The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Monday, January 22, 2024
Faith Amidst Change and Commitment:
Embracing God's Call
Psalm 46; Genesis 12:1-9; 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 3)
Introduction
with Commentary
Monday, January 22, 2024
Faith Amidst Change and Commitment:
Embracing God's Call
Psalm 46; Genesis 12:1-9; 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 3)
Introduction
In the rich tapestry of biblical narratives, three passages—Psalm 46, Genesis 12:1-9, and 1 Corinthians 7:17-24—uniquely converge to illustrate the theme of steadfast faith amidst life's transformative challenges. Psalm 46 offers a resolute declaration of God's presence as a refuge and strength in tumultuous times, encouraging believers to find solace and strength in divine constancy. Genesis 12:1-9 recounts the story of Abram's (later Abraham) call to a new land, symbolizing a journey of faith and obedience, as he embraces a divinely ordained path, leaving familiar comforts behind. In 1 Corinthians 7:17-24, Paul addresses the Corinthian believers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one's commitment to God within their current life circumstances, rather than seeking radical changes as a means to spiritual growth. Together, these passages underscore a central biblical message: In the midst of life’s uncertainties and calls to change, maintaining a steadfast commitment to God's guidance remains paramount.
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, as we meditate on Psalm 46, we are deeply moved by Your omnipotence and steadfast presence in our lives. In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, Your Word reminds us that You are our unshakeable refuge and strength. In moments of fear and uncertainty, help us to remember that You are the God who quiets the roaring seas and the nations' tumult. Teach us to be still and recognize that You are God, exalted among the nations, exalted in the earth. Strengthen our faith, Lord, so that no matter what challenges we face, we may always find peace and security in Your loving embrace. May we live each day in the confidence of Your protection and the assurance of Your eternal love.
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.”
Genesis 12:1-9 marks a pivotal moment in the Biblical narrative, introducing Abram's profound journey of faith. This passage signifies the beginning of God's unique covenant with Abram, later known as Abraham, which lays the foundation for significant developments in the history of the Israelites. The narrative captures the essence of faith, obedience, and the unfolding of God's plan for His people. Through Abram's story, we are invited to reflect on the themes of trust, divine guidance, and the transformative power of stepping into the unknown at God's behest.12 1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.
6 Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.
8 From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.
9 Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev.
Commentary
Verses 1-3 (The Divine Call and Promise): The passage opens with God's call to Abram, instructing him to leave his country, people, and father's household for a land that God will show him. This call comes with remarkable promises: making Abram into a great nation, blessing him, making his name great, and using him to bless all peoples on earth. This reflects God's sovereignty and His desire to bless humanity universally through Abram.
Verse 4 (Abram's Obedience): Abram's response is immediate and obedient. Despite the uncertainties, he departs as the Lord had directed, accompanied by his wife Sarai and nephew Lot. This act of obedience is a testament to Abram's faith in God's promise, setting a precedent for the importance of faith in action.
Verses 5-6 (The Journey to Canaan): Abram's journey takes him to Canaan, where he travels through the land to the site of Shechem and the great tree of Moreh. These locations are significant, representing the land that God promises to Abram's offspring, a promise with far-reaching implications for the future of Israel.
Verse 7 (God's Reaffirmation of the Promise): Here, God appears to Abram to reaffirm His promise, stating that He will give this land to Abram's offspring. In response, Abram builds an altar to the Lord, an act symbolizing his worship and gratitude. This altar becomes a physical representation of Abram's encounter with the divine.
Verses 8-9 (Journey Continues): Abram then moves to the hill country east of Bethel, building another altar and calling on the name of the Lord. His journey continues toward the Negev, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to following God's guidance. This continuous movement reflects the dynamic nature of faith, where trust in God involves both a physical and spiritual journey.
In conclusion, Genesis 12:1-9 beautifully illustrates the beginning of Abram's journey of faith, a journey characterized by trust, obedience, and the hope of God's promises. It invites readers to contemplate their own journey of faith, recognizing the importance of responding to God's call with a willing heart and an unwavering trust in His plans.
1 Corinthians 7:17-24, written by the Apostle Paul, addresses the Corinthians in a profound way, guiding them in understanding the value and significance of their current life situations post-conversion. This passage highlights the importance of embracing one's calling in Christ, emphasizing that the change in spiritual status does not necessitate a drastic alteration in social or civil status. Paul's message is to remain in the situation they were in when God called them, underscoring the idea that God's call transcends societal structures and personal circumstances.7 17 Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. 20 Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. 24 Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
Commentary
In verses 17-24 of 1 Corinthians 7, Paul imparts wisdom on living the Christian life within the framework of one's existing circumstances. He instructs believers to lead the life that the Lord has assigned and to which God has called them. This is a call for contentment and understanding that one's value in God's eyes is not dependent on external factors such as marital status, social position, or even servitude.
Verse 17-20: Paul advises not to seek a change in one's social status upon becoming a Christian. He illustrates this with the example of circumcision, a significant Jewish practice, stating that whether a person is circumcised or not does not matter in Christ. The underlying principle is that what matters is obeying God's commandments.
Verse 21-23: Here, Paul addresses those in servitude, suggesting that if they can gain their freedom, they should do so. However, he quickly adds that being a slave or free does not diminish one's relationship with Christ. Paul reminds them that they were bought at a price, referring to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, and thus should not become slaves of human beings. This passage emphasizes the spiritual freedom and dignity found in Christ, regardless of one's earthly status.
Verse 24: Paul concludes by encouraging believers to remain in their current situation, within God's call. This is a powerful assertion that in Christ, every condition of life is sanctified and holds the potential for serving God effectively.
Overall, this passage from 1 Corinthians 7 offers a profound insight into Christian living. It teaches that conversion to Christianity does not necessitate a complete overhaul of one's socio-economic or marital status. Instead, it calls for a transformation of the heart and mind, where one's focus is on serving and obeying God within the given circumstances of their 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 Monday, January 22, 2024
Faith Amidst Change and Commitment: Embracing God's Call
Psalm 46; Genesis 12:1-9; 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
In the rich tapestry of biblical narratives, today's passages uniquely converge to illustrate the theme of steadfast faith amidst life's transformative challenges. Psalm 46 offers a resolute declaration of God's presence as a refuge and strength in tumultuous times, encouraging believers to find solace and strength in divine constancy. Our reading in Genesis recounts the story of Abram's (later Abraham) call to a new land, symbolizing a journey of faith and obedience as he embraces a divinely ordained path, leaving familiar comforts behind. Lastly, in our reading of 1st Corinthians, Paul addresses the Corinthian believers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one's commitment to God within their current life circumstances rather than seeking radical changes as a means to spiritual growth. Together, these passages underscore a central biblical message: In the midst of life’s uncertainties and calls to change, maintaining a steadfast commitment to God's guidance remains paramount.
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