The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Thursday, January 4, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Thursday, January 4, 2024

The Call and Response of Divine Guidance

Psalm 29; 1 Samuel 3:1-21; Acts 9:10-19a
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Epiphany 1)

Introduction

Psalm 29, 1 Samuel 3:1-21, and Acts 9:10-19a collectively illustrate the profound nature of divine communication and human response. In Psalm 29, we encounter a powerful depiction of the Lord's voice, echoing with majesty and strength, symbolizing the awe-inspiring presence of God in the natural world. This theme of divine communication extends into 1 Samuel 3:1-21, where the young Samuel, serving under Eli in the temple, hears God calling him by name, signifying the beginning of his prophetic journey. The narrative in Acts 9:10-19a complements these Old Testament accounts by presenting the story of Ananias, who is guided by the Lord to heal Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul, a pivotal figure in the spread of early Christianity. These passages collectively emphasize the transformative power of listening to and acting upon God's call, showcasing the varied ways in which divine guidance can manifest and profoundly impact human lives.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 29
The Voice of the Lord in Majesty and Power

Psalm 29, a profound hymn attributed to King David, exalts the awesome power and majesty of the Lord's voice. The psalmist vividly describes the impact of God's voice as it resonates through the natural world, from mighty thunderstorms to the delicate dance of forest wildlife. This psalm serves as a reminder of the unparalleled strength and glory of God, inviting us to marvel at His creation and acknowledge His sovereignty over all things.

1    Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings, *
        Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

2    Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; *
        Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

3    The voice of the LORD is over the waters; *
        The God of glory thunders,
            the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.

4    The voice of the LORD is powerful; *
        The voice of the LORD is majestic.

5    The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; *
        The LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

6    He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, *
        Sirion like a young wild ox.

7    The voice of the LORD strikes *
        With flashes of lightning.

8    The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; *
        The LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.

9    The voice of the LORD twists the oaks
            and strips the forests bare. *
        And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

10  The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; *
        The LORD is enthroned as King forever.

11  The LORD gives strength to his people; *
        The LORD blesses his people with peace.

Heavenly Father, as we ponder the words of Psalm 29, we are filled with awe at the majesty of Your voice and the splendor of Your creation. Your power is evident in the thunder, in the wind, in the might of the seas, and in the stillness of the forest. Lord, let us always remember that Your voice is not only a display of power but also a source of peace and guidance for our souls. Help us to listen for Your voice in every aspect of our lives, trusting in Your strength and wisdom. May we find comfort in Your presence and remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that You are the God who reigns above all.

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 3:1-21
The Divine Call and Response

1 Samuel 3:1-21 is a pivotal passage in the Old Testament, marking a significant moment in the life of Samuel, a young prophet, and the broader history of Israel. This passage illustrates the profound encounter between God and Samuel, showcasing the divine call to service and the transformative power of obedience and discernment. Set in a time when "visions were infrequent," this narrative emphasizes the rarity and importance of Samuel's experience, highlighting the transition from the era of the Judges to the rise of prophetic leadership in Israel.

3 1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.

2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel.

Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.

6 Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”

7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.

8 A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

11 And the LORD said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. 12 At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family—from beginning to end. 13 For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemed God, and he failed to restrain them. 14 Therefore I swore to the house of Eli, ‘The guilt of Eli’s house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’”

15 Samuel lay down until morning and then opened the doors of the house of the LORD. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision, 16 but Eli called him and said, “Samuel, my son.”

Samuel answered, “Here I am.”

17 “What was it he said to you?” Eli asked. “Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything he told you.” 18 So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, “He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his eyes.”

19 The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD. 21 The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.

Commentary

Verses 1-3 (Divine Revelation in a Time of Silence): The opening verses set the stage, indicating a period of spiritual dearth. The rarity of God's word during this time amplifies the significance of Samuel's call. The setting in the temple, where Samuel sleeps near the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizes his proximity to the divine presence, even before he recognizes it.

Verses 4-7 (The Call and the Confusion): Samuel's initial inability to recognize God's voice, mistaking it for Eli's, reflects his inexperience and the general spiritual state of Israel at the time. This confusion also serves to highlight the personal nature of divine communication and the learning process involved in discerning God's voice.

