The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Tuesday, November 7, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Blessings, Breakthroughs, and Divine Authority

Psalm 128; Joshua 6:1-16, 20; Acts 13:1-12
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Introduction

Across the tapestry of the Scriptures, a recurring narrative emerges—that of the faithfulness of God, His abundant blessings for those who walk uprightly, His divine strategy for victory against insurmountable odds, and the power and authority He bestows upon His chosen ones. Psalm 128 paints the portrait of a blessed individual who fears the Lord, vividly depicting the prosperity and peace that follow those who abide in God’s will. In the story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-16, 20), we are presented with a God who provides unconventional wisdom and strategies, leading His people to an unimaginable victory. Acts 13:1-12 further delineates the theme as it introduces us to the first missionary journey of Paul, demonstrating the immense power and authority available to the believers through the Holy Spirit to confound opposition and affirm the gospel message. Together, these passages urge believers to trust in God's providence, follow His divine guidance, and walk in the authority He grants.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 128
It shall be well with you

Psalm 128 serves as a reflection on the profound blessings that come from following the Lord's ways. It beautifully intertwines the themes of reverence for God with the tangible rewards of leading a righteous life. Rooted in the imagery of family and agriculture, it portrays a vivid image of prosperity and contentment, which transcends material wealth, and delves into the spiritual and emotional abundance that comes from being in harmony with God. As we read and meditate upon this Psalm, may we be reminded of the eternal blessings that stem from a life anchored in faith and righteousness.

1 Blessed are all who fear the Lord, *
        who walk in obedience to him.

2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; *
        blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
        within your house; *
    your children will be like olive shoots
        around your table.

4 Yes, this will be the blessing *
        for the man who fears the Lord.

5 May the Lord bless you from Zion; *
        may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
            all the days of your life.

6 May you live to see your children’s children— *
        peace be on Israel.

Heavenly Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth, we come before You with humble hearts, recognizing Your mighty power and unending love. Inspired by the message of Psalm 128, we seek to understand and walk in the fear of the Lord, embracing the path You have laid before us.

Lord, bless our endeavors and our lives as we strive to walk in Your ways. May we dwell in Your peace and reap the fruits of our labors, enjoying prosperity and witnessing the growth and unity of our families and communities under Your gracious hand.

We ask You to bless our homes, that they may be places of love, joy, and peace, fostering environments where Your presence is felt and Your name is honored. May our children grow in wisdom and stature, firmly rooted in Your truth and love.

Father, make us instruments of Your peace in our communities. Help us to exhibit the love, understanding, and generosity that flows from a life steeped in Your blessings and commandments. May our actions and words bear witness to Your goodness, drawing others nearer to You.

Guide us, O God, in our daily pursuits, that we might honor You in our work, relationships, and endeavors. May our hands be extended in generosity, our words seasoned with grace, and our hearts filled with genuine love and regard for our neighbors.

In times of struggle and uncertainty, may we remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that You are our sure foundation and refuge. Help us to experience Your peace which surpasses understanding and to share that peace with those around us.

We pray for our nation and leaders, that they may seek wisdom and guidance from You, fostering justice, unity, and prosperity among our people.

Lastly, Lord, we are grateful for Your promise of eternal blessings for those who walk uprightly before You. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You and our hearts attuned to Your Spirit, that our lives may be testimonies of Your enduring faithfulness and love.

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 6:1-16, 20
Jericho is conquered

The Book of Joshua is a critical narrative in the Old Testament, chronicling the conquests and challenges faced by the Israelites as they settled in the Promised Land. Chapter 6 details the iconic story of the fall of Jericho, a fortified city that represented one of the major obstacles in the Israelites' quest to claim their inheritance. This passage emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, faith in His promises, and the profound power of collective worship.

6 1 Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.

2 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”

6 So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.” 7 And he ordered the army, “Advance! March around the city, with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the Lord.”

8 When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the Lord went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant followed them. 9 The armed guard marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were sounding. 10 But Joshua had commanded the army, “Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!” 11 So he had the ark of the Lord carried around the city, circling it once. Then the army returned to camp and spent the night there.

12 Joshua got up early the next morning and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. 13 The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the Lord and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the Lord, while the trumpets kept sounding. 14 So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days.

15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!

20 When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.

Commentary

In Joshua 6:1, Jericho is depicted as tightly shut because of the Israelites: no one went out and no one came in, indicating a state of fear and apprehension among the inhabitants of Jericho concerning the impending Israelite threat.

Verses 2-5 exhibit a direct communication between God and Joshua. God promises victory over Jericho but prescribes an unusual method for conquering the city. The Israelites are instructed to march around the city once a day for six days, led by priests bearing the Ark of the Covenant and trumpets made from rams' horns. On the seventh day, they are to encircle the city seven times, and upon the long blast of the horn, the people are to shout, and the city walls will collapse.

This directive from God emphasizes the recurring biblical themes of faith and obedience. The military strategy is not grounded in conventional warfare tactics but is divinely ordained, requiring absolute trust in God’s promise. The Israelites' compliance demonstrates profound faith, as they engage in a seemingly irrational act with the anticipation of divine fulfillment.

