The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Wednesday, November 8, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Divine Authority: Blessings, Miracles,

and Traditions

Psalm 128; Joshua 10:12-14; Matthew 15:1-9
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Introduction

The scriptures unfold the majesty and authority of the Divine in varied dimensions. Psalm 128 paints a vivid picture of the blessings that befall those who walk in fear of the Lord. From the familial to the societal, the rewards of faithfulness reach every corner of a believer's life. In Joshua 10:12-14, we witness an unparalleled miracle, the sun standing still, showcasing God's supreme power over creation to aid His people. Yet, the authority of God isn't just in blessings and miracles but also in the true understanding of His commands. Matthew 15:1-9 challenges traditions and rituals that might deviate from the heart of God's word. When human teachings overshadow divine commandments, the authenticity of worship is lost. Through these passages, we are invited to reflect upon the omnipotent authority of God in blessing, in miracles, and in true worship, urging us to align our lives in genuine reverence and understanding of His Word.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 128
It shall be well with you

Psalm 128 serves as a reflection on the profound blessings that come from following the Lord's ways. It beautifully intertwines the themes of reverence for God with the tangible rewards of leading a righteous life. Rooted in the imagery of family and agriculture, it portrays a vivid image of prosperity and contentment, which transcends material wealth, and delves into the spiritual and emotional abundance that comes from being in harmony with God. As we read and meditate upon this Psalm, may we be reminded of the eternal blessings that stem from a life anchored in faith and righteousness.

1 Blessed are all who fear the Lord, *
        who walk in obedience to him.

2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; *
        blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
        within your house; *
    your children will be like olive shoots
        around your table.

4 Yes, this will be the blessing *
        for the man who fears the Lord.

5 May the Lord bless you from Zion; *
        may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
            all the days of your life.

6 May you live to see your children’s children— *
        peace be on Israel.

Gracious and Loving God, You are the source of all blessings, the wellspring of life, and the keeper of promises.

Blessed are those who walk in Your ways, who find their strength and purpose in You. May we always seek to honor You in all that we do, and in doing so, find true fulfillment.

Lord, as the vine produces fruit and as the olive tree spreads its branches, may our homes and families flourish under Your care. Let our children be like tender shoots, nurtured by Your love, growing upright in Your light.

Guide us, O Lord, in our daily endeavors, so that our efforts may prosper, and the fruits of our labor be a testament to Your grace.

May the love we share within our households be a reflection of Your eternal love, and may the peace we find at home echo the serenity of Your kingdom.

We ask for Your guidance, to always remain rooted in Your teachings. And as we strive to lead righteous lives, bless us with Your unfailing presence.

Keep our feet on the path of righteousness, and let Your blessings overflow in our lives, so that we may be a blessing to others.

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.”

Joshua 10:12-14
Sun and moon stand still

The book of Joshua, in the Old Testament, chronicles the Israelite conquests under the leadership of Joshua after the death of Moses. One of the most remarkable events in this book is described in Joshua 10:12-14, where Joshua asks the Lord to cause the sun and the moon to stand still so that the Israelites can continue fighting and achieve victory over their enemies. This event stands out not only as a miracle but also as an example of God's intervention in human history to aid His chosen people.

10 12 On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel:

    “Sun, stand still over Gibeon,
        and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.”
13     So the sun stood still,
        and the moon stopped,
        till the nation avenged itself on its enemies,

as it is written in the Book of Jashar.

The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!

Commentary

In this passage, Joshua, through divine inspiration, calls upon the sun and the moon to stand still, thereby prolonging the day. This was done to ensure that the Israelites had enough daylight to defeat the Amorites. The fact that the sun and moon obeyed Joshua's command demonstrates God's supreme power over creation and His commitment to the Israelites.

The mention of the Book of Jashar suggests that this event was so significant that it was recorded in other historical annals of the time. The Book of Jashar is referenced elsewhere in the Old Testament but is not a part of the biblical canon. It provides extra-biblical evidence that this miraculous event was recognized and remembered beyond the immediate context of the Israelites.

The closing verse (verse 14) underscores the uniqueness of this event. Not only is the physical miracle of the sun and moon standing still emphasized, but also the relational aspect between God and humans. The text says, "There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being." This serves as a powerful reminder that God was, and is, intimately involved in the affairs of His people, willing to intervene in miraculous ways when His purposes align with their righteous requests.

Throughout biblical history, God has shown His power and love for His people. This passage in Joshua is a vivid representation of that—a reminder that when God is on our side, even the seemingly impossible becomes possible.

Matthew 15:1-9
Lips that misrepresent the heart

Matthew 15:1-9 offers a rich tapestry of insight into the nature of true piety and Jesus' critique of religious hypocrisy. Set against the backdrop of an ever-escalating tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of His day, this passage delves into the distinction between human traditions and God's commandments. By examining this text, readers are invited to reflect upon the nature of true devotion to God and the pitfalls of elevating human traditions above divine mandates.

