The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Friday, October 20, 2023
Reverence, Calling, and Humble Leadership
Psalm 99; Exodus 31:1-11; 1 Peter 5:1-5
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
Friday, October 20, 2023
Reverence, Calling, and Humble Leadership
Psalm 99; Exodus 31:1-11; 1 Peter 5:1-5
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
In the sacred tapestry of scripture, various passages intersect to paint a holistic view of our relationship with the Divine and with one another. Psalm 99, Exodus 31:1-11, and 1 Peter 5:1-5 collectively highlight the awesome majesty of God, the specific ways He equips and calls individuals for particular tasks, and the manner in which those called should lead: with humility and care.
Psalm 99 beautifully captures the grandeur and holiness of God, reminding us to exalt Him and worship at His footstool. Meanwhile, Exodus 31:1-11 speaks of Bezalel, Oholiab, and others who are divinely chosen and equipped by God with skills and expertise. Their specific calling is to craft the sanctuary, a tangible representation of God’s dwelling place among His people. Then, in 1 Peter 5:1-5, the Apostle Peter offers wise counsel to the elders of the church, urging them to shepherd God's flock with willingness and humility, not out of compulsion or desire for personal gain.
Together, these passages inspire believers to approach God with reverence, recognize the unique ways God equips each person, and lead or serve in those capacities with humility and dedication. Whether you're a leader in a formal capacity or someone seeking to understand your own divine calling, these scriptures invite reflection on the harmony between God's grandeur, His specific callings, and the heart posture with which we should serve.
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.
Almighty and Holy God, we come before You, acknowledging Your sovereignty over all the earth. Your name is to be exalted, and Your holiness is to be revered. Psalm 99 reminds us of Your majestic and awesome presence, a reality that fills our hearts with awe and our souls with humble devotion.
Lord, You are a King who executes justice and righteousness; Your name is magnificent in all the world. As we bow before Your throne, we realize how unworthy we are to even utter Your name, yet You have called us Your own.
We thank You for the countless times You have heard our pleas, for the ways You have extended Your mercy, and for Your truth that remains constant throughout generations. Your faithfulness is beyond our understanding, yet we trust in it, because we trust in You.
Just as You spoke to Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, and they kept Your decrees, may we, too, heed Your voice in our lives. Equip us, Lord, to be obedient servants, following Your statutes and seeking Your will at every turn.
Help us to cultivate a spirit that reveres and honors You. Let our lives be a form of worship, each action a testament to Your glory. May we never forget that we are subjects in the kingdom of the Most High, a kingdom of justice, love, and peace.
We pray for our leaders, that they may look to You for wisdom and guidance, governing with fairness and justice, in alignment with Your righteous laws. Instill in them, and in us, humility that acknowledges the ultimate authority is Yours and Yours alone.
Finally, Lord, as we go about our days, help us to remember that You reign. Your throne is unshakeable, Your authority unmatched. In times of chaos, this is our peace; in moments of doubt, this is our assurance.
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.”
Exodus 31:1-11 unfolds within a larger narrative context where God provides Moses with detailed instructions about the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. This particular passage introduces us to Bezalel and Oholiab, who are divinely appointed artisans. Not only does this passage highlight their craftsmanship and roles, but it also emphasizes the Spirit-empowered nature of their work. This underlines the principle that all skills, whether explicitly religious or not, can be seen as gifts from God and can be utilized for His divine purpose.31 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent— 8 the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, 9 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand— 10 and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, 11 and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.”
Commentary
Analysis:
- Divine Appointment: The first thing to notice is that the choice of Bezalel and Oholiab is a divine one. God explicitly tells Moses that He has chosen them. This underlines the principle that God equips specific individuals for specific tasks in His divine plan.
- Empowerment by the Spirit: It's essential to recognize that Bezalel is filled "with the Spirit of God." This Spirit-empowerment grants him wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skills. This is a powerful testament to the holistic nature of God's Spirit, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit's work isn't limited only to 'spiritual' tasks but encompasses every area of life, including craftsmanship and artistry.
