The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Thursday, October 19, 2023
The Holiness of God and the Interplay of Relationship, Authority, and Righteousness
Psalm 99; Exodus 33:7-11; 3 John 9-12
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
Thursday, October 19, 2023
The Holiness of God and the Interplay of Relationship, Authority, and Righteousness
Psalm 99; Exodus 33:7-11; 3 John 9-12
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
Today's Scripture readings offer us rich tapestries of lessons and insights, woven together through diverse books and messages. Our focus today rests on three distinct yet interconnected passages: Psalm 99, Exodus 33:7-11, and 3 John 9-12. These texts, seemingly disparate at first glance, share fundamental themes that help us better understand the intricate relationship between God's holiness, His relational nature, the authority structures within faith communities, and the quest for righteousness in believers.
Psalm 99 is a magnificent hymn dedicated to the holiness of God, encapsulating His majesty, righteousness, and the awe-inspiring experience of being in His presence. It frames God as the King whose rule is just and whose impact on history is indelible. Exodus 33:7-11 narrates an intimate moment where Moses communes with God face-to-face, presenting a relational facet of divine holiness. Finally, 3 John 9-12 offers us a glimpse into the dynamics of early Christian communities, where authority and personal character become a playground for both virtuous and unvirtuous behaviors.
Join us as we delve into these interconnected Scriptures, aiming to deepen our understanding of what it means to acknowledge God's holiness, to relate intimately with Him, and to navigate the complexities of authority and righteousness in our faith communities. This journey promises to enrich our walk with God by offering a multi-dimensional understanding of how He interacts with us individually and collectively, ever guided by His perfect holiness.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 99
Proclaim God’s greatness
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 99
Proclaim God’s greatness
Psalm 99 stands as a magnificent hymn of praise to the reigning King of all—the Holy God of Israel. This psalm paints a vivid picture of God's majestic holiness and the profound reverence that His holiness demands from all of creation. It beckons us to acknowledge and celebrate God's righteousness, justice, and mighty acts throughout history. In the midst of global challenges, shifting cultures, and personal struggles, Psalm 99 provides a stabilizing reminder: God reigns supreme and is unmatched in His holiness. As we delve into this psalm, let's be inspired to both revere and rejoice in the unparalleled majesty of our Holy God.1 The LORD is King;
let the people tremble; *
he is enthroned upon the cherubim;
let the earth shake.
2 The LORD is great in Zion; *
he is high above all peoples.
3 Let them confess his Name, which is great and awesome; *
he is the Holy One.
4 “O mighty King, lover of justice,
you have established equity; *
you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.”
5 Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God
and fall down before his footstool; *
he is the Holy One.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,
and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, *
they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.
7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; *
they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.
8 “O LORD our God, you answered them indeed; *
you were a God who forgave them,
yet punished them for their evil deeds.”
9 Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God
and worship him upon his holy hill; *
for the LORD our God is the Holy One.
Holy and Almighty God, as we approach Your Word in Psalm 99, we stand in awe of Your majesty and unyielding holiness. We humbly ask that You open our hearts and minds to grasp the depth of Your righteousness, justice, and love. May the truths within this psalm draw us closer to You, stir within us a deeper reverence for Your name, and inspire in us a relentless desire to worship You in spirit and in truth.
Lord, as we reflect upon Your reign over all of creation, we are reminded of Your steadfastness amidst our ever-changing world. Guide us, O God, to be beacons of Your light and love, proclaiming Your holiness to all. We thank You for Your enduring presence and for the privilege of being Your people.
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.”
In Exodus 33:7-11, we find one of the most profound narratives illustrating the intimacy and immediacy of God's relationship with His people, as embodied in Moses. Set against the backdrop of Israel's disobedience and the complexities of their wilderness journey, these verses offer an evocative portrait of God's personal interactions with Moses. The "tent of meeting" becomes the sacred space for this divine-human dialogue, where God converses with Moses "face to face, as one speaks to a friend." This passage invites us to reflect upon the accessibility and nearness of God, even in times when His broader presence may seem withdrawn due to human unfaithfulness.7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. 8 And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. 9 As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. 10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent. 11 The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.
Commentary
The Tent of Meeting
The "tent of meeting" serves as more than just a physical structure; it becomes a symbol of divine encounter. This space is set outside the camp, indicating that God’s holy presence cannot fully dwell within the camp of Israel due to their sin. However, the tent's external location also suggests that God's holiness and grace are still accessible; one only needs to make the conscious choice to "seek the Lord" by stepping out.
