The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Seeking Divine Guidance
with Commentary
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Seeking Divine Guidance
and Confronting Consequences
Psalm 86; 1 Samuel 15:10-31; Acts 5:1-11
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 2)
Introduction
Psalm 86; 1 Samuel 15:10-31; Acts 5:1-11
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 2)
Introduction
In this thematic exploration, we delve into three powerful scriptures that highlight the essence of seeking divine guidance and facing the consequences of one's actions. Psalm 86 is a heartfelt plea for God's mercy and guidance, illustrating the psalmist's deep dependence on God's unfailing love and faithfulness. 1 Samuel 15:10-31 presents the sobering account of King Saul's disobedience to God and the resulting divine rejection of his kingship, underscoring the gravity of defying God's commands. Lastly, Acts 5:1-11 narrates the striking story of Ananias and Sapphira, who suffer dire consequences for lying to the Holy Spirit, thus emphasizing the seriousness of honesty and integrity in the Christian walk. Together, these passages offer a rich tapestry of lessons on humility, obedience, and the importance of aligning one's actions with divine will.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 86
The Cry of the Humble for Mercy and Guidance
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 86
The Cry of the Humble for Mercy and Guidance
Psalm 86 is a heartfelt prayer of King David, expressing his deep dependence on God in times of trouble. It is a blend of petition and praise, demonstrating David's trust in God's steadfast love and faithfulness. In this psalm, David seeks God's mercy, guidance, and protection against his enemies. He acknowledges his own neediness and God's greatness, contrasting his human frailty with God's omnipotence. Psalm 86 is a beautiful example of a soul seeking communion with God, recognizing His power to save and sustain.1 Hear me, LORD, and answer me, *
For I am poor and needy.
2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; *
Save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God;
3 Have mercy on me, LORD, *
For I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant, LORD, *
For I put my trust in you.
5 You, LORD, are forgiving and good, *
Abounding in love to all who call to you.
6 Hear my prayer, LORD; *
Listen to my cry for mercy.
7 When I am in distress, I call to you, *
Because you answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like you, LORD; *
No deeds can compare with yours.
9 All the nations you have made
will come and worship before you, LORD; *
They will bring glory to your name.
10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; *
You alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, LORD,
that I may rely on your faithfulness; *
Give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
12 I will praise you, LORD my God, with all my heart; *
I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your love toward me; *
You have delivered me from the depths,
from the realm of the dead.
14 Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; *
Ruthless people are trying to kill me—
they have no regard for you.
15 But you, LORD, are a compassionate and gracious God, *
Slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and have mercy on me;
show your strength in behalf of your servant; *
Save me, because I serve you
just as my mother did.
17 Give me a sign of your goodness,
that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, *
For you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
Heavenly Father, in the spirit of Psalm 86, I turn to You with a heart full of trust and humility. Your steadfast love and faithfulness have always been a guiding light in the darkness. I acknowledge Your greatness and Your power, the wonders You have done and the miracles only You can perform.
Lord, I ask for Your ear to be inclined to my prayers. In times of need, I call upon You, for You will answer me. Grant me Your strength and wisdom to navigate the trials of life. Your mercy and grace are my refuge.
Teach me Your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth. Unite my heart to fear Your name. I give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify Your name forever.
For great is Your steadfast love toward me; You have delivered my soul from the depths of the grave. You are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness.
Turn to me and be gracious to me; give Your strength to Your servant. Show me a sign of Your favor, that those who hate me may see and be ashamed because You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
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.”
1 Samuel 15:10-31 presents a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, where the first king, Saul, faces a significant test of obedience and leadership. This passage captures the interactions between Saul, the prophet Samuel, and God, as they address Saul's actions during the battle against the Amalekites. The central theme revolves around obedience to God's commands, the consequences of disobedience, and the shifting tides of leadership in Israel.15 10 Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel: 11 “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the LORD all that night.
12 Early in the morning Samuel got up and went to meet Saul, but he was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel. There he has set up a monument in his own honor and has turned and gone on down to Gilgal.”
13 When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The LORD bless you! I have carried out the LORD’s instructions.”
14 But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?”
15 Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the LORD your God, but we totally destroyed the rest.”
16 “Enough!” Samuel said to Saul. “Let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night.”
“Tell me,” Saul replied.
17 Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel. 18 And he sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; wage war against them until you have wiped them out.’ 19 Why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the LORD?”
20 “But I did obey the LORD,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. 21 The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.”
22 But Samuel replied:
“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the LORD?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
he has rejected you as king.”
24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the LORD’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them. 25 Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD.”
26 But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel!”
27 As Samuel turned to leave, Saul caught hold of the hem of his robe, and it tore. 28 Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors—to one better than you. 29 He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.”
