The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Friday, October 6, 2023
Divine Revelations and Earthly Responses:
Friday, October 6, 2023
Divine Revelations and Earthly Responses:
From Creation to Communion
Psalm 19; Exodus 23:14-19; Philippians 2:14-18; 3:1-4a
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
Psalm 19; Exodus 23:14-19; Philippians 2:14-18; 3:1-4a
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
Across the diverse landscapes of Scripture, there emerges a consistent thread of God revealing Himself and beckoning humanity to respond. Psalm 19 beautifully captures the dual testimony of creation and God's law, painting a vivid picture of divine revelation. Exodus 23:14-19 illustrates a tangible human response, highlighting God's prescribed festivals that commemorate His divine actions and foster community among His people. Philippians, on the other hand, takes us into the New Testament realm where Paul exhorts believers to respond to God’s work in their lives by shining as lights in a world of grumbling and dispute, and by rejoicing in the Lord. Together, these passages provide a holistic perspective on the interplay between God's revelations and our earthly responses, emphasizing the continuity of divine communion from creation to the present-day Christian walk.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 19
The law rejoices the heart
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 19
The law rejoices the heart
Psalm 19 is a profound hymn of praise that serves as a theological bridge between God's revelation in the natural world and His revelation in the Word. Written by King David, this Psalm opens with an awe-inspiring look at how the heavens and the skies testify to the glory and craftsmanship of God. Without saying a word, creation itself sings an eternal hymn of God's majesty. The Psalm then pivots to celebrate the Law, described as perfect, sure, and righteous—qualities that rejuvenate the soul, enlighten the eyes, and endure forever. David acknowledges that it's through God's Law that individuals are warned and rewarded, and he ends the Psalm with a prayer for purity and acceptability in God's sight.1 The heavens declare the glory of God, *
This Psalm prompts us to consider two important facets of divine revelation: general revelation available to everyone through nature, and special revelation given to us through God's Word. Both forms guide us to a deeper understanding of the Creator and provide us a way to live a life pleasing to Him.
and the firmament shows his handiwork.
2 One day tells its tale to another, *
and one night imparts knowledge to another.
3 Although they have no words or language, *
and their voices are not heard,
4 Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
and their message to the ends of the world.
5 In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *
it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
and runs about to the end of it again; *
nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect
and revives the soul; *
the testimony of the LORD is sure
and gives wisdom to the innocent.
8 The statutes of the LORD are just
and rejoice the heart; *
the commandment of the LORD is clear
and gives light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean
and endures for ever; *
the judgments of the LORD are true
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
more than much fine gold, *
sweeter far than honey,
than honey in the comb.
11 By them also is your servant enlightened, *
and in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can tell how often he offends? *
cleanse me from my secret faults.
13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;
let them not get dominion over me; *
then shall I be whole and sound,
and innocent of a great offense.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
heart be acceptable in your sight, *
O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.
Heavenly Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth, we come before You with awe and wonder, for Your glory is declared across the skies, proclaimed by the sun, moon, and stars. Each day and each night, Your creation speaks of Your majesty, Your creativity, Your grandeur. Lord, we thank You for this glorious display that surrounds us, reminding us constantly of Your presence and power.
Yet, Father, Your revelation does not end with the natural world. You have also given us Your Word, Your Law that is perfect, trustworthy, and righteous. It revives our souls, enlightens our minds, and fills our hearts with joy. Your commandments are pure, Your statutes are firm, and in keeping them, there is great reward. Lord, thank You for Your Word, a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.
But even as we celebrate Your Law, we recognize our own shortcomings. We confess that we have fallen short, that we have transgressed Your commands. The hidden faults within us weigh heavy on our conscience; the sins we are unaware of trouble us. Forgive us, O God, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Create in us a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, our Rock and Redeemer.
Help us, Father, to align our lives with Your Word, to trust in Your eternal truths, and to share Your glory as revealed through both Your world and Your Word. Guide us, empower us, and use us for Your glory.
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.”
The passage from Exodus 23:14-19 is a part of the broader Covenant Code, a set of laws and regulations provided to the Israelites following their liberation from Egypt. This section focuses on the establishment and observance of three significant agricultural festivals: the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering. These feasts are not only reminders of God's providential care but are also occasions for communal worship and the acknowledgement of God's sovereignty. The passage ends with two additional commands regarding sacrificial offerings and the firstfruits, making it an intricate blend of religious, social, and agricultural practices.14 “Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival to me.
15 “Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread; for seven days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Aviv, for in that month you came out of Egypt.
“No one is to appear before me empty-handed.
16 “Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field.
“Celebrate the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field.
17 “Three times a year all the men are to appear before the Sovereign Lord.
18 “Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to me along with anything containing yeast.
“The fat of my festival offerings must not be kept until morning.
19 “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.
“Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.
Commentary
Verse 14: Three Annual Festivals
The command to celebrate three annual festivals provides a rhythmic structure to the Israelite year. These feasts serve as regular communal touchpoints, enabling the people to come together in unity, fellowship, and worship.
Verse 15: The Feast of Unleavened Bread
This feast commemorates Israel's rapid departure from Egypt, during which they did not have time to leaven their bread. The festival served as an annual reminder of God's liberating power and the urgency of their escape from bondage.
