The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Tuesday, December 5, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Hope Amidst Desolation and Judgment

Psalm 79; Micah 4:6-13; Revelation 18:1-10
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Advent 1)

Introduction

The selected passages from Psalm 79, Micah 4:6-13, and Revelation 18:1-10 portray vivid imagery of destruction, judgment, and hope. Psalm 79 reflects the desolation of Jerusalem, a city in ruins and its people in despair, crying out to God for salvation. Micah 4:6-13, on the other hand, speaks of a future hope, where the Lord will gather the lame and the exiles, leading them to triumph over their enemies. In Revelation 18:1-10, we see the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the ultimate judgment and destruction of evil by God. These passages together remind us that even in the darkest times, God's promise of restoration and justice prevails, providing hope and a future for those who trust in Him.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 79
A Cry for Redemption Amidst Ruins

Psalm 79 is a communal lament that captures the raw emotion and deep anguish of the Israelites as they find themselves in the midst of devastation and disgrace. The holy city, Jerusalem, lies in ruins, the temple is destroyed, and the people are in exile. In the midst of this darkness, the psalmist turns to God with a desperate plea for deliverance, justice, and redemption. This Psalm reflects the universal human experience of suffering and the hope that God will intervene and bring restoration.

1     O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; *
        they have defiled your holy temple,
            they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.

2     They have left the dead bodies of your servants
            as food for the birds of the sky, *
        the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild.

3     They have poured out blood like water
            all around Jerusalem, *
        and there is no one to bury the dead.

4     We are objects of contempt to our neighbors, *
        of scorn and derision to those around us.

5     How long, Lord? Will you be angry forever? *
        How long will your jealousy burn like fire?

6     Pour out your wrath on the nations
            that do not acknowledge you, *
        on the kingdoms
            that do not call on your name;

7     for they have devoured Jacob *
        and devastated his homeland.

8     Do not hold against us the sins of past generations; *
        may your mercy come quickly to meet us,
            for we are in desperate need.

9     Help us, God our Savior,
            for the glory of your name; *
       deliver us and forgive our sins
            for your name’s sake.

10    Why should the nations say, *
        “Where is their God?”

    Before our eyes, make known among the nations *
        that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants.

11    May the groans of the prisoners come before you; *
        with your strong arm preserve those condemned to die.

12    Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times *
        the contempt they have hurled at you, Lord.

13    Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
            will praise you forever; *
        from generation to generation
            we will proclaim your praise.

Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the words of Psalm 79, we are reminded of the deep pain and suffering that can be experienced in this world. We acknowledge that there are times when it feels like we are surrounded by challenges and hardship, just as your people felt during the times of the psalmist.

Lord, in times of trouble, help us to turn to you and seek your face, knowing that you are our refuge and strength. We pray for the wisdom and courage to navigate difficult situations, always leaning on your understanding and not our own.

Father, we ask for your mercy and forgiveness for the times we have fallen short and turned away from you. Help us to learn from our mistakes and to grow in our faith, drawing closer to you with each passing day.

We also pray for those who do not know you, that their hearts may be opened to your love and grace, and that they may come to know the joy and peace that comes from a relationship with you.

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.”

Micah 4:6-13
A Vision of Restoration: The Triumph of God's People

Micah 4:6-13 presents a powerful vision of restoration and victory for God's people. The prophet Micah, speaking the words of the Lord, describes a future time when the scattered and broken people of God will be gathered and restored, becoming a mighty force that will triumph over their enemies. This passage reflects God's commitment to bring healing and justice to His people, and it serves as a message of hope and encouragement for those who feel lost or oppressed.

4 6 “In that day,” declares the Lord,

    “I will gather the lame;
        I will assemble the exiles
        and those I have brought to grief.
7    I will make the lame my remnant,
        those driven away a strong nation.
    The Lord will rule over them in Mount Zion
        from that day and forever.
8    As for you, watchtower of the flock,
        stronghold of Daughter Zion,
    the former dominion will be restored to you;
        kingship will come to Daughter Jerusalem.”

9    Why do you now cry aloud—
        have you no king?
    Has your ruler perished,
        that pain seizes you like that of a woman in labor?
10   Writhe in agony, Daughter Zion,
        like a woman in labor,
    for now you must leave the city
        to camp in the open field.
    You will go to Babylon;
        there you will be rescued.
    There the Lord will redeem you
        out of the hand of your enemies.

11   But now many nations
        are gathered against you.
    They say, “Let her be defiled,
        let our eyes gloat over Zion!”
12   But they do not know
        the thoughts of the Lord;
    they do not understand his plan,
        that he has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor.
13   “Rise and thresh, Daughter Zion,
        for I will give you horns of iron;
    I will give you hooves of bronze,
        and you will break to pieces many nations.”
    You will devote their ill-gotten gains to the Lord,
        their wealth to the Lord of all the earth.

