The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Friday, January 19, 2024
Unwavering Trust in Times of Trial
Psalm 62:5-12; Jeremiah 20:7-13; 2 Peter 3:1-7
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 3)
Introduction
with Commentary
Friday, January 19, 2024
Unwavering Trust in Times of Trial
Psalm 62:5-12; Jeremiah 20:7-13; 2 Peter 3:1-7
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 3)
Introduction
In a world where uncertainties and trials abound, the passages from Psalm 62:5-12, Jeremiah 20:7-13, and 2 Peter 3:1-7 present a profound message of unwavering trust in God. Psalm 62:5-12 is a poetic masterpiece that speaks to the soul, urging believers to find rest and hope in God alone, who is a rock and salvation amidst life's tumultuous storms. Jeremiah 20:7-13, meanwhile, portrays the prophet Jeremiah's intense struggle and candid emotions as he faces opposition, yet he clings to God as his mighty warrior. Lastly, 2 Peter 3:1-7 serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over time and history, urging believers to remember the Lord's promises and to live in holy conduct and godliness, awaiting the fulfillment of His word. Together, these scriptures encourage believers to hold onto their faith, trusting in God's unwavering love and power, even when the ground beneath seems to shake.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 62:5-12
Unshakable Trust in God's Steadfast Love
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 62:5-12
Unshakable Trust in God's Steadfast Love
Psalm 62:5-12 is a beautiful and profound passage that resonates with themes of trust, strength, and the unwavering love of God. In these verses, the psalmist, traditionally believed to be King David, expresses a deep sense of reliance and confidence in God, even amidst trials and uncertainties. This portion of the Psalm emphasizes the importance of finding solace and strength in God's character, rather than in worldly assurances or human power. It's a reminder that our true security and hope lie in God alone, who is our rock, our salvation, and our fortress.5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; *
My hope comes from him.
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; *
He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; *
He is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people; *
Pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
9 Surely the lowborn are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie. *
If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
10 Do not trust in extortion
or put vain hope in stolen goods; *
Though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.
11 One thing God has spoken,
two things I have heard: *
“Power belongs to you, God,
12 And with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; *
And, “You reward everyone
according to what they have done.”
Heavenly Father, in the stillness of Your presence, I find my rest, as proclaimed in Psalm 62:5-12. My soul waits quietly for You, Lord, my hope and salvation. You are my rock, my fortress, and I shall not be shaken. In the shadow of Your wings, I find refuge and strength.
Lord, teach me to trust in Your unfailing love, to pour out my heart to You, for You are my refuge. In a world that often feels unsteady, Your promises stand firm. You are my salvation and my honor. I find peace in knowing that power belongs to You, and with You, Lord, is unfailing love.
I pray for the wisdom to remember that all things come from You - wealth and honor are in Your hands. You are the judge; You alone can weigh and measure the hearts of men. May I always find joy in Your strength and grace, rather than in the fleeting pleasures of this world.
Lord, help me to always remember that You are my rock and my salvation. I will not be shaken, for my hope and trust are in You.
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.”
In Jeremiah 20:7-13, we encounter a profound and emotionally charged passage from the Book of Jeremiah. This scripture poignantly reflects Jeremiah's personal struggle and his unwavering faith in God amidst extreme adversity. These verses are a testament to Jeremiah's resilience, as he confronts mockery, isolation, and internal conflict. Yet, despite the hardships, he reaffirms his trust in God, acknowledging His omnipotence and justice. This passage is not only a personal account of Jeremiah's trials but also serves as a universal message of hope and perseverance for all believers facing trials.20 7 You deceived me, Lord, and I was deceived;
you overpowered me and prevailed.
I am ridiculed all day long;
everyone mocks me.
8 Whenever I speak, I cry out
proclaiming violence and destruction.
So the word of the Lord has brought me
insult and reproach all day long.
9 But if I say, “I will not mention his word
or speak anymore in his name,”
his word is in my heart like a fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
indeed, I cannot.
10 I hear many whispering,
“Terror on every side!
Denounce him! Let’s denounce him!”
All my friends
are waiting for me to slip, saying,
“Perhaps he will be deceived;
then we will prevail over him
and take our revenge on him.”
11 But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior;
so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.
They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced;
their dishonor will never be forgotten.
12 Lord Almighty, you who examine the righteous
and probe the heart and mind,
let me see your vengeance on them,
for to you I have committed my cause.
13 Sing to the Lord!
Give praise to the Lord!
He rescues the life of the needy
from the hands of the wicked.
