The Daily Lectionary with Commentary
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Legacy of Faith: From Remembrance
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Legacy of Faith: From Remembrance
to Renewal
Psalm 78; Nehemiah 8:1-12; 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
Psalm 78; Nehemiah 8:1-12; 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
The Scriptures often act as a mirror, reflecting both the undying faithfulness of God and the ebb and flow of human commitment. Psalm 78 lays bare the rollercoaster of Israel's history, underlining God's mercies and humanity's frequent forgetfulness. Then, Nehemiah 8:1-12 transports us to a solemn assembly, where the returned exiles are confronted with the weight of God's Word, prompting both mourning and jubilation. In 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13, the lens narrows to the personal, capturing Paul's heartfelt joy at the Thessalonians' steadfast faith amidst trials. Together, these passages craft a message of the legacy we inherit, the importance of remembrance, and the continual call to renewal in our relationship with the Divine.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 78
God settled the tribes of Israel
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 78
God settled the tribes of Israel
Psalm 78, a Maskil of Asaph, is one of the lengthiest psalms in the Book of Psalms. This psalm serves as a reminder of God's continual faithfulness to Israel throughout their history, even in the face of their repeated unfaithfulness to Him. As a didactic poem, it underlines the importance of passing down the knowledge of God's deeds from one generation to the next. Through a recounting of the wonders, miracles, and judgments that the Lord performed for Israel, this psalm emphasizes the necessity of trust and obedience in our relationship with God. Let it be a call for us, as readers, to not only remember the past but to also be vigilant in teaching future generations about God's steadfast love and righteousness.1 My people, hear my teaching; *
listen to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth with a parable; *
I will utter hidden things, things from of old—
3 Things we have heard and known, *
things our ancestors have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their descendants;
we will tell the next generation *
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
his power, and the wonders he has done.
5 He decreed statutes for Jacob
and established the law in Israel, *
which he commanded our ancestors
to teach their children,
6 So the next generation would know them,
even the children yet to be born, *
and they in turn would tell their children.
7 Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds *
but would keep his commands.
8 They would not be like their ancestors—
a stubborn and rebellious generation, *
whose hearts were not loyal to God,
whose spirits were not faithful to him.
9 The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows, *
turned back on the day of battle;
10 They did not keep God’s covenant *
and refused to live by his law.
11 They forgot what he had done, *
the wonders he had shown them.
12 He did miracles in the sight of their ancestors *
in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan.
13 He divided the sea and led them through; *
he made the water stand up like a wall.
14 He guided them with the cloud by day *
and with light from the fire all night.
15 He split the rocks in the wilderness *
and gave them water as abundant as the seas;
16 He brought streams out of a rocky crag *
and made water flow down like rivers.
17 But they continued to sin against him, *
rebelling in the wilderness against the Most High.
18 They willfully put God to the test *
by demanding the food they craved.
19 They spoke against God; *
they said, “Can God really
spread a table in the wilderness?
20 True, he struck the rock,
and water gushed out,
streams flowed abundantly, *
but can he also give us bread?
Can he supply meat for his people?”
21 When the Lord heard them, he was furious; *
his fire broke out against Jacob,
and his wrath rose against Israel,
22 For they did not believe in God *
or trust in his deliverance.
23 Yet he gave a command to the skies above *
and opened the doors of the heavens;
24 He rained down manna for the people to eat, *
he gave them the grain of heaven.
25 Human beings ate the bread of angels; *
he sent them all the food they could eat.
26 He let loose the east wind from the heavens *
and by his power made the south wind blow.
27 He rained meat down on them like dust, *
birds like sand on the seashore.
28 He made them come down inside their camp, *
all around their tents.
29 They ate till they were gorged— *
he had given them what they craved.
30 But before they turned from what they craved, *
even while the food was still in their mouths,
31 God’s anger rose against them; *
he put to death the sturdiest among them,
cutting down the young men of Israel.
32 In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; *
in spite of his wonders, they did not believe.
33 So he ended their days in futility *
and their years in terror.
34 Whenever God slew them, they would seek him; *
they eagerly turned to him again.
35 They remembered that God was their Rock, *
that God Most High was their Redeemer.
