The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Tuesday, January 30, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Divine Guidance Amidst Adversity

Psalm 35:1-10; Numbers 22:22-28; 1 Corinthians 7:32-40
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 4)

Introduction

In the multifaceted realms of spiritual warfare, divine intervention, and personal commitment, three distinct passages—Psalm 35:1-10, Numbers 22:22-28, and 1 Corinthians 7:32-40—intertwine to offer a profound exploration of God's guidance during times of adversity. Psalm 35:1-10 depicts David's fervent plea for divine vindication and protection against his enemies, illustrating the believer's right to seek God's justice in the face of unjust aggression. In Numbers 22:22-28, the peculiar encounter of Balaam with a divine angel and his talking donkey unfolds, revealing the mysterious ways in which God may intervene and direct human paths to prevent disaster and ensure His will prevails. Finally, 1 Corinthians 7:32-40 delves into the intricacies of personal dedication and the considerations of marriage versus singleness, emphasizing the importance of undivided devotion to the Lord amidst life's diverse circumstances. Together, these passages invite reflection on the nature of divine guidance, the righteousness of seeking God's deliverance, and the personal decisions that align with His sovereign will.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 35:1-10
A Celebration of God's Wondrous Works

 

Psalm 35:1-10 is a heartfelt cry to God from David, who finds himself surrounded by enemies seeking his harm. In these verses, David appeals to God as his defender, imploring the Lord to fight against those who fight him. He uses vivid imagery to describe his plea for justice and deliverance. The psalm reflects the intense emotions of someone who feels wronged and is desperately seeking God's intervention. It teaches us about the nature of God as a righteous judge and protector while also illustrating the appropriate human response to injustice—seeking refuge and vindication from the Almighty, rather than taking matters into one's own hands.

1    Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; *
        Fight against those who fight against me.

2    Take up shield and armor; *
        Arise and come to my aid.

3    Brandish spear and javelin
            against those who pursue me. *
        Say to me,
            “I am your salvation.”

4    May those who seek my life
            be disgraced and put to shame; *
        May those who plot my ruin
            be turned back in dismay.

5    May they be like chaff before the wind, *
        With the angel of the Lord driving them away;

6    May their path be dark and slippery, *
        With the angel of the Lord pursuing them.

7    Since they hid their net for me without cause *
        And without cause dug a pit for me,

8    May ruin overtake them by surprise—
            may the net they hid entangle them, *
        May they fall into the pit, to their ruin.

9    Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord *
        And delight in his salvation.

10  My whole being will exclaim,
            “Who is like you, Lord? *
        You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,
            the poor and needy from those who rob them.”

O Lord, mighty in battle, hear my plea as I echo the words of Psalm 35. Contend, O Lord, with those who contend against me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.”

May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away. Let their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.

I cry out, for without cause they hid their net for me; without reason, they dug a pit for my life. Let ruin come upon them unawares; may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.

Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation. My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, Lord? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.”

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call.

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.”

Numbers 22:22-28
Divine Intervention: The Unseen Battle

 

In this captivating passage from Numbers 22:22-28, we find a narrative that unfolds in the realm of the unseen, where divine intervention and human action intersect dramatically. The protagonist, Balaam, sets out on a journey with intentions that are at odds with God's will. This section of scripture not only reveals the mysterious ways in which God communicates with humanity but also serves as a profound reflection on obedience, perception, and the supernatural.

22 22 But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the Lord stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, it turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat it to get it back on the road.

24 Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path through the vineyards, with walls on both sides. 25 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, it pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat the donkey again.

26 Then the angel of the Lord moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left. 27 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, it lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat it with his staff. 28 Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?”

Expository Commentary

The passage begins with God's anger kindled against Balaam because he went with the princes of Moab, despite earlier instructions. This opening sets the stage for a series of divine interventions that underscore the seriousness of aligning one's actions with God's commands. As Balaam travels on his donkey, an angel of the Lord stands in the way as an adversary. Remarkably, it is not Balaam but his donkey who perceives the angel's presence, illustrating the theme that spiritual discernment often transcends human understanding.

