The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Thirsting for God Amidst Judgment and Jealousy
Psalm 63:1-8; Numbers 12:1-9; Revelation 18:21-24
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Thirsting for God Amidst Judgment and Jealousy
Psalm 63:1-8; Numbers 12:1-9; Revelation 18:21-24
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
The Scriptures are rich with stories and verses that showcase the complexity of the human heart, the justice of God, and the eternal need for spiritual fulfillment. Today's passages—Psalm 63:1-8; Numbers 12:1-9; and Revelation 18:21-24—each present a unique facet of these overarching themes, connecting them in an intricate tapestry of divine wisdom.
Psalm 63:1-8 is a desperate cry for God in a dry, barren land, serving as a metaphor for our own spiritual yearnings. It paints a picture of the soul's intrinsic thirst for the divine, emphasizing how a relationship with God supersedes even the most basic physical needs.
In stark contrast, Numbers 12:1-9 recounts the story of Miriam and Aaron speaking against Moses out of jealousy and pride, which led to divine intervention and punishment. The passage teaches us that God demands respect for those He has chosen, and jealousy can lead to one's downfall.
Finally, Revelation 18:21-24 serves as a solemn reminder of the inescapable judgment that awaits a world that has turned its back on God. It reflects on the eventual destruction of Babylon, symbolizing the catastrophic end of human pride, greed, and godlessness.
As we delve into these passages, let us examine how our own lives mirror these ancient texts. We'll explore the inherent human tendency to yearn for something greater, the pitfalls of jealousy and ego, and the eternal consequences of turning away from God. Together, these texts serve as a guide, cautioning us against the perils of spiritual neglect and urging us to continually thirst for a meaningful relationship with the Divine.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 63:1-8
I rejoice in the shadow of your wings
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 63:1-8
I rejoice in the shadow of your wings
Psalm 63 is often attributed to King David and is thought to have been written during his time in the wilderness, a period of great suffering and isolation, yet also a time of deep reliance on God. The Psalm resonates with those who find themselves in "deserts" of various kinds: emotional, spiritual, or physical. David's intense longing for God—depicted through vivid imagery of thirst and hunger—is met with an even greater realization of God's steadfast love and provision.1 O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you; *
As we read this Psalm, we're invited to examine our own lives, asking ourselves how much we really thirst for God, and how we experience His sustaining love even in times of difficulty. David's words are not merely an expression of personal longing but also serve as a profound encouragement for us to seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, one that goes beyond the superficialities of ritual or religion.
my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you,
as in a barren and dry land where there is no water.
2 Therefore I have gazed upon you in your holy place, *
that I might behold your power and your glory.
3 For your loving-kindness is better than life itself; *
my lips shall give you praise.
4 So will I bless you as long as I live *
and lift up my hands in your Name.
5 My soul is content, as with marrow and fatness, *
and my mouth praises you with joyful lips,
6 When I remember you upon my bed, *
and meditate on you in the night watches.
7 For you have been my helper, *
and under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.
8 My soul clings to you; *
your right hand holds me fast.
Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today with a thirsty soul, as if I were in a desert with no water. My heart longs for You, O God, for You are the living water that quenches all thirst, the nourishment that my spirit so desperately seeks.
Just as the psalmist did in ancient days, I too yearn to see Your power and glory in my life. I want to witness the splendor of Your presence that far exceeds anything this world can offer. Open my eyes, Lord, so that I may see Your majesty in every circumstance, whether trials or triumphs.
Lord, I commit to praising You as long as I live. With uplifted hands and a joyful heart, I sing songs of gratitude and worship. You are the reason for my existence, the purpose of my being, and the joy of my soul.
I thank You, Lord, for Your unfailing love that is better than life itself. Your compassion fills my days, and Your grace sustains me through the darkest nights. Help me to remember that Your love is steadfast and that Your mercies are new every morning.
In my journey, I cling to You, Lord. When I feel weak, when I am overwhelmed, I know You are my rock and my fortress. Your strong right hand holds me up, shielding me from harm and guiding me on the path of righteousness.
Like a bird under the protective wings of its parent, I find refuge in You. I rest in the assurance that You are watching over me, that You are for me, and that nothing can separate me from Your love.
So, Father, as I go through this day and the days to come, let me ever be mindful of Your presence. Let my soul be satisfied in You, and let Your praise be continually upon my lips.
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.”
Numbers, the fourth book of the Torah (and the Old Testament), primarily chronicles the journey of the Israelites from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. This narrative showcases not only the physical journey but also the spiritual and moral developments of a nascent nation under God's guidance. Among the various episodes, Numbers 12 stands out as it addresses an important issue concerning leadership, sibling relationships, and divine selection.12 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. 2 “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the Lord heard this.
3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)
4 At once the Lord said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam, “Come out to the tent of meeting, all three of you.” So the three of them went out. 5 Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them stepped forward, 6 he said, “Listen to my words:
“When there is a prophet among you,9 The anger of the Lord burned against them, and he left them.
