The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Friday, December 29, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Friday, December 29, 2023

United in Praise and Purpose:

Embracing Divine Kinship

Psalm 148; Isaiah 49:5-15; Matthew 12:46-50
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Days around Christmas)

Introduction

In this thematic exploration of Psalm 148, Isaiah 49:5-15, and Matthew 12:46-50, we delve into the profound interconnectedness of creation, purpose, and divine kinship. Psalm 148 calls upon all of creation, from the highest heavens to the smallest creatures, to praise the Lord in a harmonious chorus. This universal call to worship transcends earthly bounds, illustrating the Lord's majestic creation and its inherent duty to glorify its Creator. Isaiah 49:5-15 shifts the focus to the intimate relationship between God and His people, emphasizing His unwavering dedication and love. The passage underscores God's role as a restorer and savior, who never forgets His children, akin to a mother's unfailing love. In Matthew 12:46-50, the concept of divine kinship is further explored. Jesus redefines familial bonds, not by blood, but by obedience and alignment with God's will. This passage invites believers to view themselves as part of a broader spiritual family, united in their commitment to God's purpose. Together, these scriptures weave a tapestry of praise, divine relationship, and spiritual unity, reminding us that our ultimate identity and purpose are found in our connection to the Divine.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 148
Universal Praise: A Symphony of Creation

Psalm 148 stands as a majestic call to universal praise. This Psalm is a vibrant tapestry of worship, weaving together voices from the heavens and the earth. It summons every element of creation—from celestial beings to the smallest creatures, and even the elements themselves—to join in a grand chorus of adoration to the Lord. The Psalm vividly illustrates the interconnectedness of all things under the sovereign reign of God, inviting us to ponder our place in this cosmic hymn of praise.

1    Praise the Lord.

    Praise the Lord from the heavens; *
        Praise him in the heights above.

2    Praise him, all his angels; *
        Praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

3    Praise him, sun and moon; *
        Praise him, all you shining stars.

4    Praise him, you highest heavens *
        And you waters above the skies.

5    Let them praise the name of the Lord, *
        For at his command they were created,

6    And he established them for ever and ever— *
        He issued a decree that will never pass away.

7    Praise the Lord from the earth, *
        You great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

8    Lightning and hail, snow and clouds, *
        Stormy winds that do his bidding,

9    You mountains and all hills, *
        Fruit trees and all cedars,

10  Wild animals and all cattle, *
        Small creatures and flying birds,

11  Kings of the earth and all nations, *
        You princes and all rulers on earth,

12  Young men and women, *
        Old men and children.

13  Let them praise the name of the Lord,
            for his name alone is exalted; *
        His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

14  And he has raised up for his people a horn,
            the praise of all his faithful servants,
            of Israel, the people close to his heart. *

        Praise the Lord.

Heavenly Father, Creator of all, in the spirit of Psalm 148, we lift our hearts in praise. We marvel at the splendor of Your creation, from the highest heavens to the depths of the sea. Each star, each creature, every mountain peak and valley, sings a hymn of Your glory.

Lord, we join the chorus of the heavens and the earth, acknowledging Your majesty. Just as the sun and moon obey Your command, and the stars shine to declare Your handiwork, so too do we seek to reflect Your light in our lives.

Bless us, O God, with the wisdom to care for this world You have entrusted to us. Help us to live in harmony with nature, respecting the rhythm and balance of Your creation. May our lives be a testament to Your love and grace, as we strive to be stewards of the earth and servants to one another.

In moments of wonder and in everyday miracles, we see Your hand at work. For the beauty of a sunrise, the mystery of the ocean's depths, the simple grace of a flower's bloom, we give You thanks and praise.

Guide us, Lord, in paths of righteousness. Teach us to cherish and nurture the world around us, that future generations may also stand in awe of Your works. May our voices blend with all of creation, in a symphony of endless praise to You, our Creator and Sustainer.

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.”

Isaiah 49:5-15
The Unfailing Love of the Creator

Isaiah 49:5-15 presents a profound message of hope and reassurance. These verses are part of a larger section known as the "Servant Songs," which describe the mission and impact of God's servant. This particular passage emphasizes God's unfailing commitment and love towards His people, despite their struggles and feelings of abandonment.