36 But then they would flatter him with their mouths, *
lying to him with their tongues;
37 Their hearts were not loyal to him, *
they were not faithful to his covenant.
38 Yet he was merciful; *
he forgave their iniquities
and did not destroy them.
Time after time he restrained his anger *
and did not stir up his full wrath.
39 He remembered that they were but flesh, *
a passing breeze that does not return.
40 How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness *
and grieved him in the wasteland!
41 Again and again they put God to the test; *
they vexed the Holy One of Israel.
42 They did not remember his power— *
the day he redeemed them from the oppressor,
43 The day he displayed his signs in Egypt, *
his wonders in the region of Zoan.
44 He turned their river into blood; *
they could not drink from their streams.
45 He sent swarms of flies that devoured them, *
and frogs that devastated them.
46 He gave their crops to the grasshopper, *
their produce to the locust.
47 He destroyed their vines with hail *
and their sycamore-figs with sleet.
48 He gave over their cattle to the hail, *
their livestock to bolts of lightning.
49 He unleashed against them his hot anger, *
his wrath, indignation and hostility—
a band of destroying angels.
50 He prepared a path for his anger; *
he did not spare them from death
but gave them over to the plague.
51 He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, *
the firstfruits of manhood in the tents of Ham.
52 But he brought his people out like a flock; *
he led them like sheep through the wilderness.
53 He guided them safely, so they were unafraid; *
but the sea engulfed their enemies.
54 And so he brought them to the border of his holy land, *
to the hill country his right hand had taken.
55 He drove out nations before them
and allotted their lands to them as an inheritance; *
he settled the tribes of Israel in their homes.
56 But they put God to the test
and rebelled against the Most High; *
they did not keep his statutes.
57 Like their ancestors they were disloyal and faithless, *
as unreliable as a faulty bow.
58 They angered him with their high places; *
they aroused his jealousy with their idols.
59 When God heard them, he was furious; *
he rejected Israel completely.
60 He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh, *
the tent he had set up among humans.
61 He sent the ark of his might into captivity, *
his splendor into the hands of the enemy.
62 He gave his people over to the sword; *
he was furious with his inheritance.
63 Fire consumed their young men, *
and their young women had no wedding songs;
64 Their priests were put to the sword, *
and their widows could not weep.
65 Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, *
as a warrior wakes from the stupor of wine.
66 He beat back his enemies; *
he put them to everlasting shame.
67 Then he rejected the tents of Joseph, *
he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim;
68 But he chose the tribe of Judah, *
Mount Zion, which he loved.
69 He built his sanctuary like the heights, *
like the earth that he established forever.
70 He chose David his servant *
and took him from the sheep pens;
71 From tending the sheep he brought him
to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, *
of Israel his inheritance.
72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; *
with skillful hands he led them.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging the lessons from our past and Your unfailing love throughout our history. As recounted in Psalm 78, we remember the times we have forgotten Your deeds, doubted Your power, and strayed from Your path. We confess our own tendencies to forget Your mercies and to question Your purposes.
Teach us, Lord, to heed the stories of old, to share them with our children, so that the next generation might know of Your mighty acts and steadfast love. Let them set their hope in You, not forget Your works, but keep Your commandments.
We pray for wisdom to remember the lessons of our forebears, that we might not repeat the same mistakes. Strengthen our faith so that when we face trials, we recall the miracles and wonders You've performed in our lives and in the lives of those before us.
Thank You for Your patience, for Your constant guidance even when we waver, and for Your redeeming love that always seeks us out, even when we stray.
May we remain faithful, always celebrating Your mighty works, and passing on the tales of Your goodness to future generations.
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.”
Nehemiah 8:1-12, found in the Old Testament of the Bible, is a pivotal passage detailing a significant event in the post-exilic period of the Israelites. After their return from Babylonian exile, the Israelites sought to re-establish their identity, faith, and devotion to God. This passage highlights the power of God’s Word, the communal response to it, and the joy that stems from understanding and applying it. Ezra the scribe, with the support of Nehemiah the governor, plays a central role in this spiritual revival.8 1 all the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel.
2 So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. 3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
4 Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.
5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. 6 Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
7 The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.
9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”
12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.
Commentary
Verse 1: This verse emphasizes unity. The people come together as one, showcasing their collective yearning for God’s Word and their communal commitment to restoration.
