The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Tuesday, December 26, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Witnesses of Faith and Testimony

Psalm 148; Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15; Acts 6:8-15; 7:51-60
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Days around Christmas)

Introduction

Psalm 148, Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15, and Acts 6:8-15; 7:51-60 collectively paint a vivid picture of unwavering faith and the power of testimony. Psalm 148 calls upon all creation, from the heavens to the earth, to praise the Lord for His supreme majesty and enduring love. In Jeremiah 26, we witness the prophet Jeremiah's boldness as he delivers God's message to the people of Judah, facing opposition and threats for his unyielding commitment to truth. The Acts passages chronicle the steadfast faith of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose powerful testimony and unshakable belief in Jesus Christ led to his unjust trial and martyrdom. These scriptures together underscore the theme of divine praise and the cost of discipleship, illustrating the courage and resilience required to stand firm in one's faith in the face of adversity.

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.

O Lord, our God, Sovereign of the Universe, we approach Your throne of grace, inspired and uplifted by the words of Psalm 148. In every corner of Your creation, from the highest heavens to the depths of the sea, Your name is exalted.

We are in awe of the harmony of creation, where stars, planets, and galaxies sing Your praise in a silent symphony. We marvel at the earth, bursting with life, where mountains, oceans, flora, and fauna each echo Your glory.

In this chorus of creation, we find our voices, small yet significant, joining in the universal song of praise. Teach us, O God, to live in harmony with Your creation, ever mindful of Your presence in the grand and the humble, the spectacular and the simple.

Guide our steps, that we might walk in reverence and care for the world You have entrusted to us. May our lives be a continual offering of praise to You, reflecting Your love and glory to all 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.”

Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15
Courage and Confrontation: The Prophet's Stand

In Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15, we encounter a pivotal moment in the life of Prophet Jeremiah. This passage vividly portrays the challenges and dangers faced by those who speak truth to power. Jeremiah, tasked by God to deliver a message of impending doom to Judah, finds himself at the heart of a conflict. His words, meant to urge repentance and return to God, stir up hostility and threats of violence from the very people he seeks to save. This narrative is not just a historical account but a profound exploration of the cost of prophetic ministry, the resistance to divine messages, and the unyielding courage required to speak God's truth in a hostile environment.

26 1 Early in the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came from the Lord: 2 “This is what the Lord says: Stand in the courtyard of the Lord’s house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the Lord. Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. 3 Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from their evil ways. Then I will relent and not inflict on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done. 4 Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you, 5 and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened), 6 then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city a curse among all the nations of the earth.’”

7 The priests, the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speak these words in the house of the Lord. 8 But as soon as Jeremiah finished telling all the people everything the Lord had commanded him to say, the priests, the prophets and all the people seized him and said, “You must die! 9 Why do you prophesy in the Lord’s name that this house will be like Shiloh and this city will be desolate and deserted?” And all the people crowded around Jeremiah in the house of the Lord.

12 Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard. 13 Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God. Then the Lord will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you. 14 As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. 15 Be assured, however, that if you put me to death, you will bring the guilt of innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in it, for in truth the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.”

Commentary

Prophetic Challenge (Verses 1-9): Jeremiah’s message from God is direct and unsettling—a warning of Jerusalem’s destruction unless the nation repents. His confrontation with the establishment highlights a recurrent theme in biblical prophecy: the tension between God's messengers and societal power structures. Jeremiah’s experience reflects the inevitable conflict that arises when divine truths challenge human corruption and complacency.

Jeremiah's Defense (Verses 12-15): Facing the threat of death, Jeremiah stands firm. His response is not one of fear or compromise but of integrity and faithfulness to his divine commission. He acknowledges the authority of his audience but firmly reiterates his mission. This section is a testament to the prophet's courage and his unwavering commitment to God’s message, even in the face of potential martyrdom.

Theological Implications: The passage offers deep insights into the nature of prophecy and the cost of discipleship. It challenges readers to consider their response to divine truth and the extent to which they are willing to stand for it. Jeremiah’s story is a call to faithfulness, encouraging believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and to bravely speak His truth, regardless of the personal cost.

This section of Jeremiah serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of prophetic courage in a world that often resists or rejects divine truth. It calls believers to a deeper understanding of their faith and the sacrifices it may entail, while also providing hope and strength found in steadfast obedience to God.

Acts 6:8-15; 7:51-60
Stephen's Witness and Martyrdom

Acts 6:8-15 and 7:51-60 present a powerful narrative centered around Stephen, one of the first deacons of the early Christian church. These passages depict Stephen's profound faith, his confrontation with Jewish authorities, and his eventual martyrdom. This section of Acts serves as a pivotal moment in the early Christian narrative, highlighting the clash between the nascent Christian movement and established religious institutions of the time.

6 8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.

11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”

12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”

15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

7 51 “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53 you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”

54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Commentary

Verses 8-15 — The Accusation Against Stephen:* Stephen is described as a man full of God's grace and power, performing great wonders and signs among the people. His wisdom and spirit-filled speech attract opposition from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen. Unable to withstand his wisdom, they resort to subterfuge, secretly persuading others to accuse Stephen of blasphemy against Moses and God. These accusations lead to Stephen's arrest and presentation before the Sanhedrin, where false witnesses testify against him. This section demonstrates the early church's challenges and the intensity of opposition it faced, underscoring the risks Stephen and his fellow believers endured for their faith.

Verses 51-60 — Stephen's Speech and Martyrdom: In this segment, Stephen delivers a bold speech before the Sanhedrin, recounting Israel's history and accusing the Jewish leaders of betraying and murdering the righteous one (Jesus). His speech culminates in a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, a declaration that infuriates the council. Stephen's stoning marks the first recorded martyrdom in Christian history. His last words, asking for forgiveness for his executioners, echo Jesus's own words on the cross. This passage highlights the theme of divine justice and the notion of witnessing for one's faith unto death. Stephen's martyrdom not only exemplifies ultimate faithfulness to the Christian message but also foreshadows the future trials and tribulations of Christian witnesses.

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 26, 2023
Witnesses of Faith and Testimony
Psalm 148; Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15; Acts 6:8-15; 7:51-60
Todays readings collectively paint a vivid picture of unwavering faith and the power of testimony. Psalm 148 calls upon all creation, from the heavens to the earth, to praise the Lord for His supreme majesty and enduring love. In Jeremiah 26, we witness the prophet Jeremiah's boldness as he delivers God's message to the people of Judah, facing opposition and threats for his unyielding commitment to truth. The Acts passages chronicle the steadfast faith of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose powerful testimony and unshakable belief in Jesus Christ led to his unjust trial and martyrdom. These scriptures together underscore the theme of divine praise and the cost of discipleship, illustrating the courage and resilience required to stand firm in one's faith in the face of adversity.