Verses 8-10 (Eli's Insight and Samuel's Response): Eli's realization that Samuel is being called by God marks a moment of spiritual insight. His instruction to Samuel to respond, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening," is pivotal. It not only guides Samuel in his response to the divine call but also models an attitude of openness and readiness to hear and obey God.

Verses 11-18 (The Prophetic Message): The message God delivers to Samuel signifies a major shift. It is a judgment against Eli's house, marking the end of his lineage's priestly authority and the rise of Samuel's prophetic ministry. This moment underscores the seriousness of the prophetic role and the often challenging nature of the messages prophets are called to deliver.

Verses 19-21 (Samuel's Establishment as a Prophet): The final verses affirm Samuel's role as a reliable prophet of the Lord. His growth and the widespread recognition of his prophetic authority signify a new era in Israel's spiritual landscape. The text concludes with a powerful statement: "The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word." This encapsulates the essence of Samuel's calling and his role as a mediator of divine revelation to Israel.

This passage not only recounts the calling of a key figure in Israel's history but also offers timeless insights into the nature of God's communication with humanity, the importance of spiritual discernment, and the transformative impact of responding to the divine call.

Acts 9:10-19a
Divine Intervention and Transformation

Acts 9:10-19a is a pivotal passage that recounts the dramatic transformation of Saul, a fervent persecutor of Christians, into Paul, a devoted apostle of Jesus Christ. This section narrates how God intervenes in Saul's life through a vision to Ananias, a disciple in Damascus. Despite his initial hesitation, Ananias obeys God's command, plays a crucial role in Saul's conversion, and symbolizes the power of faith and obedience in the face of doubt and fear. This passage highlights the themes of divine guidance, transformation, and the unexpected ways in which God can work in individuals' lives.

9 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19a and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Commentary

Verse 10 (Divine Calling of Ananias): The passage begins with God calling Ananias in a vision, demonstrating that divine plans often involve ordinary people. Ananias's initial reaction is one of apprehension, knowing Saul's reputation for persecuting Christians. This reflects a common human response to challenging divine instructions.

Verses 11-16 (God’s Assurance): God reassures Ananias by revealing His transformative plan for Saul. This interaction underscores the importance of trust in God’s wisdom, even when His plans seem daunting or unclear.

Verse 17 (Ananias's Obedience): Ananias's decision to follow God’s command, despite his fears, exemplifies true faith and obedience. His actions are instrumental in Saul's conversion and highlight the significant impact one individual's faithfulness can have in God's larger plan.

Verse 18-19a (Saul’s Transformation): Saul's conversion is dramatic and instantaneous, marked by physical blindness and subsequent healing. This physical manifestation symbolizes the spiritual enlightenment and transformation he undergoes. Saul’s conversion is not just a personal transformation but also a pivotal moment in the history of early Christianity, as he becomes one of its most influential figures.

The Role of Community in Spiritual Journeys: Ananias’s role in Saul's conversion illustrates the importance of community and support in spiritual journeys. Ananias serves as a bridge between Saul and the Christian community, facilitating Saul's integration and acceptance.

Universal Message: The story of Saul's conversion carries a universal message about the power of divine grace to transform lives. It serves as a testament to the idea that no one is beyond the reach of God's transformative love and power.

In conclusion, Acts 9:10-19a is a compelling narrative of faith, obedience, and transformation, reminding readers of the limitless potential of divine intervention in human lives.

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, January 4, 2024
The Call and Response of Divine Guidance
Psalm 29; 1 Samuel 3:1-21; Acts 9:10-19a
Today's lectionary readings collectively illustrate the profound nature of divine communication and human response. In Psalm 29, we encounter a powerful depiction of the Lord's voice, echoing with majesty and strength, symbolizing the awe-inspiring presence of God in the natural world. This theme of divine communication extends into 1 Samuel, where the young Samuel, serving under Eli in the temple, hears God calling him by name, signifying the beginning of his prophetic journey. The narrative in Acts complements these Old Testament accounts by presenting the story of Ananias, who is guided by the Lord to heal Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul, a pivotal figure in the spread of early Christianity. These passages collectively emphasize the transformative power of listening to and acting upon God's call, showcasing the varied ways in which divine guidance can manifest and profoundly impact human lives.