The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Friday, January 12, 2024
Divine Knowledge and Human Leadership
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; Judges 2:16-23; Acts 13:16-25
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 2)
Introduction
with Commentary
Friday, January 12, 2024
Divine Knowledge and Human Leadership
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; Judges 2:16-23; Acts 13:16-25
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 2)
Introduction
In this exploration of Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, Judges 2:16-23, and Acts 13:16-25, we delve into the profound understanding of God's omniscience and the human response to divine leadership. Psalm 139 reveals the awe-inspiring knowledge of God, who understands our deepest thoughts and intricacies. Judges 2, on the other hand, recounts the cycle of Israel's leadership under judges, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the mercy of God in raising leaders during times of distress. Acts 13 offers a historical recount of God's guidance, from the time of Egyptian slavery to the era of King David, leading to the promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Together, these passages weave a narrative of divine knowledge, human leadership, and the unending grace of God in guiding and understanding His people.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Unfathomable Knowledge, Intimate Design
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Unfathomable Knowledge, Intimate Design
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 is a profound reflection on God's omnipresence and omniscience. It expresses the psalmist's awe at God's intimate knowledge of every aspect of human life and the divine intricacy in our creation. This passage is a celebration of the inescapable presence of God and a testament to the belief that every individual is wonderfully made by a knowing Creator. As we delve into these verses, we are invited to contemplate the depth of God's understanding and the personalized care with which He has fashioned each of us.1 You have searched me, Lord, *
And you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; *
You perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; *
You are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue *
You, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before, *
And you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, *
Too lofty for me to attain.
13 For you created my inmost being; *
You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; *
Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you *
When I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; *
All the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! *
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, *
They would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
Heavenly Father, You who have searched me and known me, who understands my thoughts from afar, I come before You with a heart full of awe. Your presence surrounds me, Your hand guides me, and Your knowledge of me surpasses all understanding.
Lord, You crafted me in my mother's womb, knitting me together in a wondrous tapestry of life. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, a testament to Your incredible work. The depths of Your thoughts are profound, too vast for me to grasp, yet they bring me comfort.
In Your eyes, my days were written before one came to be. As I journey through this life, let me always remember that Your eyes are upon me. Guide my steps, O Lord, in the path of Your wisdom.
Help me to embrace the wonder of Your love and the mystery of Your plans. May I find peace in knowing that You are with me, from my first breath to my last.
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.”
Judges 2:16-23 presents a profound narrative that encapsulates the cyclical nature of Israel's faithfulness and disobedience towards God. This passage offers an insightful look into how God raised up judges to lead and deliver the Israelites, juxtaposed against their recurrent lapses into idolatry and moral decay. This contrast serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring mercy of God amidst human fallibility.2 16 Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders. 17 Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them. They quickly turned from the ways of their ancestors, who had been obedient to the Lord’s commands. 18 Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the Lord relented because of their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them. 19 But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.
20 Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel and said, “Because this nation has violated the covenant I ordained for their ancestors and has not listened to me, 21 I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died. 22 I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the Lord and walk in it as their ancestors did.” 23 The Lord had allowed those nations to remain; he did not drive them out at once by giving them into the hands of Joshua.
Commentary
1. Divinely Appointed Judges (Verse 16): The verse underscores that the judges were raised by God Himself, not merely as political leaders, but as instruments of divine intervention. This highlights the sovereignty of God in the midst of Israel's turmoil and His commitment to their welfare.
2. Israel’s Cycle of Disobedience (Verses 17-19): These verses vividly depict the Israelites' pattern of rebellion. Despite God’s deliverance, they quickly reverted to their old ways, following other gods. Their actions were not only a violation of the covenant but also a rejection of God’s love and guidance. This repetitive cycle of sin, punishment, repentance, and deliverance illustrates a central theme in the Book of Judges—the persistent unfaithfulness of the people.
3. God’s Response to Israel’s Infidelity (Verses 20-22): God’s anger and decision to no longer drive out the remaining nations serve as a test for Israel. This was not mere punishment, but also an opportunity for the Israelites to prove their loyalty to God. It underscores the concept of divine justice intermingled with mercy, as God uses these situations to refine and strengthen His people’s faith.
4. The Generational Challenge (Verse 23): This verse highlights the ongoing struggle and the generational nature of Israel’s faith journey. The continuous presence of these nations not only served as a test but also as a constant reminder of the need for obedience and reliance on God.
In conclusion, Judges 2:16-23 is a poignant reminder of the human tendency towards forgetfulness and disobedience, contrasted with God’s unwavering faithfulness. It challenges the reader to reflect on their own life, recognizing the need for constant reliance on divine guidance and the importance of learning from past mistakes to forge a faithful future.
Acts 13:16-25 is a pivotal passage in the New Testament, where Paul, in the synagogue of Pisidian Antioch, presents a sweeping overview of Israel's history. This section is significant as it outlines God's continual guidance and provision for His people, leading up to the coming of Jesus Christ. Paul's address serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus, emphasizing the continuity of the Christian message with the Jewish history.13 16 Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: “Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! 17 The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power he led them out of that country; 18 for about forty years he endured their conduct in the wilderness; 19 and he overthrew seven nations in Canaan, giving their land to his people as their inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years.
“After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. 21 Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. 22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’
23 “From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. 24 Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. 25 As John was completing his work, he said: ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is one coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’
Commentary
1. Paul's Audience and Approach (Verse 16): Paul begins by addressing both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, establishing a common ground. His inclusive approach signifies the universality of the Christian message.
2. The Exodus and Wilderness Journey (Verses 17-18): Paul recounts God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and His patience during their wilderness wanderings. This highlights God's role as a deliverer and sustainer, setting the stage for the ultimate deliverance through Christ.
3. Conquest of Canaan and Era of Judges (Verses 19-20): The conquest of Canaan and the period of the Judges are presented as further examples of God’s providential care. This section underscores God's sovereignty in guiding Israel’s history.
4. The Monarchy: Saul and David (Verses 21-22): Paul transitions to the era of kings, focusing on Saul’s rejection and David's anointment. David is portrayed as a man after God’s own heart, foreshadowing Jesus, the descendant of David, who perfectly fulfilled God's will.
5. Introduction of John the Baptist (Verses 23-24): John the Baptist's role is highlighted as the forerunner of Jesus. John’s message of repentance and his identification of Jesus as the awaited Messiah is crucial in the transition from Old to New Covenant.
6. Paul's Emphasis on Jesus as the Fulfillment (Verse 25): Finally, Paul emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. The passage points to Jesus as the culmination of Israel's history and God's redemptive plan.
This passage is essential in understanding the early Christian preaching and how the apostles connected the life and work of Jesus to the broader narrative of Israel's history. It shows the continuity of the Christian faith with its Jewish roots and sets the stage for the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah for all humanity.
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 Friday, January 12, 2024
Divine Knowledge and Human Leadership
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; Judges 2:16-23; Acts 13:16-25
In this exploration of today's readings, we delve into the profound understanding of God's omniscience and the human response to divine leadership. Psalm 139 reveals the awe-inspiring knowledge of God, who understands our deepest thoughts and intricacies. Judges 2, on the other hand, recounts the cycle of Israel's leadership under judges, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the mercy of God in raising leaders during times of distress. Acts 13 offers a historical recount of God's guidance, from the time of Egyptian slavery to the era of King David, leading to the promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Together, these passages weave a narrative of divine knowledge, human leadership, and the unending grace of God in guiding and understanding His people.
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