Verse 16a: The Feast of Harvest
Also known as the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost in later Jewish tradition, this feast occurs after the firstfruits of the wheat harvest have been gathered. It marks God's provision and the culmination of the labor of planting and tending crops.
Verse 16b: The Feast of Ingathering
Also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths, this feast is observed after the year's final harvest. It serves as a time of thanksgiving and celebration for the abundance God has provided, as well as a commemoration of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings when they lived in temporary shelters.
Verse 17: All Men Must Appear
The command for all men to appear before God three times a year emphasizes the corporate nature of worship and the communal commitment to recognizing God as the ultimate giver of all good things.
Verse 18: “Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice with anything containing yeast.”
Yeast often symbolizes corruption or sin in the Bible. Thus, the prohibition of combining yeast with the blood of a sacrifice may symbolize the call for purity and sincerity in offerings made to God.
Verse 19a: Bringing the Firstfruits
This is an act of both thanksgiving and faith, as it involves offering the very first portion of a crop, even before the full harvest has been gathered. It reflects the Israelites' trust in God’s continued provision.
Verse 19b: “Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.”
The meaning of this command is subject to various interpretations, but it is traditionally understood as a prohibition against mixing life (milk) and death (meat). This command later serves as a basis for Jewish dietary laws separating milk and meat.
Conclusion
Overall, Exodus 23:14-19 underscores the intricate relationship between worship, community, and daily life in ancient Israel. These laws serve multiple functions, acting as expressions of gratitude, affirmations of faith, and reminders of God's past and ongoing acts of deliverance and provision. They are given to foster a life lived in continuous recognition of and relationship with God, who is the source of all blessings.
The Letter to the Philippians, authored by the Apostle Paul, was written to the Christian community in Philippi to address various concerns and encourage them in their faith. The selected passages from Philippians 2:14-18 and 3:1-4a delve into themes of conduct, unity, joy, and discernment. In Philippians 2:14-18, Paul exhorts the believers to be exemplary in their behavior, exhibiting qualities that make them shine like stars in a world marred by selfishness and dispute. In Philippians 3:1-4a, the emphasis shifts towards rejoicing in the Lord and being cautious about those who promote false teachings or misguided reliance on fleshly achievements. Together, these passages offer a comprehensive look at the attitudes and actions that characterize a life truly devoted to Christ.14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4a though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
Commentary
Philippians 2:14-18:
Verse 14: "Do everything without grumbling or arguing"
Paul calls for a spirit of unity and contentment in the community. This advice transcends mere positive thinking; it speaks to the demeanor of believers in all situations, public or private, reminding them that they represent Christ in all they do.
Verse 15: "Shine like stars in the sky"
In a dark world, Christians are exhorted to shine brightly through their good works and upright character. This verse underscores the witnessing aspect of Christian life.
Verse 16: "Holding firmly to the word of life"
The "word of life" likely refers to the gospel message. Holding firmly to it means not just understanding it intellectually but living it out daily.
Verses 17-18: "Even if I am being poured out"
Paul uses the metaphor of being poured out like a drink offering to signify his own sufferings and service. He encourages the Philippians to rejoice with him, emphasizing that shared suffering and mutual joy are integral to Christian community.
Philippians 3:1-4a:
Verse 1: "Rejoice in the Lord"
Rejoicing in the Lord serves as a key theme in Philippians. Despite any trials or circumstances, joy is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Verse 2: "Watch out for those dogs"
The term "dogs" here likely refers to Judaizers or others who insist on adding to the simplicity of the gospel message. This warning highlights the importance of doctrinal vigilance.
Verse 3: "We who serve God by his Spirit"
Paul distinguishes between true believers who worship in the Spirit and those who place confidence in external religious rituals or heritage. This affirms that true Christian identity is rooted in spiritual rebirth and faith in Christ alone.
Verse 4a: "Though I myself have reasons for such confidence"
Paul begins to transition into discussing his own life, preparing to list his fleshly credentials that he ultimately considers worthless compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
Conclusion
In summary, Philippians 2:14-18 and 3:1-4a offer profound insights into the Christian life, which should be marked by unity, joy, vigilance, and a focus on Christ. These verses teach that effective witness is not simply a matter of what Christians say, but also how they live. Furthermore, they emphasize the need to safeguard the purity of the gospel message and place our confidence solely in Christ, rather than in human achievements or religious rituals.
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. Responsive Readings from the Common Book of Prayer (1789). Commentaries are by Rev. Kenny Sallee, ThM.
The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 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, October 6, 2023
Divine Revelations and Earthly Responses: From Creation to Communion
Psalm 19; Exodus 23:14-19; Philippians 2:14-18; 3:1-4a
Across the diverse landscapes of Scripture, there emerges a consistent thread of God revealing Himself and beckoning humanity to respond. Psalm 19 beautifully captures the dual testimony of creation and God's law, painting a vivid picture of divine revelation. Exodus 23:14-19 illustrates a tangible human response, highlighting God's prescribed festivals that commemorate His divine actions and foster community among His people. Philippians, on the other hand, takes us into the New Testament realm where Paul exhorts believers to respond to God’s work in their lives by shining as lights in a world of grumbling and dispute, and by rejoicing in the Lord. Together, these passages provide a holistic perspective on the interplay between God's revelations and our earthly responses, emphasizing the continuity of divine communion from creation to the present-day Christian walk.
