The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Monday, October 9, 2023
Covenant, Commandments, and the Living Stone:
Monday, October 9, 2023
Covenant, Commandments, and the Living Stone:
A Triptych of Divine Relationship
Psalm 119:49-56; Deuteronomy 5:1-21; 1 Peter 2:4-10
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
The tapestry of Scripture weaves together themes that cross books, authors, and ages, speaking to the interconnectedness of God's revelation. In Psalm 119:49-56, we find a psalmist holding onto the promises of God amidst struggles, cherishing the divine statutes as a source of comfort. Deuteronomy 5:1-21 recounts Moses delivering God's commandments to the Israelites, a covenantal gesture affirming their unique relationship with Him. Meanwhile, 1 Peter 2:4-10 shifts our gaze to the New Testament, where believers are introduced to Christ, the Living Stone. This passage describes the spiritual house built upon the foundation of Jesus, where believers, as living stones, become part of God's spiritual edifice. Together, these passages present a triptych—a three-paneled image—depicting God's enduring promises, the ethical obligations of His covenant, and the transformative power of Christ's redemptive act. As we delve into these Scriptures, we are invited to reflect upon the richness of our relationship with God, understanding our roles, responsibilities, and the unparalleled grace that encompasses our journey of faith.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 119:49-56
God’s commandments are my songs
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 119:49-56
God’s commandments are my songs
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Book of Psalms and is renowned for its focus on the Word of God. Verses 49-56, a section traditionally labeled with the Hebrew letter "Zayin," stand as a unique part of this long acrostic poem. Here, the psalmist shares the comfort and hope derived from God's promises during times of affliction. The verses reveal a deeply personal relationship between the individual and God, one that is built on trust and lived out through adherence to God's commands. These lines give us a glimpse into how God's Word serves as both an emotional anchor and a guide for moral living. As we read Psalm 119:49-56, let us reflect on the power of God's promises and how they sustain us, particularly in seasons of struggle or doubt.49 Remember your word to your servant, *
because you have given me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my trouble, *
that your promise gives me life.
51 The proud have derided me cruelly, *
but I have not turned from your law.
52 When I remember your judgments of old, *
O LORD, I take great confort.
53 I am filled with a burning rage, *
because of the wicked who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been like songs to me *
wherever I have lived as a stranger.
55 I remember your Name in the night, O LORD, *
and dwell upon your law.
56 This is how it has been with me, *
because I have kept your commandments.
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with gratitude for Your living Word, a light unto our path and a comfort to our souls. Your promises stand eternal, unshaken by the storms that buffet our lives.
As we meditate on Psalm 119:49-56, we ask for the grace to hold fast to Your promises, especially when we face trials and tribulations. Help us, Lord, to remember Your words, which have given life and hope to generations before us and continue to breathe life into us today.
Like the psalmist, may we find solace in Your commandments and rejoice in Your statutes. In the quiet hours of the night, when fears and uncertainties arise, let Your precepts be the songs that comfort us, reminding us of Your unfailing love and faithfulness.
May we always keep Your Word close to our hearts, Lord, cherishing it as our most treasured possession. Let it guide us in our actions, shape our desires, and mold our character so that we may walk in a manner worthy of Your calling.
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.”
Deuteronomy 5:1-21 is a pivotal text that recounts Moses' restatement of the Ten Commandments to the Israelites. This is not just a mere repetition of what was given on Mount Sinai as recorded in Exodus 20; it serves as a reminder and re-emphasizes the enduring covenantal relationship between God and His people. Taking place on the cusp of the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land, these verses aim to prepare the new generation for the responsibilities and privileges that come with being God's chosen people. As we delve into this passage, it's crucial to consider its significance not only as a set of ethical directives but also as a comprehensive framework for how to live a life in relationship with God and others.5 Moses summoned all Israel and said:
Hear, Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them. 2 The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. 3 It was not with our ancestors that the Lord made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today. 4 The Lord spoke to you face to face out of the fire on the mountain. 5 (At that time I stood between the Lord and you to declare to you the word of the Lord, because you were afraid of the fire and did not go up the mountain.) And he said:
6 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
7 “You shall have no other gods before me.
8 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
11 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
12 “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.
16 “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
17 “You shall not murder.
18 “You shall not commit adultery.
19 “You shall not steal.
20 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
21 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Commentary
Verses 1-5: The Covenantal Context
Moses opens the chapter by calling all Israelites to listen to the decrees and laws he is about to reiterate. This summons isn't merely about adherence to laws; it's about engaging in a covenant—a mutual relationship bound by commitments and expectations. Moses specifies that this covenant is not just with the ancestors but with the present generation. The continuity of the covenant underscores its perpetual relevance.
Verses 6-21: The Ten Commandments
1. "You shall have no other gods before me": This command serves as the foundation for all the other commands. God's exclusivity in worship is non-negotiable because recognizing Him as the one true God is essential for the covenant relationship.
2. "You shall not make for yourself an idol": This extends the principle of the first commandment, emphasizing not just whom to worship but how to worship—without material representations that could limit or distort God's nature.
