The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Steadfast Faith and Divine Empowerment
Psalm 125; 2 Kings 2:9-22; Acts 3:17—4:4
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Advent 3)
Introduction
with Commentary
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Steadfast Faith and Divine Empowerment
Psalm 125; 2 Kings 2:9-22; Acts 3:17—4:4
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Advent 3)
Introduction
In Psalm 125, we witness a vivid portrayal of the Lord's encompassing protection over those who trust in Him, likened to the immovable mountains surrounding Jerusalem. As we transition to the narrative of 2 Kings 2:9-22, we encounter Elisha's steadfast faith that inherits Elijah's prophetic mantle, demonstrating the power of God through the purification of waters and the extension of divine works. The journey culminates in Acts 3:17—4:4, where Peter's sermon at the Temple not only offers understanding and forgiveness for the ignorance that led to Jesus' death but also serves as a catalyst for the Holy Spirit's empowerment, resulting in the growth of the early church amidst rising opposition. Together, these passages weave a tapestry of unwavering faith, divine continuity, and the transformative power of understanding and embracing God's will.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 125
The Assurance of God’s Protection
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 125
The Assurance of God’s Protection
Psalm 125 is a song of ascent, sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem, reflecting on the enduring security of those who trust in the Lord. This psalm draws a vivid analogy between the steadfast mountains surrounding Jerusalem and the Lord's unshakeable protection of His people. It is a powerful reminder that, just as the mountains encircle the city, God encompasses His people, both now and forevermore.1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, *
which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, *
so the Lord surrounds his people
both now and forevermore.
3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain
over the land allotted to the righteous, *
for then the righteous might use
their hands to do evil.
4 Lord, do good to those who are good, *
to those who are upright in heart.
5 But those who turn to crooked ways *
the Lord will banish with the evildoers.
Heavenly Father, in the spirit of Psalm 125, we approach Your throne of grace with hearts full of trust. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so Your protection encompasses us, Your people, from this moment and forevermore.
Lord, we rest in the assurance that the scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for we trust in Your promise that You will not let our hands be forced into evil. Help us to do good, O Lord, to be upright in heart and steadfast in spirit.
For those who turn to crooked ways, we pray for Your guidance to lead them back to the path of righteousness. Let peace be upon Israel, and upon all who call upon Your name.
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 passage 2 Kings 2:9-22 presents a pivotal moment in the history of Israel's prophetic leadership. Elijah, the esteemed prophet, is about to be taken up to heaven, and Elisha, his apprentice, stands on the threshold of stepping into his mentor's role. This narrative not only marks the succession of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha but also serves as a testament to God's continuing guidance of Israel through His chosen prophets. In this transition, the miraculous signs that follow act as divine affirmations of Elisha’s new role.2 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.
10 “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.”
11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.
13 Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.
15 The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. 16 “Look,” they said, “we your servants have fifty able men. Let them go and look for your master. Perhaps the Spirit of the Lord has picked him up and set him down on some mountain or in some valley.”
“No,” Elisha replied, “do not send them.”
17 But they persisted until he was too embarrassed to refuse. So he said, “Send them.” And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find him. 18 When they returned to Elisha, who was staying in Jericho, he said to them, “Didn’t I tell you not to go?”
19 The people of the city said to Elisha, “Look, our lord, this town is well situated, as you can see, but the water is bad and the land is unproductive.”
20 “Bring me a new bowl,” he said, “and put salt in it.” So they brought it to him.
21 Then he went out to the spring and threw the salt into it, saying, “This is what the Lord says: ‘I have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the land unproductive.’” 22 And the water has remained pure to this day, according to the word Elisha had spoken.
Commentary
Verses 9-10 depict Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, a request that signifies the desire for the inheritance of the firstborn, symbolizing Elisha's readiness to take up the mantle of leadership.
Verses 11-12: Elijah's ascension in a whirlwind is a dramatic illustration of his special place in God’s plans and the supernatural approval of Elisha's succession.
Verse 13: As Elisha takes up Elijah’s mantle, he strikes the waters of the Jordan, replicating the miracle Elijah had performed earlier.
Verse 13: As Elisha takes up Elijah’s mantle, he strikes the waters of the Jordan, replicating the miracle Elijah had performed earlier.
Verse 14: This act, which results in the parting of the waters, is a clear sign that God's power now rests with Elisha.
