The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Friday, November 24, 2023
A Call to Worship and the Everlasting Hope
Friday, November 24, 2023
A Call to Worship and the Everlasting Hope
in God's Eternal Kingdom
Psalm 100; Isaiah 40:1-11; Revelation 22:1-9
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
Psalm 100; Isaiah 40:1-11; Revelation 22:1-9
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)
Introduction
The sacred scriptures of Psalm 100, Isaiah 40:1-11, and Revelation 22:1-9, each originating from distinct contexts and eras, weave together a compelling tapestry that underscores the importance of worship and the enduring hope offered by God's eternal kingdom. These passages, like varied threads, intertwine to create a harmonious message that encourages believers to rejoice, trust in God's sovereign power, and anticipate the divine promises that await in His everlasting realm. In this exploration, we will delve into the depths of these scriptures, seeking to uncover the ways in which they call us to celebrate God's majesty, find comfort in His enduring promises, and look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of His divine kingdom.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 100
We are the people of God’s pasture
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 100
We are the people of God’s pasture
Psalm 100 is one of the most cherished and recognized psalms in the entire Psalter. Often referred to as a "Psalm of Praise," it invites all of the Earth to come before the Lord with joy and thanksgiving. With its short span of only five verses, it is concise, yet its message resonates deeply with profound simplicity. Echoing the thematic essence of worship, the psalm serves as a universal call for all peoples to recognize the sovereignty of God, and to approach Him with a heart full of gladness.1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness; *
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his; *
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise; *
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; *
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Heavenly Father, we come before you with joy and thanksgiving, praising your holy name. You are our Creator, our Shepherd, and our guide. We are your people, the sheep of your pasture, and we gratefully acknowledge your love and care for us.
Lord, as we enter your gates and come into your presence, we bring our songs of praise and our hearts full of gratitude. We thank you for your goodness, your steadfast love, and your faithfulness that stretches from generation to generation.
Help us, O Lord, to live lives that honor and glorify you. May our words and actions be a testament to your love and grace. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may serve you faithfully and share your love with those around us.
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.”
Isaiah 40:1-11 is a passage that marks a significant shift in the book of Isaiah. The first 39 chapters of Isaiah primarily deal with judgments and warnings to Israel and the surrounding nations. However, beginning in chapter 40, the tone shifts to one of comfort and hope as God promises restoration and salvation to His people. This passage is often referred to as the "Book of Comfort," and it is a beautiful and poetic depiction of God's love, compassion, and faithfulness.40 1 Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
6 A voice says, “Cry out.”
And I said, “What shall I cry?”
“All people are like grass,
and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.
7 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
because the breath of the Lord blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever.”
9 You who bring good news to Zion,
go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good news to Jerusalem,
lift up your voice with a shout,
lift it up, do not be afraid;
say to the towns of Judah,
“Here is your God!”
10 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
Commentary
In this passage, the voice of God brings comfort to His people, promising them that their time of hardship and punishment is over. The imagery of preparing a highway in the desert for the Lord is symbolic of the need to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. This is a call for repentance and making way for the presence of God in our lives.
Verses 6-8 remind us of the temporary nature of human life and our accomplishments. Just like grass and flowers that wither and fall, our lives are fleeting. However, the word of God is eternal and stands forever.
Verses 9-11 depict a powerful image of God as both a mighty ruler and a loving shepherd. He comes with power and rewards, but He also tends to His flock with gentle care, just as a shepherd gathers his lambs and carries them close to his heart. This is a beautiful depiction of the dual nature of God as both just and merciful, powerful yet compassionate.
In summary, Isaiah 40:1-11 is a passage that offers hope and comfort to God's people. It reminds us of God's faithfulness, His love for us, and His promise to restore and save those who turn to Him. It calls us to prepare our hearts for the presence of God, to remember the eternal nature of His word, and to find comfort in His love and care for us.
Revelation 22:1-9 is a powerful and vivid depiction of the new Jerusalem, a place where the divine and the human meet in perfect harmony. It is the culmination of the grand vision given to John, describing a place of purity, healing, and direct communion with God and the Lamb. This passage gives us a glimpse into the fullness of God's kingdom, highlighting the blessings and rewards that await those who faithfully follow Him.22 1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
6 The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.”
7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. 9 But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!”
Commentary
Verses 1-2 — The River and the Tree of Life: The river of the water of life represents the abundance and richness of God's blessings, flowing from His throne and filling the city. The tree of life, with its twelve crops of fruit and leaves that heal the nations, symbolizes the restoration and healing that God brings to His people.
Verse 3 — The Removal of the Curse: The absence of the curse is a significant statement that reflects the complete restoration of God's creation. The presence of God and the Lamb in the city and the service of His servants signify the perfect relationship between God and humanity in this new kingdom.
Verses 4-5 — The Vision of God: Seeing God's face and having His name on their foreheads is a powerful image of intimacy and identity, showing that God's people are marked as His own. The absence of night and the perpetual light of God emphasize the eternal and unchanging nature of His kingdom.
Verses 6-7 — The Trustworthiness of the Vision: The angel's declaration that the words are trustworthy and true, along with the admonition to keep the words of the prophecy, reinforces the importance and reliability of the vision.
Verses 8-9 — The Call to Worship God Alone: John's reaction to worship the angel, and the angel's refusal, emphasizes the importance of directing all worship to God alone, as He is the only one worthy of such honor.
In conclusion, Revelation 22:1-9 provides a beautiful and hope-filled picture of the new Jerusalem, highlighting the blessings that await those who follow God faithfully. It serves as a reminder of the importance of worshiping God alone and holding fast to the truth of His Word.
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 Friday, November 24, 2023
A Call to Worship and the Everlasting Hope in God's Eternal Kingdom
Psalm 100; Isaiah 40:1-11; Revelation 22:1-9
The sacred scriptures of Psalm 100, Isaiah 40:1-11, and Revelation 22:1-9, each originating from distinct contexts and eras, weave together a compelling tapestry that underscores the importance of worship and the enduring hope offered by God's eternal kingdom. These passages, like varied threads, intertwine to create a harmonious message that encourages believers to rejoice, trust in God's sovereign power, and anticipate the divine promises that await in His everlasting realm. In this exploration, we will delve into the depths of these scriptures, seeking to uncover the ways in which they call us to celebrate God's majesty, find comfort in His enduring promises, and look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of His divine kingdom.
