The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Thursday, December 21, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Thursday, December 21, 2023

Divine Promises and Human Stewardship

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; 2 Samuel 6:1-11; Hebrews 1:1-4
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Advent 4)

Introduction

In this selection of scriptures, we explore the dynamic interplay between divine promises and human stewardship. Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 celebrates God's faithfulness and enduring covenant, emphasizing His unwavering commitment to His chosen ones. The narrative in 2 Samuel 6:1-11 vividly recounts King David's efforts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, symbolizing the physical presence of God among His people and highlighting the importance of reverence and obedience in handling holy tasks. Hebrews 1:1-4 presents a profound theological reflection, declaring Jesus Christ as the ultimate revelation of God's nature and the fulfillment of His promises. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on the continuity of God's promises throughout history and our role in upholding and revering the sacred trust bestowed upon us.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
Unfailing Love and Faithful Promises

Psalm 89, verses 1-4 and 19-26, is a poignant reflection on the steadfast love and unwavering promises of God. It begins with a declaration of singing about the Lord's great love forever and understanding His faithfulness through all generations. This psalm marvels at the covenant made with David, symbolizing God's commitment to His people. These verses stand as a testament to the unbreakable bond between God and those He chooses, underscoring His might, justice, and commitment to keep His word.

1    I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; *
        with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
            through all generations.

2    I will declare that your love stands firm forever, *
        that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

3    You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, *
        I have sworn to David my servant,

4    ‘I will establish your line forever *
        and make your throne firm through all generations.’”

19    Once you spoke in a vision,
            to your faithful people you said: *
        “I have bestowed strength on a warrior;
            I have raised up a young man from among the people.

20    I have found David my servant; *
        with my sacred oil I have anointed him.

21    My hand will sustain him; *
        surely my arm will strengthen him.

22    The enemy will not get the better of him; *
        the wicked will not oppress him.

23    I will crush his foes before him *
        and strike down his adversaries.

24    My faithful love will be with him, *
        and through my name his horn will be exalted.

25    I will set his hand over the sea, *
        his right hand over the rivers.

26    He will call out to me, ‘You are my Father, *
        my God, the Rock my Savior.’

Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe of Your unfailing love and the faithful promises You have made. As we reflect upon Psalm 89, we are reminded of Your everlasting covenant with David, which echoes Your commitment to us. Teach us to trust in Your steadfast love and to find solace in Your unbreakable promises. May we always remember Your faithfulness, stretching through all generations, and Your might that governs the heavens and the earth. Guide us to live in a way that honors Your covenant and reflects Your love to those around us.

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.”

2 Samuel 6:1-11
The Ark's Journey to Jerusalem: Lessons in Reverence and Obedience

2 Samuel 6:1-11 narrates a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, as King David initiates the transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This passage not only highlights the importance of the Ark in the life of Israel but also serves as a profound lesson in understanding and respecting the holiness of God. As we delve into this scripture, we witness a blend of celebration, tragedy, and divine instruction, encapsulating the complex relationship between God and His people.

6 1 David again brought together all the able young men of Israel—thirty thousand. 2 He and all his men went to Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim on the ark. 3 They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart 4 with the ark of God on it, and Ahio was walking in front of it. 5 David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals.

6 When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. 7 The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God.

8 Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah.

9 David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, “How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?” 10 He was not willing to take the ark of the Lord to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 11 The ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed him and his entire household.

Commentary

1. Respect for the Sacred (Verses 1-2): The journey begins with great enthusiasm as David and his men set out to bring the Ark, which represented God's presence, to Jerusalem. The description of the Ark as the name of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim emphasizes the deep reverence and awe that the Israelites held for it. This introduction sets the stage for understanding the seriousness of what is to follow.

2. Tragedy Strikes (Verses 6-7): The sudden death of Uzzah, who reached out to steady the Ark, is a stark reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. Uzzah's act, though seemingly driven by good intentions, was contrary to the divine instruction that only Levites should touch the Ark. This incident teaches that reverence for God includes obedience to His instructions, even when they are not fully understood.

3. Fear and Reverence (Verses 8-9): David's initial reaction of anger quickly turns to fear. This shift in emotion reflects a deeper understanding and respect for God's holiness and power. The fear of the Lord is not about being scared but about recognizing His majesty and sovereignty, leading to a deeper reverence.

4. Blessings Follow Obedience (Verses 10-11): The Ark's stay at the house of Obed-Edom and the blessings that followed illustrate the joy and prosperity that come with obedience and respect for the divine presence. This contrasts with the earlier tragedy and reinforces the theme that obedience to God brings blessings.

In conclusion, 2 Samuel 6:1-11 serves as a powerful narrative on the importance of reverence and obedience to God. It teaches that while God is loving and merciful, He is also holy and just, and His commands are to be followed with utmost respect and sincerity. This passage invites reflection on how we approach the sacred in our own lives, urging us to balance our joy in God's presence with a deep and abiding respect for His holiness.

Hebrews 1:1-4
Divine Revelation: The Supremacy of Christ

In Hebrews 1:1-4, the passage opens with a profound statement about how God, who communicated in various ways through the prophets in the past, has now spoken to humanity through His Son. This section of Hebrews establishes the preeminence and divine nature of Christ, contrasting the ways God spoke in the past with His final and ultimate revelation in Jesus. The author emphasizes Jesus' superiority over the angels, a theme that resonates throughout the book, presenting Christ as the ultimate messenger and message of God's redemptive plan.

1 1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

Commentary

1. Verse 1-2: The Transition from Prophets to Son: The first two verses contrast the methods of divine communication: from the prophets to the Son. This shift signifies a new era in God's relationship with humanity. Whereas the prophets were God's spokespeople, Jesus is portrayed as both the messenger and the embodiment of God's message. He is appointed heir of all things and through whom the universe was made, indicating His divine authority and active role in creation.

2. Verse 3: The Radiance of God's Glory: This verse poignantly describes Jesus as the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being. Such descriptions underscore the belief in Jesus' divinity and his unique relationship with the Father. It also speaks of Jesus' role in sustaining all things by his powerful word, highlighting his omnipotence and ongoing involvement in the cosmos.

3. Verse 4: Superior to Angels: The final verse in this section establishes Jesus' superiority over angels. This is significant in the Jewish context, where angels were highly regarded as messengers of God. By stating that Jesus has inherited a name superior to theirs, the author sets the stage for deeper theological discussions about Christ's unique position in the celestial hierarchy and his role in the salvation history.

In summary, Hebrews 1:1-4 serves as a majestic opening to a theological treatise, placing Jesus Christ at the center of God's communication and redemptive action. It sets a foundational understanding of Christ's divinity and superiority, themes that are crucial for the rest of the epistle.

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 21, 2023
Divine Promises and Human Stewardship
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; 2 Samuel 6:1-11; Hebrews 1:1-4
In today's selection of scriptures, we explore the dynamic interplay between divine promises and human stewardship. Psalm 89 celebrates God's faithfulness and enduring covenant, emphasizing His unwavering commitment to His chosen ones. The narrative in 2 Samuel vividly recounts King David's efforts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, symbolizing the physical presence of God among His people and highlighting the importance of reverence and obedience in handling holy tasks. Our reading in Hebrews presents a profound theological reflection, declaring Jesus Christ as the ultimate revelation of God's nature and the fulfillment of His promises. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on the continuity of God's promises throughout history and our role in upholding and revering the sacred trust bestowed upon us.