Verse 15: The company of the prophets who witness this event acknowledge Elisha's new role, affirming that the spirit of Elijah rests on him.
Verses 16-18: Shows the prophets’ difficulty in accepting Elijah’s departure, a narrative that underscores the significance of prophetic ministry in Israel. Despite their insistence, their search is futile because Elijah's departure is by divine design, not to be undone by human actions.
Verses 19-22: Elisha performs his first miracle post-ascension, healing the waters of Jericho, which were causing death and infertility.
Verses 20-21: By placing salt in a new bowl and throwing it into the spring, Elisha symbolizes purification and newness, reflecting the transformative power of God’s work through His prophet.
Verse 22: The healing of the waters thus serves as a metaphor for the healing and guidance that Elisha will bring to Israel as Elijah's successor.
This narrative is rich in themes of divine provision, the continuation of God's covenant promises, and the assurance that God equips those He calls to lead His people. Elisha's ministry begins with signs that echo those of his predecessor, setting the stage for his own unique contribution to the prophetic tradition of Israel.
Verse 15: The company of the prophets who witness this event acknowledge Elisha's new role, affirming that the spirit of Elijah rests on him.
Verses 16-18: Shows the prophets’ difficulty in accepting Elijah’s departure, a narrative that underscores the significance of prophetic ministry in Israel. Despite their insistence, their search is futile because Elijah's departure is by divine design, not to be undone by human actions.
Verses 19-22: Elisha performs his first miracle post-ascension, healing the waters of Jericho, which were causing death and infertility.
Verses 20-21: By placing salt in a new bowl and throwing it into the spring, Elisha symbolizes purification and newness, reflecting the transformative power of God’s work through His prophet.
Verse 22: The healing of the waters thus serves as a metaphor for the healing and guidance that Elisha will bring to Israel as Elijah's successor.
This narrative is rich in themes of divine provision, the continuation of God's covenant promises, and the assurance that God equips those He calls to lead His people. Elisha's ministry begins with signs that echo those of his predecessor, setting the stage for his own unique contribution to the prophetic tradition of Israel.
In Acts 3:17—4:4, we witness a pivotal moment in the early Christian community, where Peter and John, empowered by the Holy Spirit, address the crowd that has gathered after the miraculous healing of a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful. This passage marks a significant transition from the Jewish traditions to the dawning of the Christian faith, as the apostles articulate the fulfillment of prophecy through Jesus Christ. It offers a deep dive into the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the transformative power of faith.3 17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’
24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”
4 1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.
Commentary
The narrative unfolds with Peter's address to the bewildered onlookers. He speaks with a combination of boldness and compassion, acknowledging their ignorance in the crucifixion of Jesus and yet calling them to repentance. Peter's words underscore the necessity of turning away from sin and embracing the salvation offered through Christ. The apostles' bravery in proclaiming this message, despite the imminent threat of persecution from the religious authorities, highlights their unwavering commitment to their mission.
As the passage transitions into chapter 4, we see the immediate impact of Peter and John's testimony: while the religious leaders detain them, the number of believers grows to about five thousand. This growth is testament to the power of witnessing and the irresistible truth of the apostles' message.
In the broader context of Acts, this section is a fulcrum, shifting the narrative from the wonders following Pentecost to the emerging conflict between the new Christian movement and the established religious order. It sets the stage for the ongoing challenges the early Church will face but also for the incredible expansion of the faith through the apostles’ unwavering declaration of the Gospel.
In essence, Acts 3:17—4:4 challenges readers to consider the implications of ignorance in the face of divine truth and the call to step into the light of understanding offered through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection.
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 Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Steadfast Faith and Divine Empowerment
Psalm 125; 2 Kings 2:9-22; Acts 3:17—4:4
In Psalm 125, we witness a vivid portrayal of the Lord's encompassing protection over those who trust in Him, likened to the immovable mountains surrounding Jerusalem. As we transition to the narrative of 2 Kings, we encounter Elisha's steadfast faith that inherits Elijah's prophetic mantle, demonstrating the power of God through the purification of waters and the extension of divine works. The journey culminates in Acts, where Peter's sermon at the Temple not only offers understanding and forgiveness for the ignorance that led to Jesus' death but also serves as a catalyst for the Holy Spirit's empowerment, resulting in the growth of the early church amidst rising opposition. Together, these passages weave a tapestry of unwavering faith, divine continuity, and the transformative power of understanding and embracing God's will.