Verses 6-16 detail the implementation of God’s instructions. Joshua conveys God's directions to the priests and people, and they adhere without question, underscoring their collective obedience and unity in the pursuit of the Promised Land. The processional, with the ark and the blowing of the trumpets, has both a physical and a spiritual dimension. Physically, it is a ritualistic act; spiritually, it is a testament to their unwavering faith and obedience in God, even when the path forward appears unclear and illogical.

Verse 20 marks the climactic moment where faith is rewarded. The walls of Jericho collapse after the people shout, as per divine instructions, and the city becomes accessible. This event signifies that the Israelites' obedience and faith in God result in miraculous intervention and victory.

In essence, Joshua 6:1-16, 20 encapsulates the profound interaction between divine providence and human obedience. It underlines the notion that victories and advancements are not solely achieved through human strength and strategy but through a synergistic relationship with the divine. The narrative extends an eternal message, illustrating that unwavering faith and obedience to God, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, pave the way for miraculous possibilities. Consequently, the fall of Jericho stands as a timeless testament to the might of faith and the tangible power of divine intervention in the affairs of humanity.

It's essential to recognize that interpretations may vary, and the above commentary seeks to explore the themes and messages without asserting a singular way to comprehend the text. Different faith traditions and scholars might explore additional facets and extract varied lessons from this remarkable narrative.

Acts 13:1-12
Paul and Barnabas confront a false prophet

Acts 13:1-12 marks a pivotal moment in the spread of early Christianity, with the Holy Spirit actively guiding the leaders of the church. This passage introduces us to the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas and sets the stage for the expansion of the church beyond the confines of Judaism to the wider Gentile world. A significant event unfolds in this chapter that serves as an emblematic representation of the spiritual confrontation between the true message of Christ and the forces trying to oppose it.

13 1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.

6 They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7 who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10 “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 11 Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.”

Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

Commentary

Acts 13:1-12 introduces the reader to the vibrant, multi-ethnic community of believers in Antioch, where the disciples were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26). The depiction of prophets and teachers from diverse backgrounds and locations reflects the inclusive nature of the early Christian community and emphasizes that the Gospel message is universal, transcending all geographical, racial, and social barriers.

Verses 1-3 depict a community deeply rooted in worship and spiritual discernment, listening intently to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s call to set apart Barnabas and Saul (v.2) underscores the principle that missions and ministry emanate from divine initiative and direction. This segment affirms the essentiality of communal prayer, fasting, and the laying on of hands, which are spiritual practices that underscore submission and attentiveness to God’s guidance.

As the narrative transitions to Cyprus in verses 4-12, Paul and Barnabas are obedient to the Spirit’s directive and embark on their mission, emphasizing that effective ministry is concomitant with adherence to divine leadings. The encounter with Bar-Jesus/Elymas the sorcerer in verses 6-12 presents a striking contrast between the divine authority of the apostles, who operate in alignment with God’s purposes, and the deceptive, oppositional power of the sorcerer. Elymas is described as a false prophet and a magician, and his resistance to the Gospel message symbolizes the perennial conflict between the kingdom of God and the opposing worldly powers. His attempt to divert the proconsul Sergius Paulus from the faith signifies the challenges that the proclamation of the Gospel often faces.

Paul's response to Elymas, infused with righteous indignation and supernatural power, reinforces the preeminence of God’s power over all forms of spiritual deception and resistance. The blinding of Elymas is not only a punitive act but also metaphorically illustrative, revealing that those who obstinately oppose God’s revelation are themselves spiritually blinded. The conversion of Sergius Paulus, a figure of political authority, demonstrates that the Gospel message penetrates all social strata and has the transformative power to bring salvation to individuals from every walk of life.

Acts 13:1-12 provides modern readers and believers with an exemplar of how intentional listening to and cooperation with the Holy Spirit are indispensable in advancing the Gospel. The narrative invites Christians to embody a faith that is dynamic, Spirit-led, and unflinching in the face of opposition, ensuring that the message of Christ permeates the diverse and manifold spheres of our world.

Overall, Acts 13:1-12 underscores the triumph of God's message over spiritual opposition and the integral role of the Holy Spirit in guiding, empowering, and validating the early church's missionary endeavors.

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 7, 2023
Blessings, Breakthroughs, and Divine Authority
Psalm 128; Joshua 6:1-16, 20; Acts 13:1-12
Across the tapestry of the Scriptures, a recurring narrative emerges—that of the faithfulness of God, His abundant blessings for those who walk uprightly, His divine strategy for victory against insurmountable odds, and the power and authority He bestows upon His chosen ones. Psalm 128 paints the portrait of a blessed individual who fears the Lord, vividly depicting the prosperity and peace that follow those who abide in God’s will. In the story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-16, 20), we are presented with a God who provides unconventional wisdom and strategies, leading His people to an unimaginable victory. Acts 13:1-12 further delineates the theme as it introduces us to the first missionary journey of Paul, demonstrating the immense power and authority available to the believers through the Holy Spirit to confound opposition and affirm the gospel message. Together, these passages urge believers to trust in God's providence, follow His divine guidance, and walk in the authority He grants.