Moses as Intercessor
Moses, in this narrative, stands as a remarkable figure of intercession. He goes out to meet God, and in doing so, he takes upon himself the responsibility of representing a people who have been disobedient. Moses mediates between the divine and the human, foreshadowing the ultimate mediation work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
"Face to Face"
The phrase "face to face" is deeply evocative. While it's unlikely that this should be understood literally, given that other scriptural passages indicate no one can see God and live (Exodus 33:20), it strongly signifies an intimate, direct communication between God and Moses. The term emphasizes the depth of relationship, suggesting a level of mutual understanding, openness, and honesty.
The People’s Reverence
When the pillar of cloud descends, signaling God's entrance to the tent, all the people rise and worship, each at their tent door. This public act of worship is an acknowledgment of God’s holy presence and signifies a communal recognition of their dependence upon divine guidance and grace.
Joshua’s Presence
Joshua, Moses' aide, is also a significant figure here. His willingness to stay behind in the tent suggests his earnestness for God's presence, possibly foreshadowing his future leadership role. His lingering presence is a silent testimony to the desirability of remaining close to God, serving as an example for subsequent generations of believers.
In summary, Exodus 33:7-11 serves as a vivid narrative filled with theological and spiritual richness. It underscores God's desire for intimate relationship with His people, even in times of disobedience and trial. The text invites us into a deeper understanding of God's accessible holiness, the significance of mediating leadership, and the beauty of a personal, intimate relationship with the Divine.
The epistle of 3 John, a short yet impactful letter, primarily serves as an encouragement and commendation to Gaius, a faithful Christian known for his hospitality and love within the church. However, in verses 9-12, the Apostle John switches focus to address the problematic behavior of Diotrephes, a local leader who is failing to act in accordance with Christian principles. This brief section serves as a cautionary tale on the misuse of authority within the church, contrasting the arrogance and inhospitality of Diotrephes with the godly example set by Demetrius. It provides valuable lessons on leadership, integrity, and the influence we wield, be it for good or ill.9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. 10 So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.
11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.
Commentary
The Cautionary Tale of Diotrephes
In verses 9-10, John calls out Diotrephes by name for his ungodly behavior. Diotrephes refuses to welcome itinerant Christian teachers, spreads malicious gossip about John and others, and excommunicates those who do help these teachers. His actions reflect an attitude that contradicts the Christian virtues of love, hospitality, and unity. John's direct confrontation serves as a strong warning against the corrupting influence of power and authority. In any faith community, leaders must be vigilant to ensure that their actions reflect Christ-like virtues, or else they risk leading others astray.
The Importance of Reputational Integrity
John promises to address Diotrephes' behavior when he visits, emphasizing the importance of dealing with issues of integrity and leadership within the community. The health of a church or faith-based community often hinges on the moral conduct of its leaders, and John's proactive stance shows us the importance of accountability in these roles.
Demetrius as a Model of Good Behavior
In contrast to Diotrephes, Demetrius is cited as someone who has a good testimony from everyone, including the truth itself. The brevity of this commendation should not diminish its importance; it serves as a direct counterpoint to the behavior of Diotrephes. Demetrius' reputation not only comes from human witnesses but also aligns with "the truth"—presumably, the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.
Imitating What is Good
Verse 11 serves as a moral thesis statement: "Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good." This straightforward exhortation is made more potent by the context, drawing a sharp contrast between the examples set by Diotrephes and Demetrius. In a world where the distinction between right and wrong can often seem blurred, this verse reminds us that as Christians, we are called to imitate goodness, as defined by Christ's life and teachings.
In summary, 3 John 9-12 acts as a miniature case study on the significant impact of individual behavior within a Christian community. It highlights the dangers of pride and misuse of authority while underscoring the importance of integrity and imitating what is good. It serves as a timeless reminder that our actions and attitudes, particularly in roles of leadership, have far-reaching implications for the health and witness of the broader community.
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 Thursday, October 19, 2023
The Holiness of God and the Interplay of Relationship, Authority, and Righteousness
Psalm 99; Exodus 33:7-11; 3 John 9-12
Today's Scripture readings offer us rich tapestries of lessons and insights, woven together through diverse books and messages. Our focus today rests on three distinct yet interconnected passages: Psalm 99, Exodus 33:7-11, and 3 John 9-12. These texts, seemingly disparate at first glance, share fundamental themes that help us better understand the intricate relationship between God's holiness, His relational nature, the authority structures within faith communities, and the quest for righteousness in believers.
Join us as we delve into these interconnected Scriptures, aiming to deepen our understanding of what it means to acknowledge God's holiness, to relate intimately with Him, and to navigate the complexities of authority and righteousness in our faith communities. This journey promises to enrich our walk with God by offering a multi-dimensional understanding of how He interacts with us individually and collectively, ever guided by His perfect holiness.
