The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Saturday, December 16, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Saturday, December 16, 2023

Faith Amidst Trial and Restoration

Psalm 126; Habakkuk 3:13-19; Matthew 21:28-32
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Advent 3)

Introduction

In the tapestry of biblical narratives, Psalm 126, Habakkuk 3:13-19, and Matthew 21:28-32 interweave themes of restoration, steadfast faith, and the paradoxes of belief and obedience. Psalm 126 reflects upon the joy of deliverance, recounting the awe-inspiring return from exile as a vivid demonstration of God’s redemptive power. Habakkuk 3:13-19, set against a backdrop of impending calamity, offers a profound declaration of trust in the Lord, even when the earth quakes and the fig trees bear no fruit. In the New Testament, Matthew 21:28-32 presents a parable by Jesus that challenges preconceptions about righteousness and repentance, emphasizing that true obedience is not in mere words but in the transformative actions that follow. Together, these passages encourage the reader to find hope in God's promises, endurance in hardship, and authenticity in one’s spiritual walk.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 126
The Joy of Restoration

Psalm 126 is a song of ascents, a heartfelt expression of joy and hope from the people of Israel reflecting on a time of divine restoration. It stands as a poignant reminder of God's ability to turn sorrow into joy and to rejuvenate His people, much like streams refresh the arid lands of the Negev. As we read these words, we are invited to recall the times when the Lord has restored us, to remember the laughter and joy that come with deliverance, and to renew our faith in God's promise to bring about a harvest of blessings from seeds sown in tears.

1    When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *
        we were like those who dreamed.

2    Our mouths were filled with laughter,
        our tongues with songs of joy. *
    Then it was said among the nations,
        “The Lord has done great things for them.”

3    The Lord has done great things for us, *
        and we are filled with joy.

4    Restore our fortunes, Lord, *
        like streams in the Negev.

5    Those who sow with tears *
        will reap with songs of joy.

6    Those who go out weeping,
        carrying seed to sow, *
    will return with songs of joy,
        carrying sheaves with them.

Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the words of Psalm 126, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude, remembering the times You have turned our captivity around, just as streams refresh the Negev. We have seen Your deeds and rejoiced in Your deliverance, and we ask that You restore our fortunes once again.

Lord, let those who sow with tears reap with songs of joy. May those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, return with armfuls of Your blessings, their mouths filled with laughter and their tongues with songs of joy.

In Your mercy, hear our prayer, O God, and bring restoration and renewal to our lives, to our communities, and to our world.

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.”

Habakkuk 3:13-19
Triumph and Trust in the Midst of Tribulation

In this compelling passage, the Prophet Habakkuk concludes his book with a poetic and prophetic prayer that reflects both the power of God in delivering His people and the profound faith required to trust in the Lord despite dire circumstances. This section beautifully captures Habakkuk's transition from questioning God's ways to a resolute declaration of trust in God's sovereignty.

3 13 You came out to deliver your people,
        to save your anointed one.
    You crushed the leader of the land of wickedness,
        you stripped him from head to foot.
14  With his own spear you pierced his head
        when his warriors stormed out to scatter us,
    gloating as though about to devour
        the wretched who were in hiding.
15  You trampled the sea with your horses,
        churning the great waters.

16  I heard and my heart pounded,
        my lips quivered at the sound;
    decay crept into my bones,
        and my legs trembled.
    Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity
        to come on the nation invading us.
17   Though the fig tree does not bud
        and there are no grapes on the vines,
    though the olive crop fails
        and the fields produce no food,
    though there are no sheep in the pen
    and no cattle in the stalls,
18  yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
        I will be joyful in God my Savior.

19  The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
        he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
        he enables me to tread on the heights.

    For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

Commentary

Verses 13-15 recount the might and deliverance of God as He goes out to save His anointed, the nation of Israel, portraying a vivid image of divine intervention and victory over chaos and oppressors. There's a symbolic representation of God's warfare against evil, leading to triumph.

As we progress to verses 16-19, there's a noticeable shift in tone. Here, Habakkuk expresses his personal response to the revelation of God's plans. He speaks of trembling and waiting patiently for the day of calamity to come upon those who invade the land. Despite the fear and anticipation of difficult times, the prophet makes a declaration of faith that is profound in its depth and sincerity. Even if the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, even when the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, there is a commitment to rejoice in the Lord and to take joy in the God of salvation. The sovereign Lord is Habakkuk's strength, and he trusts in Him to navigate through the high places of trouble and uncertainty.

This passage reminds the reader that faith is not merely about rejoicing in prosperity but also about maintaining trust and joy in the face of adversity. It calls believers to a faith that transcends circumstances, rooted in the character and promises of God rather than the immediate reality. Habakkuk models a faith that looks beyond the horizon of present difficulties to the ultimate deliverance and justice of God.

Matthew 21:28-32
The Parable of the Two Sons: A Lesson in Obedience and Repentance

In the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 21, verses 28 to 32, we encounter the Parable of the Two Sons. This parable, delivered by Jesus, serves as a profound exploration of the themes of obedience, repentance, and the Kingdom of God. Through a simple narrative about a father and his two sons, Jesus unveils profound truths about the expectations of God and the nature of true righteousness. The passage challenges the listeners to reflect upon their own actions and attitudes towards God's calling.

21 28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The first,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

Commentary

The parable presents a father asking his two sons to work in the vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later repents and does the work. The second son agrees to work but never follows through. Jesus uses this story to illustrate the stark contrast between those who outwardly appear righteous and those who genuinely turn to God with a repentant heart.

In this passage, the first son, despite his initial disobedience, represents those who may falter but ultimately turn towards God with sincere actions. The second son symbolizes those who profess faith and obedience but lack corresponding deeds. Jesus directs this parable particularly towards the religious leaders of the time, urging them to understand that the tax collectors and sinners who repent are closer to the Kingdom of God than they are.

The parable is a timeless reminder that God values our repentance and transformation over empty promises or hollow piety. It's an invitation to self-examination and a call to live out the teachings of Christ authentically. The passage ultimately reaffirms the grace that awaits those who genuinely seek to change their ways and follow the path of righteousness.

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 B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 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, December 16, 2023
Faith Amidst Trial and Restoration
Psalm 126; Habakkuk 3:13-19; Matthew 21:28-32
In the tapestry of biblical narratives, today's readings interweave themes of restoration, steadfast faith, and the paradoxes of belief and obedience. Psalm 126 reflects upon the joy of deliverance, recounting the awe-inspiring return from exile as a vivid demonstration of God’s redemptive power. Habakkuk 3:13-19, set against a backdrop of impending calamity, offers a profound declaration of trust in the Lord, even when the earth quakes and the fig trees bear no fruit. In the New Testament, Matthew 21:28-32 presents a parable by Jesus that challenges preconceptions about righteousness and repentance, emphasizing that true obedience is not in mere words but in the transformative actions that follow. Together, these passages encourage the reader to find hope in God's promises, endurance in hardship, and authenticity in one’s spiritual walk.