3. "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God": This highlights the importance of treating God's name with reverence and respect, reinforcing the sacredness of God’s identity.
4. "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy": This commandment offers a rhythm of work and rest that not only brings physical rejuvenation but also fosters spiritual reflection.
5. "Honor your father and your mother": This is the first commandment with a social dimension, establishing the family as the basic unit of a godly society.
6. "You shall not murder": The sanctity of human life is affirmed, reinforcing the idea that life is a gift from God and should be treated as such.
7. "You shall not commit adultery": This safeguards the sanctity of marriage, which is symbolic of the covenantal relationship between God and His people.
8. "You shall not steal": This command ensures respect for personal property, which is necessary for a stable and harmonious community.
9. "You shall not give false testimony": Integrity and honesty are emphasized, upholding the importance of trust within the community.
10. "You shall not covet": This command addresses internal desires, highlighting that a covenantal relationship with God extends to the thoughts and intentions of the heart, not just external actions.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 5:1-21 serves as a rich text that invites us to explore the intricacies of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It emphasizes not only ethical living but also the nature and demands of a life lived in relation to the Divine. The Ten Commandments, therefore, stand not just as a set of rules but as principles that guide an abundant and fulfilling life, rooted in the love and faithfulness of God.
The passage of 1 Peter 2:4-10 provides a compelling vision of the identity and calling of the Christian community. Located in a letter generally addressed to believers experiencing various forms of suffering or marginalization, this section offers rich metaphors and Old Testament references to describe the believers' relationship to Christ and their role in the world. These verses outline a theological understanding that elevates the dignity of the Christian community while also laying down the ethical implications of belonging to Christ, the "Living Stone."4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”
7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
“The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
has become the cornerstone,”
8 and,
“A stone that causes people to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.”
and a rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Commentary
Verse 4: The Living Stone
The image of Christ as a "living stone" is paradoxical, combining the life-giving aspect of Christ with the solidity and strength usually associated with stone. Believers, too, are described as "living stones," highlighting both their connection to Christ and their function in the spiritual edifice that is being built.
Verse 5: A Spiritual House
Christians are called not only to believe in Christ but also to be "built into a spiritual house" for the purpose of "spiritual sacrifices." The language here recalls the temple in Jerusalem, where sacrifices were made to God. Now, this sacred function is transferred to the community of believers whose lives and actions are to be offerings pleasing to God.
Verse 6: Cornerstone Scripture Reference
This verse quotes Isaiah 28:16, emphasizing that the one who trusts in the cornerstone—Jesus—will never be put to shame. This underscores the reliability and steadfastness of Christ as the foundation of the Christian community.
Verses 7-8: A Stone of Stumbling
While Christ is a cornerstone for believers, He is also described as a "stone of stumbling" and a "rock of offense" for those who do not believe. The contrasting images reflect the polarizing effect of Christ's message: it's either the means of salvation or a stumbling block, depending on one’s response to it.
Verses 9-10: A Chosen People
The letter culminates in a powerful affirmation of the identity of the Christian community using Old Testament language originally applied to Israel (Exodus 19:6, Isaiah 43:20-21). The believers are described as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession." The passage declares that the purpose of such a lofty calling is to "declare the praises" of God, who has brought them "out of darkness into his wonderful light."
In this capacity, Christians are intended to serve as mediators of God's grace and truth to the world, just as priests served as intermediaries between God and the Israelites. Additionally, being "God's special possession" emphasizes not just privilege but also responsibility. The community is called out of darkness to function as a beacon of light, reflecting God's glory and virtues to a world in need.
Conclusion
1 Peter 2:4-10 serves as a rich theological foundation for understanding the Christian identity and mission. It teaches us that being a follower of Christ is not an individualistic endeavor but a communal one, tied to a grander vision of a spiritual house and a holy nation. It calls believers to a life of worship and ethical living that bears witness to the transformative power of God's love and grace.
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 Monday, October 9, 2023
Covenant, Commandments, and the Living Stone: A Triptych of Divine Relationship
Psalm 119:49-56; Deuteronomy 5:1-21; 1 Peter 2:4-10
The tapestry of Scripture weaves together themes that cross books, authors, and ages, speaking to the interconnectedness of God's revelation. In Psalm 119:49-56, we find a psalmist holding onto the promises of God amidst struggles, cherishing the divine statutes as a source of comfort. Deuteronomy 5:1-21 recounts Moses delivering God's commandments to the Israelites, a covenantal gesture affirming their unique relationship with Him. Meanwhile, 1 Peter 2:4-10 shifts our gaze to the New Testament, where believers are introduced to Christ, the Living Stone. This passage describes the spiritual house built upon the foundation of Jesus, where believers, as living stones, become part of God's spiritual edifice. Together, these passages present a triptych—a three-paneled image—depicting God's enduring promises, the ethical obligations of His covenant, and the transformative power of Christ's redemptive act. As we delve into these Scriptures, we are invited to reflect upon the richness of our relationship with God, understanding our roles, responsibilities, and the unparalleled grace that encompasses our journey of faith.
