The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Tuesday, November 28, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary

with Commentary
Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Seeking God's Mercy

and Trusting in His Righteous Judgment

Psalm 28; Zechariah 11:4-17; Revelation 19:1-9
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Introduction

The passages of Psalm 28, Zechariah 11:4-17, and Revelation 19:1-9 speak to the themes of seeking God's mercy, placing trust in His righteousness, and rejoicing in the final victory over evil. In Psalm 28, we see a heartfelt plea for God's mercy and guidance, illustrating the personal relationship between the individual and the divine. In Zechariah 11:4-17, the narrative explores themes of leadership, judgment, and the consequences of straying from God's will. Revelation 19:1-9 then brings us to a triumphant climax, where the faithful are called to rejoice as God's righteous judgment prevails, and the victory over evil is ultimately secured. Together, these passages remind us of the importance of seeking God's mercy, trusting in His righteous judgment, and rejoicing in the hope of His ultimate victory.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 28
Shepherd your people forever

Psalm 100 is one of the most cherished and recognized psalms in the entire Psalter. Often referred to as a "Psalm of Praise," it invites all of the Earth to come before the Lord with joy and thanksgiving. With its short span of only five verses, it is concise, yet its message resonates deeply with profound simplicity. Echoing the thematic essence of worship, the psalm serves as a universal call for all peoples to recognize the sovereignty of God, and to approach Him with a heart full of gladness.

1 To you, Lord, I call;
        you are my Rock,
        do not turn a deaf ear to me. *
    For if you remain silent,
        I will be like those who go down to the pit.

2 Hear my cry for mercy
        as I call to you for help, *
    As I lift up my hands
        toward your Most Holy Place.

3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,
        with those who do evil, *
    Who speak cordially with their neighbors
        but harbor malice in their hearts.

4 Repay them for their deeds
        and for their evil work; *
    Repay them for what their hands have done
        and bring back on them what they deserve.

5 Because they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord
        and what his hands have done, *
    He will tear them down
        and never build them up again.

6 Praise be to the Lord, *
    For he has heard my cry for mercy.

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
        my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. *
    My heart leaps for joy,
        and with my song I praise him.

8 The Lord is the strength of his people, *
    A fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

9 Save your people and bless your inheritance; *
    Be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Heavenly Father, I come to You today, just as David did, seeking Your strength and protection. Hear my cry, O Lord, and be my rock and fortress. Do not turn a deaf ear to me, for if You remain silent, I would be like those who go down to the pit.

I lift my hands to You in prayer, seeking Your guidance and help. I trust in Your unfailing love and know that You are my salvation. Save me from the wicked and those who do evil, and protect me from those who speak falsely and sow discord.

Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayers and for being my strength and shield. My heart trusts in You, and I am helped. I praise You for being my Savior and for delivering me from the hands of my enemies.

Help me to walk in Your ways and to do what is right in Your eyes. Fill me with Your Spirit, and give me the strength to stand against the evil in this world. May I always praise Your name and give thanks to You, for You are worthy of all praise and honor.

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.”

Zechariah 11:4-17
Two kinds of shepherds

Zechariah, a post-exilic prophet, has a significant role in assuring the people of Israel of God's plans during a time of rebuilding and reestablishing. In the broader context of the book, Zechariah uses a series of visions and symbolic actions to communicate God's messages to His people. Zechariah 11:4-17 is one of those distinct sections where symbolism plays a prominent role. In this passage, the prophet dives into the imagery of shepherds and the forthcoming destruction of an unfaithful flock—an allegory that depicts both the immediate future of Israel and hints at the larger redemptive narrative.

11 4 This is what the Lord my God says: “Shepherd the flock marked for slaughter. 5 Their buyers slaughter them and go unpunished. Those who sell them say, ‘Praise the Lord, I am rich!’ Their own shepherds do not spare them. 6 For I will no longer have pity on the people of the land,” declares the Lord. “I will give everyone into the hands of their neighbors and their king. They will devastate the land, and I will not rescue anyone from their hands.”

7 So I shepherded the flock marked for slaughter, particularly the oppressed of the flock. Then I took two staffs and called one Favor and the other Union, and I shepherded the flock. 8 In one month I got rid of the three shepherds.

The flock detested me, and I grew weary of them 9 and said, “I will not be your shepherd. Let the dying die, and the perishing perish. Let those who are left eat one another’s flesh.”

10 Then I took my staff called Favor and broke it, revoking the covenant I had made with all the nations. 11 It was revoked on that day, and so the oppressed of the flock who were watching me knew it was the word of the Lord.

12 I told them, “If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.” So they paid me thirty pieces of silver.

13 And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the Lord.

14 Then I broke my second staff called Union, breaking the family bond between Judah and Israel.

15 Then the Lord said to me, “Take again the equipment of a foolish shepherd. 16 For I am going to raise up a shepherd over the land who will not care for the lost, or seek the young, or heal the injured, or feed the healthy, but will eat the meat of the choice sheep, tearing off their hooves.

17  “Woe to the worthless shepherd,
        who deserts the flock!
    May the sword strike his arm and his right eye!
        May his arm be completely withered,
        his right eye totally blinded!”