15 1 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!”

3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ 5 But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ 6 they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:

8     “‘These people honor me with their lips,
        but their hearts are far from me.
9     They worship me in vain;
        their teachings are merely human rules.’”

Commentary

In this passage, we see the Pharisees and teachers of the law—representatives of the religious elite—confronting Jesus over an issue of ritual purity. The disciples' failure to wash their hands before eating wasn't a matter of hygiene, but rather a breach of the traditional ceremonial laws that these leaders held dear.

Jesus' response, however, redirects their criticism back to them by highlighting a more profound transgression. He addresses a practice where individuals could declare their resources as devoted to God (often referred to as Corban), thus sidestepping their responsibility to financially support their parents. In doing so, they were effectively overriding the commandment to Honor your father and mother, one of the Ten Commandments, all for the sake of upholding human-made traditions.

Jesus then uses a quote from the prophet Isaiah to critique their shallow outward religiosity. The prophet's words underscore a significant theme throughout the Bible: God values genuine heart devotion over mere ritualistic or external observance.

For readers today, this passage serves as a powerful reminder. While traditions can offer meaningful expressions of faith, they should never supplant or obscure the deeper and more foundational truths of God's Word. True worship requires a heart fully devoted to God, rather than a mere adherence to human-imposed regulations or customs.

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. Commentaries are by 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 Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Divine Authority: Blessings, Miracles, and Traditions
Psalm 128; Joshua 10:12-14; Matthew 15:1-9
The scriptures unfold the majesty and authority of the Divine in varied dimensions. Psalm 128 paints a vivid picture of the blessings that befall those who walk in fear of the Lord. From the familial to the societal, the rewards of faithfulness reach every corner of a believer's life. In Joshua 10:12-14, we witness an unparalleled miracle, the sun standing still, showcasing God's supreme power over creation to aid His people. Yet, the authority of God isn't just in blessings and miracles but also in the true understanding of His commands. Matthew 15:1-9 challenges traditions and rituals that might deviate from the heart of God's word. When human teachings overshadow divine commandments, the authenticity of worship is lost. Through these passages, we are invited to reflect upon the omnipotent authority of God in blessing, in miracles, and in true worship, urging us to align our lives in genuine reverence and understanding of His Word.

The Morning Prayer for Wednesday, November 8, 2023

 

The Morning Prayer
Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
John 5:24 (NIV)

Gracious and Eternal Father, we arise this day with gratitude in our hearts, drawing inspiration from Your word in John 5:24. Thank you for the assurance that when we truly listen to Your voice and believe in Him who sent You, we are granted eternal life. Let us not fall into judgment, but instead be uplifted from death to life.

May this new day serve as a reminder of Your unwavering promise, O Lord. As the sun breaks forth, breaking the darkness of night, may Your light break forth in our lives, dispelling our doubts and fears.

Guide our steps, O Merciful One, that we might walk in the truth of Your word, conscious of the life You have promised. Strengthen our faith, and help us to trust, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.

Open our ears to Your gentle whisper throughout this day. Help us to discern Your voice amidst the cacophony of the world, so that we might always remain in Your eternal embrace.

Let our actions, words, and thoughts reflect the transformative power of Your love and grace. As we interact with others, may we be instruments of Your peace, conduits of Your truth, and reflections of Your love.

Thank you for the hope and assurance that, in You, death is not the end, but a doorway to everlasting life. Encourage our hearts to remain steadfast, knowing that in You, every moment is infused with purpose, and every challenge can be overcome.

In the powerful name of Jesus, our Savior, we pray, Amen.

May this prayer inspire and uplift you as you start your day.

Verse of the Day for Wednesday, November 8, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Joshua 24:15

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Joshua 24:15 is a climax of a call to commitment that Joshua gives to the Israelites. This verse is often cited for its profound implications about personal and family decision-making regarding faith and devotion.

1. Freedom of Choice: Joshua does not impose faith on anyone. He acknowledges the Israelites’ freedom to choose their allegiance. This recognizes human agency in spiritual matters, underlining the idea that genuine faith cannot be forced but must be a personal decision.

2. Historical Context: Joshua references the gods that their ancestors served beyond the Euphrates and the gods of the Amorites. The Israelites had a history of being influenced by the surrounding nations and their deities. By stating this, Joshua is challenging them to make a conscious choice about their devotion, rather than passively inheriting or adopting the gods of surrounding cultures.

3. Personal Conviction: After presenting the Israelites with a choice, Joshua reveals his own choice: "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." This declaration demonstrates Joshua's personal conviction and the priority he gives to his faith. It's a bold, personal stance, serving as a model for individual and family dedication to God.

