoil and threat from surrounding enemies. It captures the raw emotion and desperation of the Psalmist, seeking divine intervention against those who wish to wipe out the name of Israel. This selection from the Psalm specifically paints a vivid picture of the threats facing Israel and recalls past victories where God intervened on behalf of His people. It concludes with a passionate request that these enemies be put to shame so that they might recognize the supremacy of the One true God. In these verses, the Psalmist not only seeks physical deliverance but also yearns for the spiritual acknowledgment of God's sovereignty by all nations.

1 O God, do not remain silent; *
    do not turn a deaf ear,
    do not stand aloof, O God.

2 See how your enemies growl, *
    how your foes rear their heads.

3 With cunning they conspire against your people; *
    they plot against those you cherish.

4 “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, *
    so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.”

9 Do to them as you did to Midian, *
    as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon,

10 Who perished at Endor *
    and became like dung on the ground.

17 May they ever be ashamed and dismayed; *
    may they perish in disgrace.

18 Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord— *
    that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Heavenly Father, in times of distress and when enemies rise against Your people, we cry out to You, O God who never slumbers nor sleeps. You, who have always been a refuge to the weak, do not remain silent or still.

We see, O Lord, that sometimes those who despise You conspire against Your cherished ones, planning to wipe out Your nation. They say, "Come, let us destroy them as a nation, so that the name of Israel is remembered no more." But You, O God, are our defender and shield.

Just as You dealt with the Midianites and their princes, do to these adversaries what You did then. Let them be shamed and dismayed forever. Let them perish in disgrace so that all may know that You, whose name is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth.

You alone are sovereign. You alone are powerful. May Your name be glorified among the nations, and may all acknowledge Your supreme dominion.

We trust in You, our eternal rock and fortress. Guard us, protect us, and let Your name be exalted 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.”

Exodus 2:1-10
Mother and sister protect Moses

The Book of Exodus, the second book of the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, is a foundational narrative for three of the world's major religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Exodus tells the story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, their covenant with God at Mount Sinai, and their wanderings in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land.

Exodus 2:1-10 introduces us to the early life of Moses, a figure of immense importance in the Judeo-Christian tradition. This passage paints a vivid picture of a period in history when the Israelites were oppressed in Egypt and sets the stage for God's divine intervention and the rise of a great leader.

2 1 Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, 2 and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. 3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. 4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.

5 Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said.

7 Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?”

8 “Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. 9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.”

Commentary

This passage is rich in symbolism and foreshadowing. It not only narrates the birth and miraculous preservation of Moses but also subtly points to the wider story of Israel's salvation and the central role Moses will play in it.

Verses 1-2: The text begins with an unnamed Levite couple, emphasizing Moses’ priestly lineage. The emphasis on the child's fineness or good health might reflect not just a mother's love, but a recognition of divine providence.

Verses 3-4: The mother's act of placing Moses in a basket on the Nile signifies both desperation and hope. It's reminiscent of the ark of Noah, a vessel of salvation amidst waters of destruction. Moses’ sister, later identified as Miriam, serves as a guardian and witness, ensuring her brother's safety from a distance.

Verses 5-6: The appearance of Pharaoh's daughter is pivotal. While her father decreed the death of Hebrew male infants, she shows compassion, recognizing Moses as a Hebrew child. This highlights the theme of God using unexpected people and circumstances to accomplish His purposes.

Verses 7-9: Miriam’s quick thinking ensures that Moses is nursed by his own mother. This arrangement ensures Moses' connection to his Hebrew roots, even as he's raised in the Egyptian palace.

Verse 10: The naming of Moses by Pharaoh's daughter carries deep significance. The name Moses sounds like the Hebrew verb to draw out, foretelling his future role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt.

In summary, this passage beautifully weaves together themes of divine providence, compassion, identity, and the beginnings of redemption. It sets the stage for the extraordinary life of Moses and the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
The Christian life

The First Epistle to the Thessalonians is believed to be one of the earliest written letters by the Apostle Paul. Addressed to the church in Thessalonica, a city located in modern-day Greece, the letter deals with various issues faced by the early Christian community. In this particular passage, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18, Paul provides specific instructions and exhortations concerning the behavior and attitudes of believers within the community. His words serve as guiding principles for Christian living, emphasizing respect, gratitude, joy, prayer, and God's will.

5 12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Commentary

Verses 12-13: Paul begins this section by highlighting the importance of recognizing and valuing the leaders of the church community. These leaders have taken on the responsibility of spiritually nurturing, guiding, and sometimes correcting the believers. Paul’s appeal to acknowledge them is a call to appreciate their efforts, demonstrating a respect and love for them, all while fostering a sense of peace and unity within the community.

Verse 14: The Apostle addresses the broader community, emphasizing mutual accountability. He identifies three groups: the idle and disruptive, the disheartened, and the weak. Each group requires a different kind of attention. While the idle and disruptive should be warned or corrected, those who are disheartened need encouragement, and the weak need help and support. In all situations, patience is paramount.

Verse 15: The principle of not retaliating is a central tenet in Christian ethics. Paul reinforces the call of Jesus to turn the other cheek (see Matthew 5:39) and emphasizes proactive goodness. Instead of seeking revenge or harboring ill-will, believers should actively seek the well-being of others, both within and outside their community.

Verses 16-18: These verses present a triad of exhortations that summarize the Christian's continual attitude toward life. Rejoice always underscores the importance of joy, regardless of circumstances. Pray continually emphasizes an ongoing conversation and relationship with God. Give thanks in all circumstances is a call to gratitude, recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness even in trying times. Importantly, Paul asserts that these attitudes are not optional or supplementary; they represent God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

In summary, this passage from 1 Thessalonians provides profound guidance on community living, personal behavior, and spiritual attitudes. Paul's instructions serve as a timeless reminder of the values and principles foundational to Christian life.

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 Tuesday, November 21, 2023
God's Providence and Protection
Psalm 83:1-4, 9-10, 17-18; Exodus 2:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
Throughout the tapestry of Scripture, a constant thread emerges: the steadfast providence and protection of God for His people. Whether faced with enemies conspiring against them, as depicted in Psalm 83, or navigating treacherous circumstances like the baby Moses in the reeds of the Nile in Exodus 2, the hand of God is evident. His protection is not just physical; it's also spiritual and communal. The call in 1 Thessalonians 5 to respect, admonish, and encourage each other, as well as to rejoice and pray continually, shows that God's provision extends to the well-being of the community and the heart. This theme of divine care invites believers to trust in God's sovereign hand, even amidst challenges and uncertainties.