Commentary

Verses 4-6: God instructs Zechariah to tend to the doomed sheep, representing the people of Israel. The sheep traders (or shepherds) and their buyers are uncaring, each profiting from the sheep's destruction. This imagery echoes the leaders' failure to genuinely care for the welfare of the people, leading them astray and exploiting them. The mention of I will not be their shepherd signifies God's judgment on the people due to their disobedience.

Verses 7-9: Zechariah takes two staffs, naming one Favor (or Union) and the other Union (or Breaker), symbolizing God's protection and unity over His people. However, because of the people's continued disobedience, Zechariah breaks the staff, indicating that God's favor and unity would be removed from Israel. The dismissal of the three shepherds is a debated element, with various interpretations. They might represent specific historical leaders or perhaps broader leadership roles in Israel.

Verses 10-14: By breaking the staff named Favor, the covenant between God and all nations is illustrated as being broken. This prophetic act reflects Israel's fractured relationship with God due to their persistent unfaithfulness. The thirty pieces of silver, as the payment for Zechariah's shepherding, is later seen as a prophetic foreshadowing of the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot for the same amount in the New Testament.

Verses 15-17: God instructs Zechariah to act the part of a foolish shepherd, one who lacks care for the lost, the young, the injured, and the healthy. This represents the kind of leaders Israel will get as a result of their disobedience—leaders who wouldn't genuinely care for them. The pronouncement of woe on this foolish shepherd underscores the severe consequences for those who lead God's people astray.

In essence, Zechariah 11:4-17 paints a vivid picture of the consequences of Israel's disobedience, the impending judgment, and the detrimental impact of poor leadership. Yet, in the midst of this, there's a thread of God's sovereignty and the overarching narrative of redemption that would eventually come to fruition in the New Testament.

Revelation 19:1-9
Praise of God’s judgments

Revelation 19:1-9 marks a significant shift in the narrative of the Book of Revelation, moving from the judgment and destruction of Babylon (the great prostitute) in chapter 18 to a jubilant celebration in heaven. This passage provides a glimpse into the heavenly realm, showcasing the victory and glory of God as well as the long-awaited union between Christ (the Lamb) and his church (the bride).

19 1 After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:

    “Hallelujah!
    Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
2        for true and just are his judgments.
    He has condemned the great prostitute
        who corrupted the earth by her adulteries.
    He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”

3 And again they shouted:

    “Hallelujah!
    The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.”

4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried:

    “Amen, Hallelujah!”

5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying:

    “Praise our God,
        all you his servants,
    you who fear him,
        both great and small!”

6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

    “Hallelujah!
        For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
7    Let us rejoice and be glad
        and give him glory!
    For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
        and his bride has made herself ready.
8    Fine linen, bright and clean,
        was given her to wear.”

(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)

9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

Commentary

Verse 1: The multitude possibly refers to the myriad of angels and redeemed souls in heaven. The word Hallelujah is a transliteration of a Hebrew phrase meaning Praise the Lord. This passage marks its first appearance in the New Testament. The reason for their praise is clear: God's judgments, though severe, are just and true.

Verses 2-3: The declaration of God's just judgment against the great prostitute, symbolizing the corrupt world system, is reiterated. The smoke rising forever emphasizes the finality and irreversibility of this judgment.

Verse 4: The 24 elders and the four living creatures, who have appeared earlier in Revelation, fall down in worship. These beings, often interpreted as representatives of the redeemed and the entirety of creation, have been consistent in their adoration of God throughout John's vision.

Verse 5: A voice calls for all God’s servants to praise Him. This underlines the universality of worship, suggesting that every being, regardless of their status, should recognize God's sovereignty.

Verses 6-7: The roar and the declaration of the Lord's reign depict God's absolute power and authority. The announcement of the Lamb's wedding brings a significant shift in mood. While the earlier passages are focused on judgment, now the attention turns to a celebration of unity and commitment. The Lamb, a title for Jesus Christ, is to be wed, symbolizing the intimate and eternal union between Christ and the Church.

Verse 8: The fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people. This suggests that the Church is adorned by the righteousness imparted to believers through Christ and their faithful deeds.

Verse 9: The invitation to the wedding supper is a call to ultimate fellowship and celebration with God. Those who are invited are indeed fortunate, for they are to partake in the joys of eternal communion with the Divine.

In summary, Revelation 19:1-9 paints a picture of cosmic celebration, where the heavens rejoice over the just judgments of God and anticipate the union of Christ with His Church. This passage offers believers hope, assurance, and a glimpse into the joyous culmination of their faith journey.

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 28, 2023
Seeking God's Mercy and Trusting in His Righteous Judgment
Psalm 28; Zechariah 11:4-17; Revelation 19:1-9
The passages of today's readings speak to the themes of seeking God's mercy, placing trust in His righteousness, and rejoicing in the final victory over evil. In Psalm 28, we see a heartfelt plea for God's mercy and guidance, illustrating the personal relationship between the individual and the divine. In Zechariah 11:4-17, the narrative explores themes of leadership, judgment, and the consequences of straying from God's will. Revelation 19:1-9 then brings us to a triumphant climax, where the faithful are called to rejoice as God's righteous judgment prevails, and the victory over evil is ultimately secured. Together, these passages remind us of the importance of seeking God's mercy, trusting in His righteous judgment, and rejoicing in the hope of His ultimate victory.