The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Hope Amidst Desolation:
with Commentary
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Hope Amidst Desolation:
God's Faithful Promise
Psalm 79; Micah 5:1-5a; Luke 21:34-38
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Advent 1)
Introduction
Psalm 79; Micah 5:1-5a; Luke 21:34-38
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Advent 1)
Introduction
In the tapestry of biblical narratives and prophecies, certain themes shine with unparalleled brilliance. One such theme is the tension between devastation and the assurance of divine redemption. Psalm 79 captures the anguish of a people whose temple and city are defiled, bearing witness to a heart-rending plea for deliverance. Micah 5:1-5a, meanwhile, speaks prophetically of a ruler from Bethlehem, a beacon of hope, who will shepherd God's people in strength and security. Luke 21:34-38 offers a cautionary note, urging vigilance and preparedness for the return of the Son of Man. Together, these passages remind us of the transient nature of earthly suffering, the steadfastness of God's promises, and the imperative of watchfulness in anticipation of the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 79
A Cry for Redemption Amidst Ruins
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 79
A Cry for Redemption Amidst Ruins
Psalm 79 is a communal lament that captures the raw emotion and deep anguish of the Israelites as they find themselves in the midst of devastation and disgrace. The holy city, Jerusalem, lies in ruins, the temple is destroyed, and the people are in exile. In the midst of this darkness, the psalmist turns to God with a desperate plea for deliverance, justice, and redemption. This Psalm reflects the universal human experience of suffering and the hope that God will intervene and bring restoration.1 O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; *
they have defiled your holy temple,
they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.
2 They have left the dead bodies of your servants
as food for the birds of the sky, *
the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild.
3 They have poured out blood like water
all around Jerusalem, *
and there is no one to bury the dead.
4 We are objects of contempt to our neighbors, *
of scorn and derision to those around us.
5 How long, Lord? Will you be angry forever? *
How long will your jealousy burn like fire?
6 Pour out your wrath on the nations
that do not acknowledge you, *
on the kingdoms
that do not call on your name;
7 For they have devoured Jacob *
and devastated his homeland.
8 Do not hold against us the sins of past generations; *
may your mercy come quickly to meet us,
for we are in desperate need.
9 Help us, God our Savior,
for the glory of your name; *
deliver us and forgive our sins
for your name’s sake.
10 Why should the nations say, *
“Where is their God?”
Before our eyes, make known among the nations *
that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants.
11 May the groans of the prisoners come before you; *
with your strong arm preserve those condemned to die.
12 Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times *
the contempt they have hurled at you, Lord.
13 Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
will praise you forever; *
from generation to generation
we will proclaim your praise.
Heavenly Father, we come before you today with hearts filled with sorrow and anguish, much like the psalmist in Psalm 79. Our world is broken, and we see evidence of this brokenness all around us. We witness violence, destruction, and injustice, and it grieves our hearts.
Lord, we cry out to you, just as the psalmist did, asking for your intervention. Have mercy on us, O God, and do not let the wicked triumph over the righteous. We pray that you would deliver us from the hands of our enemies and bring justice to those who have been wronged.
We also ask for your forgiveness, Lord, for we know that we are not without fault. Like the people of Israel, we have turned away from you and sinned against you. Cleanse us, O God, and renew a right spirit within us.
Despite the pain and suffering we see in the world, we trust in your unfailing love and your promise to never leave us nor forsake us. We know that you are a God of justice and mercy, and we look to you with hope and confidence, knowing that you will make all things right in your time.
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.”
Micah 5:1-5a is a profound prophecy that speaks of God's promise to send a ruler to shepherd His people, Israel. The passage is rich with imagery and promise, pointing to a future time when a new Davidic king will rise to deliver and protect the nation. This prophecy is significant in that it foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, the true Shepherd King who will reign with justice, peace, and love.5 1 Marshal your troops now, city of troops,
for a siege is laid against us.