Commentary

Verses 6-7: Micah begins by describing how God will gather the lame and exiles—those who have been scattered, wounded, and rejected. These people, who might be seen as weak and insignificant, will be transformed into a strong and victorious nation. This imagery reflects God's heart for the marginalized and His power to redeem and restore those who turn to Him.

Verses 8-10: The passage then describes how God will restore the sovereignty and independence of His people. They will no longer be subject to foreign rulers or oppressors but will be a self-governing nation under the rule of their God. This reflects the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises to His people.

Verses 11-13: Finally, Micah describes how God will judge the nations that have oppressed His people. They will be defeated and their wealth will be given to the Lord. This is a vivid portrayal of God's justice and His commitment to defend and vindicate His people. It also serves as a warning to those who oppose God's purposes.

In conclusion, Micah 4:6-13 offers a profound vision of hope and restoration for God's people. It reminds us that God is committed to bringing healing and justice to the world and that He has the power to transform even the weakest and most broken among us into a mighty force for good. As we reflect on this passage, let us take comfort in the knowledge that God is with us, and that He is working to bring about His purposes in our lives and in the world.

Revelation 18:1-10
The Fall of Babylon: A Proclamation of Divine Judgment

The 18th chapter of the book of Revelation paints a vivid picture of the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the inevitable downfall of worldly powers and systems that oppose God's kingdom. The passage emphasizes divine retribution, the consequences of ungodliness, and the call for God's people to separate themselves from such corrupt entities. As we delve into these verses, we are reminded that, despite the allure and strength of worldly powers, their ultimate fate is sealed by God's righteous judgment.

18 1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. 2 With a mighty voice he shouted:

    “‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’
        She has become a dwelling for demons
    and a haunt for every impure spirit,
        a haunt for every unclean bird,
        a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.
3    For all the nations have drunk
        the maddening wine of her adulteries.
    The kings of the earth committed adultery with her,
        and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her

        excessive luxuries.”

4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:

    “‘Come out of her, my people,’
        so that you will not share in her sins,
        so that you will not receive any of her plagues;
5    for her sins are piled up to heaven,
        and God has remembered her crimes.
6    Give back to her as she has given;
        pay her back double for what she has done.
        Pour her a double portion from her own cup.
7    Give her as much torment and grief
        as the glory and luxury she gave herself.
    In her heart she boasts,
        ‘I sit enthroned as queen.
    I am not a widow;
        I will never mourn.’
8    Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her:
        death, mourning and famine.
    She will be consumed by fire,
        for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.

9 “When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. 10 Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry:

    “‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,
        you mighty city of Babylon!
    In one hour your doom has come!’

Commentary

Verses 1-3: This portion introduces an angel with great authority coming from heaven and illuminating the earth with his glory. The angel's proclamation of Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! signifies the end of a powerful worldly system. The description of Babylon as a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit emphasizes its corrupt nature and its role as an antithesis to the divine. The nations' intoxication with the wine of her adulteries underscores how corrupt systems can deceive and seduce people, drawing them away from the truth.

Verses 4-5: A call is made to God's people, urging them to distance themselves from Babylon to avoid sharing in her sins and subsequent punishments. This separation indicates the distinction between the godly and ungodly and the imperative to remain uncontaminated by the world's corrupting influences. The mention of her sins piled up to heaven demonstrates the magnitude of Babylon's wickedness in the eyes of God.

Verses 6-7: Here, the principle of divine retribution is prominent. Babylon, which once glorified itself and lived in luxury, will receive double for her deeds. This signifies that the judgment from God is just, fitting, and proportionate to the sins committed. Her self-exaltation, pride, and the claim of never mourning will be reversed by God's action, reminding us that worldly pride and hubris are transient.

Verse 8-10: These verses vividly describe the swiftness and totality of Babylon's judgment. The usage of one day and the plagues enumerated—death, mourning, and famine—stress the immediacy and severity of God's judgment. The reference to her being consumed by fire underlines God's righteous wrath and the purifying nature of His judgment. Kings of the earth, who once engaged in luxury with her, will stand afar off, highlighting that the alliances formed with corrupt systems are ultimately futile. Their lamentation at the sight of Babylon's smoke showcases the shock and awe of the world in the face of God's decisive action against evil.

In conclusion, Revelation 18:1-10 offers a powerful reminder of the transient nature of worldly powers in the face of God's eternal dominion. Babylon's fall serves as a cautionary tale for all, emphasizing the need to align with God's ways and steer clear of the enticements and corruptions of the world.

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 Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Hope Amidst Desolation and Judgment
Psalm 79; Micah 4:6-13; Revelation 18:1-10
In this thematic study, we will delve into the messages encapsulated in today's readings, examining the journey from the ruins and lamentations of a fallen Jerusalem to the hopeful vision of a peaceful future, culminating in the ultimate judgment and triumph of God’s glory. These passages, though distinct in their historical and contextual backgrounds, converge to tell a story of despair turned into hope, warfare turned into peace, and human failings turned into divine redemption. As we explore these texts, let us seek to understand the depth of God’s love, the promise of a future filled with peace, and the inevitability of His righteous judgment.