4. Community and Family: The statement "as for me and my household" emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership within the family unit. Joshua’s declaration indicates that spiritual decisions have a broader impact, influencing not only individuals but also their families and communities.

In conclusion, Joshua 24:15 is a call to intentional faith, challenging the Israelites to actively decide whom they will serve. It underscores the significance of personal conviction, the importance of family in spiritual matters, and the need for clear choices amidst competing loyalties. This verse continues to resonate today, reminding individuals of the importance of making clear and conscious decisions about their beliefs and values.

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Joshua 24:15, set against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in Israel's history, resonates with the theme of choice and commitment. As Joshua, the successor to Moses, nears the end of his life, he gathers the tribes of Israel at Shechem—a site rich with ancestral significance. Here, he issues a profound challenge that transcends time: to choose whom they will serve. Drawing a line in the sand, Joshua declares his own loyalty with the resolute words, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." This declaration is not merely personal but serves as a clarion call for every generation, urging a deliberate decision in the face of life's crossroads and the competing allegiances of the world. The verse encapsulates the essence of faith's journey, echoing the constant invitation to choose a life aligned with the divine.

The Daily Devotional for Wednesday, November 8, 2023: The Shepherd's Call

 

The Daily Devotional
Wednesday, November 8, 2023

The Shepherd's Call

His sheep follow him because they know his voice.
John 10:4 (NIV)

As a child amidst the sun-kissed sprawl of California, I reveled in the endless afternoons of adventure alongside my childhood companion. Our days were a tapestry woven with explorations into the embrace of the woods, the freedom of our bike rides, and the simple joy of a ball game—pure, unbridled boyhood pursuits. Yet, amidst the laughter and the din of play, there was a sound that held a power beyond the others—the crisp, piercing whistle from my father. It cut through the breeze and the background noise with an authority that beckoned me without fail. In an instant, my activities would halt, and I'd set off towards home. That call was unmistakable, an audible beacon that I was being summoned by the man I looked up to. Years have rolled on, turning into decades, yet that distinctive whistle remains etched in my memory, a timeless echo I would know anywhere.

In the stillness of our lives, amidst the myriad of voices that call out to us—the beckoning of responsibilities, the clamor of the world's expectations, and the whispers of our own doubts—there exists a voice that rises above all others. It is the voice of the Shepherd, the one who knows us by name, who calls us out into the pasture of life where He has promised to lead us.

Jesus presented Himself to His followers with a pastoral metaphor, identifying Himself as the Shepherd, and His followers as His flock. “The sheep hear his voice," He explained. "He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3). Amidst an era cluttered with the voices of various leaders and teachers, each vying for dominance and attempting to lead Christ’s disciples astray, He affirmed the unique clarity and kindness in His call. Despite the cacophony of competing claims, His voice remained a distinct signal of authentic love and guidance. “His sheep follow him,” He assured, “because they recognize His voice” (v. 4).

The imagery of the Shepherd and the sheep in John 10:4 invites us into a relationship built on trust and recognition. To follow the Shepherd, we must first recognize His voice. This requires an intimate knowledge of who He is, which can only come from time spent in His presence, through prayer, through the Word, and through the quiet contemplation of His character.

The Shepherd's voice is not one of coercion or manipulation; it is the voice of steadfast love and tender care. He calls us out, not to abandon us to the wilds, but to lead us to places of nourishment and rest. He knows the paths that we must take, often before we even perceive the need to move. His foresight is our guidance, His concern our reassurance.

Consider the sheep, simple and wholly dependent on their shepherd. They do not question the direction of his call; they trust in his provision. Their relationship is one of mutual understanding—the shepherd commits to guide and protect, and the sheep commit to listen and follow.

In our spiritual walk, we are called to emulate this trust. The world can be a tumultuous place, with danger and uncertainty at every turn. Yet, the Shepherd goes on ahead of us. He does not push us from behind into the unknown; He leads from the front, facing the perils before we ever encounter them. In His leadership, there is wisdom; in His path, there is safety.

But to follow Him, we must be familiar with His voice. This is not a one-time introduction, but a lifelong journey of discernment and devotion. The world's voice is loud and its language is appealing, often cloaked in the garb of immediate gratification and easy solutions. But the Shepherd's voice is different—it is peace in chaos, truth in deception, and love in indifference.

Today, let us take a moment to silence the other voices. Let us tune our ears to the frequency of the divine, to the sound of our Shepherd calling us forward. As we learn to distinguish His voice, we grow in the confidence that He will lead us to the green pastures and still waters promised to us in the psalms. We will walk through valleys and climb mountains, but we will not fear, for we are not alone.

The Shepherd is calling. Do you recognize His voice? Will you follow?

As you reflect on this devotional, may you find comfort and strength in the knowledge that our Shepherd is always leading the way, and that His voice is constant and true. May your heart be attuned to His call, and your steps be firm in His path. Amen.