The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Saturday, November 4, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Saturday, November 4, 2023

Redemption, Faith, and True Righteousness

Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 2:15-24; Matthew 23:13-28
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Introduction

Throughout the tapestry of the Scriptures, woven intricately with tales of humanity's fallibility and God's boundless mercy, three passages stand out with a harmony of message—Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 2:15-24; and Matthew 23:13-28. At the heart of these passages lies the timeless truth of God's redemption, the audacity of human faith, and the call to genuine righteousness.

Psalm 107 paints a picture of a merciful God who gathers His scattered children from the ends of the earth, transforming wastelands into lush havens. It's a hymn of gratitude for deliverance and restoration. Meanwhile, the story in Joshua highlights the faith of Rahab, a woman from Jericho who believes in the God of Israel and her audacity to act on that faith, ensuring the safety of the Israelite spies. Her act of faith becomes instrumental in the Israelite victory, reminding us that God often works through unexpected vessels. Lastly, in Matthew, Jesus boldly challenges the hypocrisy of religious leaders who value outward appearances over the inner purity of heart. This passage serves as a caution against superficiality and an invitation to seek genuine righteousness that goes beyond mere ritualistic or outward displays.

Together, these scriptures inspire us to reflect on the depth of God's love, the transformative power of genuine faith, and the quest for authentic spirituality in our lives. As we delve deeper into these passages, let us open our hearts to the lessons they offer and be guided by their wisdom.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37
Thanks for a beautiful land

Psalm 107 is a heartfelt song of thanksgiving and praise, a reminder of the endless mercies and steadfast love of the Lord. It recounts the tales of those who have found themselves lost, in distress, or facing challenges, yet witnessed the unwavering grace and deliverance of God. As we delve into these verses today, may we be reminded of the countless times God has come to our aid, leading us from desolation to places of abundance. Let these verses stir gratitude in our hearts and encourage us to always give thanks to Him, for He is good.

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *
        his love endures forever.

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— *
        those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,

3 those he gathered from the lands, *
        from east and west, from north and south.

4 Some wandered in desert wastelands, *
        finding no way to a city where they could settle.

5 They were hungry and thirsty, *
        and their lives ebbed away.

6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, *
        and he delivered them from their distress.

7 He led them by a straight way *
        to a city where they could settle.

33 He turned rivers into a desert, *
        flowing springs into thirsty ground,

34 and fruitful land into a salt waste, *
        because of the wickedness of those  who lived there.

35 He turned the desert into pools of water *
        and the parched ground into flowing springs;

36 there he brought the hungry to live, *
        and they founded a city where they could settle.

37 They sowed fields and planted vineyards *
        that yielded a fruitful harvest;

Gracious and Loving God, we give thanks to You, for You are good; Your steadfast love endures forever. In our moments of distress and uncertainty, We cried out to You, and You heard our pleas.

In times when we felt lost and wandered in the wilderness, You, in Your boundless mercy, guided our paths. When our souls grew faint and our hearts heavy, You rescued us from the depths of despair.

Lord, You turn deserts into pools of water, And parched land into flowing springs. You transform barrenness into abundance, Bestowing blessings and bountiful harvests where once there was lack.

May we always remember Your wondrous deeds, And proclaim Your love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night. May our lives bear testimony to Your enduring grace, And may our hearts forever sing praises to You.

For in every circumstance, good or challenging, You are with us, leading, loving, and providing. Thank You, Lord, for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.

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.”

Joshua 2:15-24
Rahab helps the scouts escape

Joshua 2:15-24 is an integral part of the narrative in the Book of Joshua. The story follows the journey of two Israelite spies who are sent by Joshua to scout the land of Canaan, particularly the city of Jericho. As they enter Jericho, they are taken in and protected by Rahab, a prostitute living in the city. This section of scripture not only highlights Rahab's faith and courage but also gives insights into God's purpose and His redemptive plan for those who choose to trust in Him, even from unexpected backgrounds.

15 So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall. 16 She said to them, “Go to the hills so the pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there three days until they return, and then go on your way.”

17 Now the men had said to her, “This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us 18 unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. 19 If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads; we will not be responsible. As for those who are in the house with you, their blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on them. 20 But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.”

21 “Agreed,” she replied. “Let it be as you say.”

So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.

22 When they left, they went into the hills and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had searched all along the road and returned without finding them. 23 Then the two men started back. They went down out of the hills, forded the river and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. 24 They said to Joshua, “The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.”