Three times the donkey avoids the angel, and three times Balaam's frustration grows, culminating in him striking the donkey. This repetition emphasizes the persistence of divine intervention and the human tendency to overlook or resist it. It's a poignant reminder of how often people are blind to the spiritual realities around them and how patience wears thin when the divine plan isn't clear.

The climax of the narrative occurs when the donkey speaks to Balaam, a miraculous event that signifies a breaking of natural order to convey a divine message. This moment serves as a stark wake-up call to Balaam, challenging not only his perception of reality but also his understanding of his place within God's plan. The speaking donkey isn't just a fantastical element; it represents the extraordinary lengths to which God will go to guide and correct those He chooses.

The angel of the Lord's revelation to Balaam brings the hidden spiritual battle into the light. The angel's words are a rebuke and a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of obedience. Balaam's journey is not just a physical one but a spiritual journey that reflects every believer's walk with God—filled with unseen battles, divine interventions, and the constant need for humility and obedience.

In conclusion, Numbers 22:22-28 invites readers to reflect on their own spiritual journey. It calls us to consider how we might be blind to God's guidance and how we might better attune ourselves to the spiritual realities that guide our paths. This passage challenges us to be obedient, to seek divine wisdom, and to recognize that God's ways are often beyond our understanding but always for our ultimate good.

1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Guidance on Singleness and Marriage

 

In 1 Corinthians 7:32-40, the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian believers with profound insights on the subjects of singleness and marriage. This passage is a part of Paul's broader discourse on various issues affecting the Christian community in Corinth, with this section specifically focusing on the merits of singleness in serving the Lord without distraction, and the considerations for marriage in a Christian context. Paul navigates the delicate balance between the benefits of a devoted, unmarried life and the sanctity and challenges of marriage, all within the framework of Christian liberty and personal calling.

7 32 I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. 33 But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34 and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

36 If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. 37 But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. 38 So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better.

39 A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. 40 In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

Expository Commentary

In verses 32-35, Paul expresses his desire for believers to be free from anxieties, noting that unmarried individuals can devote themselves more fully to the Lord's work. He doesn't diminish marriage but rather highlights the undivided devotion to God that singleness can offer. This is not a command but a perspective meant to aid believers in their decision-making process.

Verses 36-38 delve into the considerations one should make if they are contemplating marriage. Paul gives a nuanced take, suggesting that marriage is good if one feels they should marry, particularly to avoid immorality, but he also elevates the status of singleness by stating that staying unmarried is even better, in his view, due to the potential for undistracted devotion to God.

The final verses, 39-40, address the situation of widowhood, affirming the right to remarry but within the Christian community ("only in the Lord"). Paul concludes by reiterating his opinion that staying single after a spouse's death is beneficial, yet he acknowledges this as his judgment, not a direct command from the Lord.

Throughout the passage, Paul emphasizes individual calling and the importance of considering one's ability to serve the Lord most effectively, whether in singleness or marriage. His counsel is not prescriptive for all but is rather a series of guidelines to help believers make wise, godly choices in their personal lives. The overarching theme is the pursuit of a life that honors God and furthers His kingdom, whether through marriage or singleness.

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, aided by ChatGPT.

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, January 30, 2024
Divine Guidance Amidst Adversity
Psalm 35:1-10; Numbers 22:22-28; 1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Today's readings provide a deep dive into the realms of spiritual warfare, divine intervention, and personal commitment, presenting a complex tapestry of God's guidance in adversity. The Psalm portrays David's intense plea for divine justice and protection, highlighting the believer's entitlement to seek God's intervention against oppression. Meanwhile, the account of Balaam in Numbers offers a glimpse into the enigmatic ways God can steer human actions and avert calamity, emphasizing His omnipotent will. In 1 Corinthians, the focus shifts to the nuances of personal commitment, discussing the weighty decisions of marriage and singleness and underscoring the need for wholehearted devotion to God. Collectively, these passages prompt contemplation on divine guidance's nature, the legitimacy of pursuing divine deliverance, and making personal choices that resonate with God's overarching plan.