The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Guidance, Wisdom, and Calling
Psalm 46; Proverbs 8:1-21; Mark 3:13-19a
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 3)
Introduction
with Commentary
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Guidance, Wisdom, and Calling
Psalm 46; Proverbs 8:1-21; Mark 3:13-19a
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 3)
Introduction
In this spiritual exploration, we delve into the depths of Psalm 46, Proverbs 8:1-21, and Mark 3:13-19a. Psalm 46 offers a profound message of God's omnipotence and refuge, reassuring believers in times of turmoil and strife. Proverbs 8:1-21, on the other hand, personifies wisdom as a guiding light, beckoning all to heed its call for understanding and insight. Finally, Mark 3:13-19a presents the narrative of Jesus selecting His apostles, illustrating the theme of divine calling and the transformative journey of those chosen to follow a higher purpose. Together, these passages weave a tapestry of divine guidance, the pursuit of wisdom, and the significance of answering one's spiritual calling.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 46
God, Our Refuge and Strength
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 46
God, Our Refuge and Strength
Psalm 46 vividly portrays the unwavering confidence and peace believers can find in God amidst chaos and turmoil. It celebrates God's omnipotence and His protective presence, encouraging us to find refuge and strength in Him regardless of the tumultuous circumstances around us. This Psalm serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty over nature and nations, reassuring us that God is always our fortress and sanctuary in times of distress.1 God is our refuge and strength, *
An ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way *
And the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 Though its waters roar and foam *
And the mountains quake with their surging.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, *
The holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall; *
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; *
He lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord Almighty is with us; *
The God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come and see what the Lord has done, *
The desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth. *
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; *
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord Almighty is with us; *
The God of Jacob is our fortress.
Heavenly Father, in the spirit of Psalm 46, we come before You with hearts open to Your grace and power. You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, for Your love and might are unchanging.
Lord, as the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging, remind us that You are the God who says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In the midst of turmoil, whether in our lives or in the world, help us to find solace in Your presence, knowing You are with us.
You are the Lord Almighty, with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. In Your power, nations are subdued and the earth melts; You bring wars to an end and shatter the bow, spear, and shield. Teach us to live in the peace that only You can provide, to spread love and understanding in Your name.
In our hearts and in our lives, let us be a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. May we be instruments of Your peace and bearers of Your eternal hope.
We praise You for Your works, for Your sovereignty over all the earth. We lift our eyes to You in times of peace and in times of challenge, trusting in Your eternal love and protection.
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.”
Proverbs 8:1-21 is a profound passage that personifies wisdom as a noble, inviting figure. This scripture segment eloquently portrays Wisdom as calling out to humanity, offering guidance and understanding. The passage highlights the value and accessibility of wisdom, emphasizing its superiority over material wealth and its foundational role in the creation and order of the world. The poetic and metaphoric language used in this passage captures the essence of wisdom as a divine attribute that is both attainable and desirable for those who seek it.8 1 Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 At the highest point along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 beside the gate leading into the city,
at the entrance, she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O people, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind.
5 You who are simple, gain prudence;
you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
6 Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.
9 To the discerning all of them are right;
they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
I possess knowledge and discretion.
13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
I have insight, I have power.
15 By me kings reign
and rulers issue decrees that are just;
16 by me princes govern,
and nobles—all who rule on earth.
17 I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
19 My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me
and making their treasuries full.
Commentary
Verses 1-5: These verses depict Wisdom as standing in high places, reaching out to all people, not just the elite or learned. The call to "simple ones" and "fools" to gain prudence and understanding underlines the universal appeal and availability of wisdom.
Verses 6-11: Wisdom speaks of noble things and righteous truths, stressing that her words are more valuable than silver, gold, or rubies. This comparison serves to elevate the pursuit of wisdom above material gains, highlighting its lasting value and benefit.
Verses 12-16: Here, Wisdom is associated with prudence, knowledge, and discretion. The passage suggests that wisdom plays a crucial role in leadership and governance, implying that authority, when guided by wisdom, leads to just and effective administration.
Verses 17-21: These verses emphasize the reciprocal relationship between wisdom and seekers. Wisdom loves those who love her, and those who earnestly seek her will find her. The rewards of embracing wisdom are described as riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity, indicating both material and spiritual abundance.
In summary, Proverbs 8:1-21 portrays wisdom as a divine and accessible treasure, far surpassing worldly riches. It encourages an earnest pursuit of wisdom, promising profound and multifaceted rewards for those who embrace it. This passage is a timeless reminder of the value of wisdom in all aspects of life.
In Mark 3:13-19a, we witness a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus Christ. This passage recounts the selection of the twelve apostles, a group chosen from among Jesus' disciples to be His closest followers and messengers. This act not only signifies the establishment of a new community of faith but also demonstrates Jesus' intent to spread His teachings through a dedicated group. The significance of this selection goes beyond mere companionship; it represents the laying of the foundation for the early Christian Church and the spreading of the Gospel.3 13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19a and Judas Iscariot.
Commentary
Verse 13 (The Setting): Jesus ascends a mountain, a typical biblical setting for significant religious events, symbolizing a closer approach to God and a separation from the ordinary world. This setting underscores the gravity and sacredness of the forthcoming actions of Jesus.
Verses 14-19a (The Selection): Jesus calls to Him those He wants, emphasizing His divine authority and intentionality in choosing these individuals. The apostles are not self-appointed; they are selected by Christ Himself, underscoring the divine guidance in their appointment.
Diversity of the Called: The apostles come from various backgrounds—fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot. This diversity highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry, demonstrating that His message is for all, irrespective of social or economic status.
Verses 14-15 (Purpose of Their Calling): The apostles are appointed to be with Jesus, receive direct teaching, and then be sent out to preach and have authority to drive out demons. This dual role of learning and mission encapsulates the essence of discipleship—being formed by Christ and participating in His mission.
Verse 19a (Judas Iscariot): The mention of Judas, who would later betray Jesus, at the end of this list, serves as a sobering reminder of human fallibility and the complex nature of Jesus' ministry. It underscores the reality that even those closest to Jesus can misunderstand or turn away from His message.
This passage, therefore, is not just about the selection of a group of followers; it is about the establishment of a mission-driven community, bound together by the teachings and love of Jesus Christ. It marks the beginning of a movement that would grow beyond the boundaries of region and time, reaching hearts and minds across ages.
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, January 24, 2024
Divine Providence in Trials and Triumphs
Psalm 46; Proverbs 8:1-21; Mark 3:13-19a
In today's spiritual journey, we explore three significant biblical texts. Firstly, Psalm 46 emphasizes God's power and protection, offering comfort during challenging times. Secondly, the selection from Proverbs personifies wisdom as an illuminating force, encouraging the pursuit of knowledge and discernment. Lastly, the passage from Mark recounts Jesus choosing His apostles, highlighting the concept of a divine summons and the transformative path of those selected for a greater mission. Collectively, these scriptures form a narrative of heavenly direction, the quest for wisdom, and the importance of responding to one's spiritual vocation.
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