The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Divine Sovereignty and Human Faithfulness
Psalm 111; Deuteronomy 3:23-29; Romans 9:6-18
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 4)
Introduction
with Commentary
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Divine Sovereignty and Human Faithfulness
Psalm 111; Deuteronomy 3:23-29; Romans 9:6-18
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 4)
Introduction
Psalm 111, Deuteronomy 3:23-29, and Romans 9:6-18 collectively explore the profound themes of divine sovereignty and human faithfulness. Psalm 111 praises the Lord for His great works and enduring righteousness, inviting the faithful to reflect on God's wonders and unfailing providence. Deuteronomy 3:23-29 recounts Moses' plea to enter the Promised Land and God's response, illustrating the balance between human desire and divine will. Romans 9:6-18 delves deeper into the mystery of God's sovereign choices, discussing the role of grace and God's prerogative in shaping destinies, irrespective of human effort or will. Together, these passages offer a complex yet comforting perspective on the relationship between God's omnipotence and human agency, urging believers to trust in God's plan and maintain steadfast faith.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 111
A Celebration of God's Wondrous Works
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 111
A Celebration of God's Wondrous Works
Psalm 111 invites us to join in a song of praise, celebrating the incredible works and steadfast character of God. This psalm, a part of the Hebrew Psalter, stands as a beautiful expression of thanksgiving and awe. The psalmist uses rich imagery and poetic language to highlight the majesty and righteousness of God's deeds. It emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring God's commandments, and it underscores the eternal nature of His precepts. The psalm serves as a reminder of God's unchanging faithfulness and the wisdom found in following His ways.1 Praise the Lord. *
I will extol the Lord with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the Lord; *
They are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds, *
And his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered; *
The Lord is gracious and compassionate.
5 He provides food for those who fear him; *
He remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works, *
Giving them the lands of other nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; *
All his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are established for ever and ever, *
Enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He provided redemption for his people; *
He ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; *
All who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.
Heavenly Father, as we meditate upon Psalm 111, our hearts overflow with gratitude for Your mighty works and unfailing righteousness. We are in awe of the splendor of Your deeds, each reflecting Your majesty and love. Help us to always remember Your wonderful works and to live in the light of Your righteous commandments. Grant us the wisdom to understand the teachings of this Psalm and the courage to apply them in our daily lives. May our hearts be ever thankful, our minds ever mindful of Your grace, and our spirits ever committed to walking in Your ways.
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 Deuteronomy 3:23-29, we encounter a poignant moment between Moses and God. These verses illustrate the culmination of Moses' leadership journey and the power of God's decisions. Moses, having led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness for forty years, makes a heartfelt plea to God. He asks for permission to enter the Promised Land, a land he has longed to see and into which he has led his people. However, God's response serves as a critical lesson in obedience, the consequences of actions, and the acceptance of God's will.3 23 At that time I pleaded with the Lord: 24 “Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do? 25 Let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan—that fine hill country and Lebanon.”
26 But because of you the Lord was angry with me and would not listen to me. “That is enough,” the Lord said. “Do not speak to me anymore about this matter. 27 Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west and north and south and east. Look at the land with your own eyes, since you are not going to cross this Jordan. 28 But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.” 29 So we stayed in the valley near Beth Peor.
Commentary
Verses 23-25 (Moses' Plea): Moses’ request to see the Promised Land reflects his deep desire to witness the fulfillment of God’s promise. His plea is filled with emotion and humility, recognizing God's power and sovereignty. This moment is a testament to Moses' human nature—his hopes and disappointments.
Verse 26 (God's Response): God's denial of Moses' request is firm yet compassionate. It reminds us of the incident at Meribah (Numbers 20:1-13), where Moses disobeyed God. This passage highlights the serious consequences of disobedience, even for someone as faithful as Moses.
Verses 27-29 (Final Instructions): God instructs Moses to go to the top of Pisgah and look over the land. Though he cannot enter it, he is given the chance to see it from a distance. This act is both a concession and a reminder of what could have been. Additionally, God commands Moses to commission Joshua as his successor, ensuring the continuity of leadership and the fulfillment of the promise to the Israelites.
Lessons in Leadership and Obedience: This passage serves as a powerful lesson in leadership and the importance of complete obedience to God. Moses, despite his faithfulness and dedication, faces the consequences of his actions. It teaches us that leadership comes with responsibility and accountability.
Sovereignty of God: Above all, these verses underscore the sovereignty of God. His decisions are final and are made with a broader perspective that humans may not always understand. The story of Moses at Pisgah is a reminder to trust in God's wisdom and to find peace in His ultimate plan.
In summary, Deuteronomy 3:23-29 encapsulates themes of leadership, obedience, the consequences of actions, and the acceptance of divine will. It presents a bittersweet conclusion to Moses' remarkable journey, filled with lessons that resonate through time.
In Romans 9:6-18, the Apostle Paul delves into a profound and often debated aspect of Christian theology: the sovereignty of God in election. This passage addresses the complex relationship between God's sovereign choice and human responsibility. It begins with Paul expressing his deep sorrow and unceasing anguish for his fellow Israelites, leading into a discussion about the true nature of being Abraham's descendants. Paul emphasizes that not all who are descended from Israel are part of Israel, introducing the idea that God's election is based on His own purpose and will, rather than human lineage or effort.9 6 It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 8 In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. 9 For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”
10 Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. 11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15 For he says to Moses,
“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
Commentary
Verses 6-9 (The Children of the Promise): Paul clarifies that God's word has not failed, despite Israel's unbelief, because true Israelites are those who are children of the promise, like Isaac, not merely Abraham's physical descendants. This distinction underscores the principle that God's promises are realized through faith and His sovereign choice.
Verses 10-13 (God’s Sovereignty in Jacob and Esau’s Example): The story of Jacob and Esau illustrates God's sovereign election. Before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, God chose Jacob to carry forward the promise. This choice demonstrates that God's election is not based on human actions or merit but on His own purpose and grace.
Verses 14-16 (Divine Justice and Mercy): Anticipating questions about the fairness of God's sovereignty, Paul asserts that God's election is an expression of His mercy. God’s mercy and compassion are not obligated responses to human desire or effort but are acts of His sovereign will. This aspect challenges human notions of fairness, emphasizing God’s authority and freedom in bestowing mercy.
Verses 17-18 (The Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart): The example of Pharaoh highlights that God has the sovereign right to harden or soften hearts according to His purpose. This serves as a sobering reminder of God's absolute authority over human destinies, where He hardens some to display His power and extend mercy to others for His glory.
In conclusion, Romans 9:6-18 confronts us with the mystery of God’s sovereignty, challenging us to trust in God’s righteous character and His ultimate authority over salvation. It invites believers to a deeper understanding of God's grace, where His choices transcend human understanding and criteria, resting solely in His just and merciful nature.
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 25, 2024
Divine Providence in Trials and Triumphs
Psalm 111; Deuteronomy 3:23-29; Romans 9:6-18
Today's scriptural passages delve into the intricate themes of God's supreme power and human loyalty. Psalm 111 extols the Lord for His magnificent deeds and eternal righteousness, encouraging believers to contemplate His miraculous works and unwavering care. The text in Deuteronomy narrates Moses' request to enter the Promised Land and God's reply, demonstrating the interplay between human longing and God's plan. The excerpt from Romans probes further into the enigma of God's sovereign decisions, focusing on the significance of grace and God's right to mold fates, independent of human actions or desires. Collectively, these readings present a nuanced yet reassuring view of the interplay between divine omnipotence and human participation, inspiring the faithful to rely on God's design and persist in their devotion.
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