Commentary
Verse 7 (The Prophet's Struggle): Jeremiah expresses a sense of betrayal, feeling as though he has been deceived by God. This verse encapsulates the prophet's inner turmoil and his feeling of being overwhelmed by the task imposed upon him. It reflects the human aspect of Jeremiah's prophecy, showcasing his vulnerability and the emotional burden of his divine mission.
Verses 8-10 (Mockery and Isolation): Here, Jeremiah laments the ridicule and rejection he faces from the people. His proclamation of God's word has led to his isolation and mockery, highlighting the often challenging path of a prophet. These verses resonate with anyone who has felt misunderstood or ostracized for standing up for their beliefs or speaking an unpopular truth.
Verses 11-12 (Affirmation of God's Presence): Despite his anguish, Jeremiah acknowledges the presence and strength of the Lord as his protector. He recognizes that God is with him like a mighty warrior, offering a powerful image of divine support and vindication. This shift from despair to trust is a pivotal moment in the passage, illustrating the transformative power of faith.
Verse 13 (Praise and Trust in God's Deliverance): The passage culminates in a note of triumph and praise. Jeremiah, amid his suffering, chooses to sing to the Lord, praising Him for rescuing the needy from the hands of evildoers. This verse serves as a reminder of the power of praise and the importance of trusting in God's justice and deliverance, even in the darkest times.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 20:7-13 is a compelling narrative of struggle, faith, and redemption. It speaks to the heart of the human experience, reminding us that even in the depths of despair, we are not alone. The passage encourages believers to hold onto their faith, affirming that God's presence and justice are constant, even when the path is fraught with challenges.
In this passage, 2 Peter 3:1-7, the apostle Peter addresses early Christians with a poignant reminder of the Lord's promise and the certainty of His return. This section of scripture elegantly weaves together themes of memory, divine promise, and the inevitability of judgment. Peter calls believers to recall the words spoken by the prophets and the command given by the Lord through the apostles. He challenges the scoffers of his day, who question the coming of Christ, by asserting God's mastery over time and His intention to fulfill His word. This passage is not just a theological treatise but a pastoral exhortation, urging believers to steadfastness and faith in the face of doubt and derision.3 1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
Commentary
Verses 1-2 (The Call to Remember): Peter begins by stirring up the believers' sincere minds to remember the prophecies and teachings they have received. This call to remember serves as a bulwark against false teachings and a source of strength in times of uncertainty. The emphasis on memory highlights the continuity of Christian faith, rooted in both the Old Testament prophecies and the teachings of Christ and His apostles.
Verses 3-4 (Confronting Scoffers): Peter addresses the skepticism prevalent among some in the early church, those who mock the promise of Christ's return. Their doubt is based on the apparent delay of the Second Coming. Peter challenges this skepticism by reminding the believers that God's perspective on time is vastly different from that of humans. The apparent delay is an expression of God's patience and desire for all to come to repentance, not a sign of unfulfilled promise.
Verses 5-6 (The Certainty of Divine Judgment): The apostle reminds his readers of the historical instances where God's word brought about cataclysmic changes, specifically citing the creation and the flood. These events serve as evidence of both God's power and His willingness to intervene decisively in human affairs. The flood, in particular, is a potent symbol of judgment and redemption, foreshadowing the final judgment.
Verse 7 (The Day of the Lord): The culmination of this passage is the assertion that the 'heavens and earth' are reserved for fire, awaiting judgment and the destruction of the ungodly. This verse speaks to the finality and seriousness of God’s judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder of the ultimate accountability of all creation to its Creator and the fulfillment of His promises.
In summary, 2 Peter 3:1-7 calls believers to a deepened faith, grounded in the memory of God’s word, alert to the challenges of skepticism, and anchored in the hope of the Lord’s return. It's a passage that transcends its historical context, speaking powerfully to the enduring themes of faith, patience, and divine justice.
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 19, 2024
Unwavering Trust in Times of Trial
Psalm 62:5-12; Jeremiah 20:7-13; 2 Peter 3:1-7
In a world rife with uncertainties and challenges, today's scripture readings convey a powerful message of steadfast faith in God. The Psalm selection is a lyrical gem, touching the depths of our souls, encouraging us to seek solace and hope solely in God, our immovable rock and savior amidst the chaotic waves of life. The excerpt from Jeremiah vividly illustrates the prophet's deep struggles and raw emotions as he confronts adversity, yet steadfastly maintains his trust in God, his mighty defender. The passage from 2 Peter highlights the Lord's dominion over time and history, prompting believers to hold fast to His promises and to pursue a life of holiness and piety, in anticipation of the realization of His divine plan. Collectively, these biblical texts inspire us to cling to our faith, trusting in God's unshakeable love and strength, even in moments when the world around us seems to falter.
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