The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Restoration and Hope in God's Faithfulness
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Zechariah 13:1-9; Revelation 14:6-13
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Advent 1)
Introduction
with Commentary
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Restoration and Hope in God's Faithfulness
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Zechariah 13:1-9; Revelation 14:6-13
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Advent 1)
Introduction
In the passages of Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Zechariah 13:1-9; and Revelation 14:6-13, we find a recurring theme of God's faithfulness and the hope and restoration that come through turning to Him in times of distress and apostasy. These scriptures paint a picture of a loving and merciful God who is eager to restore and protect His people, while also highlighting the consequences of turning away from Him. Through an exploration of these verses, we are reminded of the importance of repentance, faith, and steadfastness in God's promises as we navigate the challenges and tribulations of our own lives.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
We shall be saved
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
We shall be saved
Psalm 80 is a heartfelt plea to God for restoration and salvation, portraying a vivid image of God as the shepherd of Israel who has led His flock to trouble and now is beseeched to bring them back to safety. The psalmist employs the metaphor of a vineyard to illustrate Israel's plight, a once flourishing vine now ravaged and in need of the gardener's care. In this passage, the psalmist implores God to look down from heaven, behold the distress of His people, and come to their aid.1 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock. *
You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,
shine forth 2 before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.
Awaken your might; *
come and save us.
3 Restore us, O God; *
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.
4 How long, Lord God Almighty, *
will your anger smolder
against the prayers of your people?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tears; *
you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.
6 You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors, *
and our enemies mock us.
7 Restore us, God Almighty; *
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.
17 Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, *
the son of man you have raised up for yourself.
18 Then we will not turn away from you; *
revive us, and we will call on your name.
19 Restore us, Lord God Almighty; *
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.
Heavenly Father, as we read Psalm 80, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom to understand the depths of this plea for restoration. We see the psalmist's deep yearning for Your intervention, and we recognize that at times we too feel lost and in need of Your saving grace. Just as the psalmist calls out to You as the Shepherd of Israel, we call out to You as our Good Shepherd, asking for Your protective presence in our lives. Restore us, O Lord, and let Your face shine upon us that we may be saved.
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.”
The thirteenth chapter of the book of Zechariah is a profound passage that speaks to the purification and restoration of God's people. This passage is part of a larger section of Zechariah that deals with the coming of the Messiah and the transformation that His arrival will bring. The imagery and language used by the prophet are rich and deeply symbolic, reflecting the complex nature of God's redemptive work.13 1 “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.
2 “On that day, I will banish the names of the idols from the land, and they will be remembered no more,” declares the Lord Almighty. “I will remove both the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land. 3 And if anyone still prophesies, their father and mother, to whom they were born, will say to them, ‘You must die, because you have told lies in the Lord’s name.’ Then their own parents will stab the one who prophesies.
4 “On that day every prophet will be ashamed of their prophetic vision. They will not put on a prophet’s garment of hair in order to deceive. 5 Each will say, ‘I am not a prophet. I am a farmer; the land has been my livelihood since my youth.’ 6 If someone asks, ‘What are these wounds on your body?’ they will answer, ‘The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.’
7 “Awake, sword, against my shepherd,
against the man who is close to me!”
declares the Lord Almighty.
“Strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered,
and I will turn my hand against the little ones.
8 In the whole land,” declares the Lord,
“two-thirds will be struck down and perish;
yet one-third will be left in it.
9 This third I will put into the fire;
I will refine them like silver
and test them like gold.
They will call on my name
and I will answer them;
I will say, ‘They are my people,’
and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’”
Commentary
Verses 1-2 describe a fountain that will be opened to cleanse the people from sin and impurity. This imagery is powerful, depicting the cleansing power of God's forgiveness and the washing away of sin. The mention of a fountain is reminiscent of other biblical references to living water, which is often associated with the Holy Spirit and the new life that comes through faith in Christ.
Verses 3-6 speak to the removal of false prophets and idols from the land. This is a significant theme throughout the Old Testament, as false prophecy and idolatry were two major issues that plagued the people of Israel. In these verses, Zechariah foretells a time when God will purify the land from these false influences, and the people will recognize and reject them.
Verses 7-9 continue the theme of purification, but the focus shifts from the external elements of false prophecy and idolatry to the internal refining of God's people. The imagery of a shepherd being struck and the sheep being scattered is a powerful depiction of the cost of purification. This passage is often seen as a prophetic foreshadowing of the death of Christ and the scattering of His followers. The subsequent promise that a remnant will be saved and refined through the fire is a testament to God's faithfulness and the ultimate victory of good over evil.
In conclusion, Zechariah 13:1-9 is a rich and complex passage that speaks to the theme of purification and restoration. Through powerful imagery and symbolism, Zechariah foretells the coming of the Messiah and the transformative work that His arrival will bring. The passage reminds us of the depth of God's love and the lengths He will go to cleanse and restore His people.
The Book of Revelation, the final book of the Christian Bible, is known for its vivid imagery, symbolic language, and prophecies about the end times. Within this context, Revelation 14:6-13 provides a glimpse into the eschatological events that would unfold, with a particular focus on the proclamation of three angels. This passage is pivotal in conveying the urgency and severity of God's impending judgment, while also offering hope to the righteous.14 6 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
8 A second angel followed and said, “‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great,’ which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries.”
9 A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, 10 they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” 12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.
13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”
Commentary
Verses 6-7: Here, the first angel carries a message of global significance, emphasizing the universality of the gospel. The angel's proclamation serves as both a call to worship and a warning: all peoples, regardless of background or language, are to acknowledge the sovereignty of God, especially as the time of His judgment approaches. The mention of God as the Creator further roots this message in the foundational belief that He holds authority over all creation.
Verse 8: The second angel announces the fall of Babylon the Great, a symbolic representation of human systems, empires, and powers that oppose God and lead others astray. The imagery of maddening wine signifies the seductive allure and corruption of such worldly systems that intoxicate and ensnare people.
Verses 9-11: These verses detail the grave consequences awaiting those who ally themselves with the beast, a prominent figure in Revelation symbolizing antichristian forces. The eternal torment described is a stark contrast to the salvation offered to those who remain faithful to God. This passage underscores the seriousness of choices made in the end times.
Verse 12: In the midst of daunting prophecies, this verse serves as an encouragement for believers to persevere in faith and obedience, even when faced with adversity.
Verse 13: In a comforting reassurance, the faithful are reminded of their eternal reward. Even in death, there is hope for those who die in the Lord, as they will find rest and their righteous deeds will be recognized in eternity.
In conclusion, Revelation 14:6-13 offers a balanced portrayal of judgment and grace, underscoring the importance of steadfast faith in tumultuous times and the ultimate hope that awaits the faithful in the presence of the Lord.
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 B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 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 Thursday, November 30, 2023
Restoration and Hope in God's Faithfulness
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Zechariah 13:1-9; Revelation 14:6-13
In the passages of today's readings, we find a recurring theme of God's faithfulness and the hope and restoration that come through turning to Him in times of distress and apostasy. These scriptures paint a picture of a loving and merciful God who is eager to restore and protect His people, while also highlighting the consequences of turning away from Him. Through an exploration of these verses, we are reminded of the importance of repentance, faith, and steadfastness in God's promises as we navigate the challenges and tribulations of our own lives.