- Variety of Skills: Bezalel's talents are extensive–he can work with various materials, from precious metals to wood. The detailed listing of these abilities showcases how God values the diversity of skills and talents He bestows upon His children.
- Collaboration: Oholiab, from the tribe of Dan, is chosen to assist Bezalel, and both are supported by other skilled workers. This communal effort reiterates the importance of collaboration in fulfilling God's purposes and the idea that everyone has a role to play in the broader divine narrative.
- Purpose of Their Work: The artisans are entrusted with crafting the sacred items for the Tabernacle. Each item, from the ark to the garments, holds deep symbolic and religious significance. Their work is not just functional but also spiritually and ritually significant, linking everyday craftsmanship to divine worship.
Exodus 31:1-11 provides a profound reflection on the intersection of talent, vocation, and divine purpose. In the hands of Bezalel, Oholiab, and their team, craftsmanship becomes an act of worship, revealing that all talents are gifts from God, intended to serve and glorify Him.
1 Peter 5:1-5 falls within the broader context of Peter's letter to the early Christian communities scattered across Asia Minor. This particular section of the letter provides guidance on leadership and humility within the Christian community. Addressing both the elders and the younger members of the community, Peter emphasizes the characteristics of servant leadership, a term that would later become integral to Christian theological understanding. The passage illuminates the importance of humility, responsibility, and respect within the church.5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
but shows favor to the humble.”
Commentary
Analysis:
- A Fellow Elder: Peter begins by identifying himself as a 'fellow elder,' immediately establishing a tone of camaraderie and mutual respect. He also refers to himself as a "witness of Christ’s sufferings," grounding his authority in both experience and shared leadership.
- Be Shepherds: The metaphor of shepherdship echoes the teachings of Jesus Himself. The call to "watch over" the flock implies vigilance, care, and selfless devotion, resonating with the pastoral care that Christ demonstrated.
- Willing Service: Peter emphasizes that elders should lead "not because you must, but because you are willing." This willing service is to be exercised as "God wants you to be," signaling that genuine leadership flows from an inner conviction and divine calling, not external or coercive obligations.
- Avoiding Dishonest Gain: This is a warning against the potential pitfalls of leadership, particularly the temptation to exploit authority for personal gain or to 'lord it over' others.
- Crown of Glory: The promise of a "crown of glory" serves both as a future hope and an incentive. It is not merely a reward but a reflection of the eternal significance of good leadership.
- Submission and Humility: Finally, Peter addresses younger members, advising them to "submit" to their elders. This is not a call for blind obedience but an appeal for an attitude of respectful learning. The passage concludes with an all-encompassing command for everyone to "clothe yourselves with humility," invoking a proverb that God favors the humble.
1 Peter 5:1-5 serves as a foundational text for understanding Christian leadership and community dynamics. The passage addresses both leaders and members, advocating for a community where humility, respect, and willing service are the hallmarks. The teaching reverberates through the ages, speaking to anyone who finds themselves in a position of authority or under authority, essentially all of us, within the Body of Christ.
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 20, 2023
Reverence, Calling, and Humble Leadership
Psalm 99; Exodus 31:1-11; 1 Peter 5:1-5
In the sacred tapestry of scripture, various passages intersect to paint a holistic view of our relationship with the Divine and with one another. Today's lectionary readings collectively highlight the awesome majesty of God, the specific ways He equips and calls individuals for particular tasks, and the manner in which those called should lead: with humility and care. Together, these passages inspire believers to approach God with reverence, recognize the unique ways God equips each person, and lead or serve in those capacities with humility and dedication. Whether you're a leader in a formal capacity or someone seeking to understand your own divine calling, these scriptures invite reflection on the harmony between God's grandeur, His specific callings, and the heart posture with which we should serve.