I, the Lord, reveal myself to them in visions,
I speak to them in dreams.
7 But this is not true of my servant Moses;
he is faithful in all my house.
8 With him I speak face to face,
clearly and not in riddles;
he sees the form of the Lord.
Why then were you not afraid
to speak against my servant Moses?”
Commentary
This passage raises several salient points:
1. Interracial Marriage: The initial conflict arises due to Moses' marriage to a Cushite woman. Cush often refers to regions south of Egypt, and this woman was likely of darker skin. By mentioning this, the scripture surfaces an ancient instance of prejudice that even leaders like Miriam and Aaron, who should have known better, were not immune from.
2. Prophetic Authority and Jealousy: Miriam and Aaron challenge the exclusive prophetic authority of Moses. Their query, "Hasn't he also spoken through us?", reflects a sense of envy and a desire for shared recognition. It's essential to understand the human dynamics at play—Moses, Aaron, and Miriam were siblings, and like many siblings, there were rivalries and tensions.
3. Divine Intervention: The sudden and direct intervention by God is notable. God does not delay in addressing the issue, calling the three to the tent of meeting.
4. The Unique Role of Moses: The passage underscores Moses' unparalleled position among God's prophets. While others may receive visions or dreams, Moses converses with God "face to face." This distinction reasserts Moses' unique role and the depth of his relationship with the divine.
5. Humility of Moses: Verse 3 highlights the humility of Moses, which serves as a stark contrast to the arrogance and presumption shown by Miriam and Aaron in questioning him.
6. Divine Rebuke: The section concludes with a stern rebuke from God, reinforcing the respect and reverence one should hold for divinely appointed leaders.
In essence, Numbers 12:1-9 challenges readers to reflect on issues of prejudice, the nature of divine leadership, and the perils of jealousy. Moreover, it serves as a testament to the special relationship between Moses and God and the responsibilities and burdens of leadership.
The Book of Revelation, the final book in the Christian Bible, is a work of profound theological vision, symbolism, and prophecy. Traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, this apocalyptic text aims to describe the end times, the final struggle between good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of God. Chapter 18 focuses on the downfall of Babylon, often interpreted as a symbol of oppressive or evil powers opposed to God and His people. Verses 18:21-24 serve as the climax to this chapter, describing the complete and final destruction of Babylon.21 Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said:
“With such violence
the great city of Babylon will be thrown down,
never to be found again.
22 The music of harpists and musicians, pipers and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again.
No worker of any trade
will ever be found in you again.
The sound of a millstone
will never be heard in you again.
23 The light of a lamp
will never shine in you again.
The voice of bridegroom and bride
will never be heard in you again.
Your merchants were the world’s important people.
By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.
24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people, of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.”
Commentary
In these verses, a mighty angel performs a symbolic act, throwing a large boulder into the sea, indicating the sudden and irrevocable destruction of Babylon. The fall is so absolute that nothing which once made the city vibrant and powerful will ever be experienced there again. The music, the commerce, the ordinary sounds of everyday life like that of a millstone grinding—everything will cease. It paints a vivid image of a desolate, abandoned city.
This passage also highlights the moral and spiritual corruption of Babylon. It notes that "by your magic spell all the nations were led astray," emphasizing that the city was not just a physical or political entity but a center of moral and spiritual decay. This city's merchants were considered the world's "important people," suggesting a system of values grossly distorted by materialism and power.
The final verse, 18:24, solemnly observes that in Babylon "was found the blood of prophets and of God's holy people." This serves as the ultimate indictment, pointing out that the city was not merely a passive embodiment of evil but an active persecutor of the righteous and the innocent. Babylon's downfall, therefore, serves both as an act of divine justice and a warning to all who would set themselves against God's purposes.
In a broader sense, this section of Revelation serves as an allegory for the fall of all systems, institutions, or powers that oppose God and exploit others. It is a cautionary tale that no matter how invincible such entities may seem, they are not beyond the reach of divine justice. It offers both a sober warning and a message of hope: warning to the wicked and hope to those who long for the establishment of divine justice and righteousness.
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 Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Thirsting for God Amidst Judgment and Jealousy
Psalm 63:1-8; Numbers 12:1-9; Revelation 18:21-24
The Scriptures are rich with stories and verses that showcase the complexity of the human heart, the justice of God, and the eternal need for spiritual fulfillment. Today's passages each present a unique facet of these overarching themes, connecting them in an intricate tapestry of divine wisdom. As we delve into these passages, let us examine how our own lives mirror these ancient texts. We'll explore the inherent human tendency to yearn for something greater, the pitfalls of jealousy and ego, and the eternal consequences of turning away from God. Together, these texts serve as a guide, cautioning us against the perils of spiritual neglect and urging us to continually thirst for a meaningful relationship with the Divine.
