The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Thursday, December 7, 2023
A Call to Faithfulness and Love
in Anticipation of God’s Salvation
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; Hosea 6:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Advent 2)
Introduction
with Commentary
Thursday, December 7, 2023
A Call to Faithfulness and Love
in Anticipation of God’s Salvation
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; Hosea 6:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Advent 2)
Introduction
The scriptures of Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, Hosea 6:1-6, and 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 reflect a rich tapestry of God’s faithfulness, love, and promise of salvation. These passages capture the essence of a loving relationship between God and His people, underscoring the importance of faithfulness and love in our walk with God. The passages also highlight the anticipation and hope we have in God’s promised salvation through Jesus Christ. As we delve into these scriptures, let us reflect on our own lives and consider how we can respond to God’s call to faithfulness and love, living in a way that honors Him and eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of His promises.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
Revival through God's Mercy and Truth
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
Revival through God's Mercy and Truth
Psalm 85 is a song of the sons of Korah, expressing a deep longing for the restoration and revival of God's people. This passage reflects on God's past mercies, seeking His forgiveness and favor once again. It beautifully depicts the harmonious relationship between God's mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace.1 You, Lord, showed favor to your land; *
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people *
and covered all their sins.
8 I will listen to what God the Lord says; *
he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—
but let them not turn to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, *
that his glory may dwell in our land.
10 Love and faithfulness meet together; *
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, *
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
12 The Lord will indeed give what is good, *
and our land will yield its harvest.
13 Righteousness goes before him *
and prepares the way for his steps.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your past mercies and blessings that You have so graciously poured upon us. We recognize our shortcomings and sins, and we humbly seek Your forgiveness. As we reflect on Your Word in Psalm 85, we ask that You would revive our hearts and restore us once again. Help us to experience the beauty of Your truth and righteousness, and may Your peace dwell in us. Let love and faithfulness meet in our lives, and may righteousness and peace kiss each other, as we live in obedience to Your will.
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.”
Hosea 6:1-6 encapsulates the profound tension between God's desire for a genuine, loving relationship with His people and their persistent inclination to stray away. These verses invite readers to reflect on the depths of God's mercy and the authentic repentance and steadfast love He seeks from us.6 1 “Come, let us return to the Lord.
He has torn us to pieces
but he will heal us;
he has injured us
but he will bind up our wounds.
2 After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will restore us,
that we may live in his presence.
3 Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.”
4 “What can I do with you, Ephraim?
What can I do with you, Judah?
Your love is like the morning mist,
like the early dew that disappears.
5 Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets,
I killed you with the words of my mouth—
then my judgments go forth like the sun.
6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Commentary
In this passage, the prophet Hosea uses the imagery of healing and restoration to illustrate the potential for renewal and reconciliation with God. The call, Come, let us return to the Lord, is an invitation to repent and return to a loving relationship with God, who is depicted as a healer ready to bind up our wounds. The mention of the third day in verse 2 echoes the resurrection of Christ, symbolizing the hope and new life that can arise from true repentance.
However, the subsequent verses caution against superficial and temporary displays of devotion. God desires genuine love and knowledge of Him rather than rote, hollow religious rituals. The mention of steadfast love in verse 6 points to the Hebrew word hesed, which connotes a deep, covenantal love. God desires a relationship with us that is characterized by this steadfast, loyal love, and a true understanding of His nature, rather than mere ritualistic compliance.
In conclusion, Hosea 6:1-6 serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of God's love and the importance of genuine repentance and deep, relational knowledge of God. As we reflect on this passage, let us heed the call to return to the Lord, seek His healing, and commit to a relationship marked by steadfast love and true knowledge of our Creator.
The Thessalonians were facing severe trials and persecution, yet they remained steadfast in their faith. In 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10, the Apostle Paul writes to commend and encourage them for their exemplary faith, love, and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. This passage provides a model for all believers on how to live in a way that is pleasing to God, even in the midst of difficulties.1 2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Commentary
In verses 2-3, Paul begins by expressing his thankfulness for the Thessalonians and acknowledging their faith, love, and hope, which are the hallmarks of a true believer. Their work of faith, labor of love, and endurance inspired by hope in the Lord Jesus Christ were evident to all.
Verses 4-5 remind us that God has chosen us and loves us. The Thessalonians received the gospel not just as words, but as the power of the Holy Spirit with deep conviction. This is a reminder that the gospel is not merely a message to be heard, but a transforming power that changes lives.
In verses 6-7, the Thessalonians are commended for imitating Paul and the Lord in spite of severe suffering. Their faith and joy in the Holy Spirit were a powerful testimony to others, making them a model for all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
Verses 8-10 further highlight the impact of the Thessalonians' faith. Their faith in God became known everywhere, and they turned from idols to serve the living and true God. This dramatic transformation is a testament to the power of the gospel to bring about radical change in people's lives.
In conclusion, 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 is a powerful passage that provides a blueprint for how believers should live in the midst of trials and difficulties. The Thessalonians' faith, love, and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that the gospel has the power to transform lives and that we are called to be a model of faith for others to follow.
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 Thursday, December 7, 2023
A Call to Faithfulness and Love in Anticipation of God’s Salvation
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; Hosea 6:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
The scriptures of today's readings reflect a rich tapestry of God’s faithfulness, love, and promise of salvation. These passages capture the essence of a loving relationship between God and His people, underscoring the importance of faithfulness and love in our walk with God. The passages also highlight the anticipation and hope we have in God’s promised salvation through Jesus Christ. As we delve into these scriptures, let us reflect on our own lives and consider how we can respond to God’s call to faithfulness and love, living in a way that honors Him and eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of His promises.
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