They will strike Israel’s ruler
on the cheek with a rod.
2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.”
3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned
until the time when she who is in labor bears a son,
and the rest of his brothers return
to join the Israelites.
4 He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
will reach to the ends of the earth.
5a And he will be our peace
when the Assyrians invade our land
and march through our fortresses.
Commentary
In verses 1-3, the prophet Micah describes the coming ruler as one who will be born in Bethlehem, the same town where King David was born. This ruler will be from the line of David and will have ancient origins, emphasizing the fulfillment of the covenant promises made to David. The ruler's birth in Bethlehem is a clear reference to Jesus, who was born in the same town and is a descendant of David.
Verse 4 describes the ruler's reign, emphasizing that he will be a shepherd to his people, guiding and protecting them with the strength of the Lord. This imagery of the ruler as a shepherd echoes the Davidic covenant, where David was chosen by God to be the shepherd of Israel. It also points to Jesus, who referred to himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.
Finally, in verse 5a, Micah speaks of the peace that will come with the ruler's reign. This peace is not just the absence of war, but a holistic peace that encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This peace is ultimately found in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who brings reconciliation between God and humanity and offers peace that surpasses all understanding.
In conclusion, Micah 5:1-5a is a powerful prophecy that points to the coming of Jesus Christ, the Shepherd King who will rule with justice, peace, and love. This passage offers hope and assurance to all who trust in Christ, for he is the fulfillment of God's promise to send a ruler who will shepherd His people and bring peace to the world.
In Luke 21:34-38, Jesus concludes His teachings on the signs of the end times and His second coming with a call to vigilance and preparedness. As His disciples, we are to live in a state of watchfulness, ensuring that our hearts and minds are not weighed down by the cares and distractions of this world, but are instead focused on our relationship with Him and His imminent return.21 34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.
Commentary
In these verses, Jesus warns us to Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life (v. 34). The use of the word careful suggests that we must be intentional in avoiding the things that can distract us from our faith and relationship with God. Carousing, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life are examples of things that can cloud our judgment, pull us away from God, and prevent us from being ready when Christ returns.
Furthermore, Jesus calls us to Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man (v. 36). The phrase be always on the watch emphasizes the importance of continual vigilance in our spiritual lives. The act of watching is not a passive one, but rather an active, intentional effort to guard our hearts and minds from the influences of the world. Prayer, as Jesus mentions, is an essential aspect of this watchfulness, as it connects us with God and strengthens our relationship with Him.
Finally, the passage concludes with Jesus teaching in the temple courts during the day and spending the nights on the Mount of Olives (vv. 37-38). This serves as a practical example of Jesus living out His message of watchfulness. He was fully engaged in His mission, teaching and ministering to the people during the day, and then withdrawing to spend time in prayer and communion with God during the night. In the same way, we are to be actively involved in God's work in the world while also taking time to retreat and connect with Him in prayer.
In summary, Luke 21:34-38 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of watchfulness in our spiritual lives. By being intentional in avoiding the distractions of the world and actively seeking God through prayer, we can ensure that we are prepared and ready for Christ’s return.
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 Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Hope Amidst Desolation: God's Faithful Promise
Psalm 79; Micah 5:1-5a; Luke 21:34-38
In the tapestry of biblical narratives and prophecies, certain themes shine with unparalleled brilliance. One such theme is the tension between devastation and the assurance of divine redemption. Psalm 79 captures the anguish of a people whose temple and city are defiled, bearing witness to a heart-rending plea for deliverance. Micah 5:1-5a, meanwhile, speaks prophetically of a ruler from Bethlehem, a beacon of hope, who will shepherd God's people in strength and security. Luke 21:34-38 offers a cautionary note, urging vigilance and preparedness for the return of the Son of Man. Together, these passages remind us of the transient nature of earthly suffering, the steadfastness of God's promises, and the imperative of watchfulness in anticipation of the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