30 Saul replied, “I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God.” 31 So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD.
Commentary
Divine Disappointment and Rejection (Verses 10-11): The passage begins with God expressing regret to Samuel over having made Saul king, as Saul has turned away from following God's commands. This moment emphasizes the gravity of disobedience in the eyes of God, especially for those in positions of leadership.
Saul's Incomplete Obedience (Verses 12-15): Saul's actions during the campaign against the Amalekites are brought into focus. Although he claims to have carried out the Lord's instructions, it becomes clear that he spared Agag, the king of the Amalekites, and the best of the livestock, under the guise of using them for sacrifices to God. This reveals a crucial aspect of obedience—it is not just about the action, but also about the heart and complete adherence to God's instructions.
Samuel Confronts Saul (Verses 16-23): Samuel confronts Saul about his disobedience. He declares that God values obedience over sacrifice, highlighting that outward religious actions cannot compensate for disobedience. The famous verse 22, "To obey is better than sacrifice," encapsulates the central lesson of this narrative.
Saul's Admission and Excuses (Verses 24-26): Saul admits his sin but tries to justify his actions by blaming the people and expressing fear of them. This reflects a lack of personal responsibility and a failure to lead with integrity and faithfulness.
The Symbolic Tearing of the Kingdom (Verses 27-28): As Samuel turns to leave, Saul grabs his robe, and it tears. Samuel uses this incident as a metaphor, declaring that the Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from Saul and given it to a neighbor who is better than him, symbolizing David's future rise.
The Finality of God's Decision (Verses 29-31): Despite Saul's pleas, Samuel reaffirms that God's decision to reject Saul is final. However, Samuel honors Saul by worshipping with him before leaving, showing respect for his position as king, even as the divine favor shifts away.
This passage in 1 Samuel 15 offers profound insights into the nature of obedience, leadership, and the consequences of failing to follow God's commands fully. It sets the stage for the rise of David, a man after God’s own heart, contrasting sharply with Saul's incomplete obedience and eventual downfall.
Acts 5:1-11 is a stark and sobering narrative that narrates the disturbing account of Ananias and Sapphira, a married couple in the early Christian community who, driven by deceit and hypocrisy, attempt to defraud the apostles and, by extension, the Holy Spirit. Their story unfolds in the context of the fledgling Christian church, where members are voluntarily selling their possessions and pooling their resources to support one another. Ananias and Sapphira, wanting to appear generous but also to keep part of their profits, lie about the amount they are contributing. This act of deceit leads to a shocking and immediate divine judgment.5 1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”
“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”
9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
Commentary
Acts 5:1-11 serves as a poignant reminder of the gravity of sin, especially within the context of a community of faith. This passage emphasizes several key themes:
1. The Sanctity of the Church Community: The early church is depicted as a close-knit, communal group living in unity and honesty. The deceit of Ananias and Sapphira is not just a personal sin but a violation of the community's integrity.
2. The Seriousness of Hypocrisy: Their sin was not in withholding part of the money, but in deceitfully pretending to give it all. This hypocrisy is seen as particularly egregious because it was not just a lie to the apostles, but to God Himself.
3. Divine Judgment: The immediate and severe punishment of both Ananias and Sapphira highlights the seriousness with which God views sin within His community. It serves as a warning against deceit and hypocrisy, particularly in matters of faith.
4. Fear of the Lord: The reaction of the broader community—one of fear and awe—underscores the importance of reverence for God. This fear is not about terror, but about a deep respect for God’s holiness and justice.
5. Integrity and Transparency: This passage is often interpreted as an exhortation to live with integrity and transparency, especially within the context of a faith community.
In conclusion, Acts 5:1-11, while disturbing, is a critical passage that challenges believers to examine their motives, live with integrity, and maintain a deep reverence for God. It reminds us of the need for honesty and transparency in our spiritual communities and the serious consequences of hypocrisy.
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, January 16, 2024
Seeking Divine Guidance and Confronting Consequences
Psalm 86; 1 Samuel 15:10-31; Acts 5:1-11
In this thematic exploration, we delve into three powerful scriptures that highlight the essence of seeking divine guidance and facing the consequences of one's actions. Our Psalm reading is a heartfelt plea for God's mercy and guidance, illustrating the psalmist's deep dependence on God's unfailing love and faithfulness. Our reading in 1 Samuel presents the sobering account of King Saul's disobedience to God and the resulting divine rejection of his kingship, underscoring the gravity of defying God's commands. Lastly, our reading in Acts narrates the striking story of Ananias and Sapphira, who suffer dire consequences for lying to the Holy Spirit, thus emphasizing the seriousness of honesty and integrity in the Christian walk. Together, these passages offer a rich tapestry of lessons on humility, obedience, and the importance of aligning one's actions with divine will.
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