Commentary

Verses 2:15-16: Rahab's house was built into the city wall, which allowed her to let the spies down with a scarlet rope outside of the city. This scarlet rope becomes a significant symbol later on. Rahab tells the spies to go to the hills so they won't be pursued by the king's men.

Verses 2:17-21: The spies promise safety for Rahab and her family when the Israelites take over Jericho. But for the promise to hold, she must follow certain conditions: she must not disclose their mission, and she must have the scarlet rope hanging from her window. This scarlet cord is not only a means of escape for the spies but also an emblem of Rahab's faith and a foreshadowing of the blood of Christ, symbolizing salvation and protection.

Verses 2:22-24: Upon returning to the hills, the spies hide for three days to ensure their pursuers do not catch them. Once it's safe, they make their way back to Joshua, confirming that the Lord has indeed given the entire land into their hands, with the inhabitants of Jericho living in fear of the Israelites.

Reflection:
This passage underscores the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events and people to accomplish His purposes. Rahab, despite her unlikely background, plays an instrumental role in the Israelite's conquest. Her faith in the God of Israel and her courage to act on that faith leads to her own salvation and that of her family. The narrative illustrates the recurring biblical theme that God can use anyone, irrespective of their past or status, in His divine plan. Furthermore, the scarlet cord can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing themes of salvation, protection, and redemption.

Matthew 23:13-28
Woe to the scribes and Pharisees

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 23 presents a significant shift in Jesus' public teaching. Leading up to this chapter, Jesus has offered parables, teachings, and miraculous signs to the masses. In this particular section, Jesus issues a series of seven "woes" to the scribes and Pharisees. These woes serve as stern rebukes, drawing attention to the religious leaders' hypocrisy and outward displays of piety, which mask their inner spiritual decay.

13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. [14 Some manuscripts include here words similar to Mark 12:40 and Luke 20:47.]

15 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.

16 “Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gold of the temple is bound by that oath.’ 17 You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? 18 You also say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gift on the altar is bound by that oath.’ 19 You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 Therefore, anyone who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21 And anyone who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. 22 And anyone who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the one who sits on it.

23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

25 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

27 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. 28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Commentary

Verses 13-15: Jesus begins with a strong condemnation of the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. He criticizes them for obstructing the path to the Kingdom of Heaven, not only failing to enter themselves but also actively hindering others. Furthermore, Jesus reproaches them for their proselytization efforts, suggesting that they only serve to make their converts twice as misguided as they are.

Verses 16-22: The Pharisees are criticized for their legalistic approach to oath-taking. While they maintained a complex system of which oaths were binding and which were not, Jesus points out the inherent foolishness in their distinctions. Whether one swears by the temple or the gold of the temple, the sacredness is derived from God. This underscores the Pharisees' misplaced priorities and their lack of genuine reverence for God.

Verses 23-24: Jesus rebukes the leaders for obsessing over minor ritualistic details (like tithing small herbs) while neglecting the "weightier matters" of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. The analogy of straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel vividly illustrates how the Pharisees focused on minutiae while overlooking significant moral issues.

Verses 25-26: The imagery of cups and dishes serves to highlight the disparity between outer appearance and inner character. The Pharisees are meticulous about ritual purity, ensuring that their cups and plates are clean. However, their hearts are filled with greed and self-indulgence. Jesus calls them to prioritize inner cleanliness, suggesting that this will naturally lead to outward purity.

Verses 27-28: Using the metaphor of whitewashed tombs, Jesus presents a graphic image of the Pharisees' spiritual state. Like a tomb that appears beautiful on the outside but contains decay within, the religious leaders look righteous outwardly but are full of hypocrisy and wickedness internally.

In these verses, Jesus is not merely criticizing the Pharisees for minor transgressions but is highlighting a systemic issue of religious corruption, misplaced priorities, and spiritual blindness. While the direct target is the religious leadership of His day, the message resonates with all believers, emphasizing the importance of sincere faith over mere ritual and outward appearances.

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 Saturday, November 4, 2023
Redemption, Faith, and True Righteousness
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 2:15-24; Matthew 23:13-28
Throughout the tapestry of the Scriptures, woven intricately with tales of humanity's fallibility and God's boundless mercy, today's passages stand out with a harmony of message. At the heart of these passages lies the timeless truth of God's redemption, the audacity of human faith, and the call to genuine righteousness.
Together, these scriptures inspire us to reflect on the depth of God's love, the transformative power of genuine faith, and the quest for authentic spirituality in our lives. As we delve deeper into these passages, let us open our hearts to the lessons they offer and be guided by their wisdom.