49 5 And now the Lord says—
        he who formed me in the womb to be his servant
    to bring Jacob back to him
        and gather Israel to himself,
    for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord
        and my God has been my strength—
6 he says:
    “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant
        to restore the tribes of Jacob
        and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
    I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,
        that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

7    This is what the Lord says—
        the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel—
    to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation,
        to the servant of rulers:
    “Kings will see you and stand up,
        princes will see and bow down,
    because of the Lord, who is faithful,
        the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”

8 This is what the Lord says:

    “In the time of my favor I will answer you,
        and in the day of salvation I will help you;
    I will keep you and will make you
        to be a covenant for the people,
    to restore the land
        and to reassign its desolate inheritances,
9    to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’
        and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’

    “They will feed beside the roads
        and find pasture on every barren hill.
10  They will neither hunger nor thirst,
        nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them.
    He who has compassion on them will guide them
        and lead them beside springs of water.
11  I will turn all my mountains into roads,
        and my highways will be raised up.
12  See, they will come from afar—
        some from the north, some from the west,
        some from the region of Aswan.”

13  Shout for joy, you heavens;
        rejoice, you earth;
        burst into song, you mountains!
    For the Lord comforts his people
        and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

14  But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me,
        the Lord has forgotten me.”

15  “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
        and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
    Though she may forget,
        I will not forget you!

Commentary

Verses 5-6: These verses introduce the servant's role, which extends beyond Israel to being a light to the Gentiles. The servant is called to bring salvation to the ends of the earth, signifying God's inclusive plan for all humanity.

Verses 7-12: Here, the tone shifts to one of redemption and comfort. The servant, once despised and abhorred, will be honored and revered. This change reflects God's power to transform situations and bestow honor upon the humbled. The promise of return and restoration for the exiled people is akin to a second exodus, filled with divine guidance and provision.

Verses 13-15: These final verses are a crescendo of comfort. They portray a deeply compassionate God who has not forgotten His people. The metaphor of a mother's unwavering love for her child is used to illustrate God's enduring affection and care. Despite feelings of abandonment, the people are reassured that God's love and remembrance are far more steadfast.

In conclusion, Isaiah 49:5-15 offers a powerful message of hope and divine love. It reassures believers of God's constant presence and unchanging commitment, encouraging them to trust in His plans and promises, which encompass not only Israel but the entire world.

Matthew 12:46-50
The True Family of Jesus

In Matthew 12:46-50, we encounter a profound moment where Jesus redefines the concept of family. This passage unfolds as Jesus is speaking to a crowd. His mother and brothers are waiting to speak with Him, but He uses this moment to teach a pivotal lesson about spiritual kinship. Jesus points to His disciples and declares them His true family, emphasizing that anyone who does the will of His Father in heaven is His brother, sister, and mother. This passage challenges traditional views of familial bonds, placing spiritual relationships at the heart of Christian community.

12 46 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”

48 He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Commentary

Matthew 12:46-50 is a radical declaration of the inclusivity and depth of the spiritual family. Jesus, in this moment, extends the definition of family beyond blood relations to encompass all who follow God’s will. This teaching underscores the universality of Jesus’ message and mission. It suggests that spiritual bonds can be as strong, if not stronger, than biological ones.

This passage also serves as an invitation to all believers, reminding them that they are part of Jesus' family. It's a call to spiritual kinship, where the criteria for belonging are not ancestry or social status, but a shared commitment to doing God's will. This redefinition of family values highlights a central theme of Jesus' ministry: the establishment of a community based on faith, love, and obedience to God.

Furthermore, this scene underlines the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry. In a society where family lineage and connections were crucial, Jesus opens the door to a new kind of community. His message is clear: spiritual kinship transcends societal and cultural boundaries, creating a diverse and inclusive family of believers. This perspective is revolutionary, promoting a sense of belonging and unity among Christians, regardless of their backgrounds.

In essence, Matthew 12:46-50 is not just about redefining family; it's about transforming our understanding of community and belonging in the Kingdom of God. It invites believers to see themselves and others through the lens of divine kinship, fostering a community rooted in love, acceptance, and shared purpose.

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 Friday, December 29, 2023
United in Praise and Purpose: Embracing Divine Kinship
Psalm 148; Isaiah 49:5-15; Matthew 12:46-50
In this thematic exploration of today's readings, we delve into the profound interconnectedness of creation, purpose, and divine kinship. Psalm 148 calls upon all of creation, from the highest heavens to the smallest creatures, to praise the Lord in a harmonious chorus. This universal call to worship transcends earthly bounds, illustrating the Lord's majestic creation and its inherent duty to glorify its Creator. Our reading in Isaiah shifts the focus to the intimate relationship between God and His people, emphasizing His unwavering dedication and love. The passage underscores God's role as a restorer and savior, who never forgets His children, akin to a mother's unfailing love. In our reading in Matthew, the concept of divine kinship is further explored. Jesus redefines familial bonds, not by blood, but by obedience and alignment with God's will. This passage invites believers to view themselves as part of a broader spiritual family, united in their commitment to God's purpose. Together, these scriptures weave a tapestry of praise, divine relationship, and spiritual unity, reminding us that our ultimate identity and purpose are found in our connection to the Divine.