Verses 2-3: The reading of the Law is no brief event; it lasts for hours, underlining its significance and the people’s thirst for divine guidance.
Verse 4: The construction of a high platform and the presence of other leaders alongside Ezra highlight the gravity of the event and its importance to the community.
Verse 5-6: The reverence the people show towards the Word is evident. Their standing as Ezra opens the book and their unified response of worship showcase a deep respect and hunger for God's Word.
Verse 7: The Levites assist in the process of teaching, ensuring the Word is accessible and clear to everyone present.
Verse 8: It’s not just about reading the Law; it's also about understanding it. The Levites provided explanations, making the scripture relevant and comprehensible.
Verse 9: The communal response is emotional. The profound impact of God's Word on the hearts of the people leads to mourning, likely due to their recognition of past failures in contrast to God's standards.
Verses 10-11: Both Nehemiah and the Levites encourage the people to embrace joy over mourning. They are reminded that understanding and living by the Law isn't just about recognizing one's shortcomings, but also about celebrating God's graciousness and the joy that accompanies obedience to Him.
Verse 12: This verse conveys a powerful image of celebration
The First Epistle to the Thessalonians, often referred to simply as First Thessalonians, is a letter from the Apostle Paul (and Silvanus/Silas) to the Christian church in Thessalonica. This epistle was written approximately A.D. 50–52, making it one of Paul's earliest letters. The Thessalonian church was young, having been founded by Paul on one of his missionary journeys. Despite its youth, this church was enduring persecution, and Paul wrote this letter to encourage, to exhort, and to assure them of the legitimacy of their faith in Christ.3 6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
In 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Paul expresses his relief upon receiving a good report about the faith and love of the Thessalonians despite their trials, his longing to see them, and his prayer for their continued growth in love and holiness.
11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Commentary
Verses 6-7: Paul had sent Timothy to the Thessalonians to strengthen and encourage them in their faith. Upon Timothy's return, Paul was overjoyed to hear about the steadfastness of the Thessalonians' faith and love, especially in the face of persecution. This good report was a source of comfort and encouragement for Paul, showing the reciprocal relationship of care between the apostle and the community.
Verse 8: The steadfast faith of the Thessalonians was a source of life for Paul. It validated his ministry and demonstrated the power of the gospel in transforming lives, even in the midst of trials.
Verses 9-10: Overflowing with joy and gratitude, Paul and his companions continually give thanks for the Thessalonians, recognizing the work of God in their midst. Their constant prayer is to be reunited and to further assist in the Thessalonians' spiritual growth.
Verse 11: Paul's prayer reflects his deep desire to return to Thessalonica. He entrusts the fulfillment of this desire to both God the Father and the Lord Jesus, underscoring the unity of their mission and will.
Verse 12: Love is a central theme in Paul's writings. Here, he prays for an increase of love among the Thessalonians—not just for each other but for all. The transformative power of Christ-like love is emphasized, a love that Paul himself models.
Verse 13: The eschatological hope, or hope focused on the end times, is highlighted as Paul prays for the Thessalonians to be strengthened in holiness. He looks forward to the return of Christ, praying that they might stand blameless at that time. The mention of "all his holy ones" can refer to angels or to the community of believers who will accompany Jesus upon His return.
Overall, this passage beautifully encapsulates the mutual love and concern between Paul and the Thessalonian believers, set against the backdrop of eschatological hope and the power of steadfast faith amidst trials.
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 Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Legacy of Faith: From Remembrance to Renewal
Psalm 78; Nehemiah 8:1-12; 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
The Scriptures often act as a mirror, reflecting both the undying faithfulness of God and the ebb and flow of human commitment. Psalm 78 lays bare the rollercoaster of Israel's history, underlining God's mercies and humanity's frequent forgetfulness. Then, Nehemiah 8:1-12 transports us to a solemn assembly, where the returned exiles are confronted with the weight of God's Word, prompting both mourning and jubilation. In 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13, the lens narrows to the personal, capturing Paul's heartfelt joy at the Thessalonians' steadfast faith amidst trials. Together, these passages craft a message of the legacy we inherit, the importance of remembrance, and the continual call to renewal in our relationship with the Divine.
