The Daily Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Divine Deliverance and Restoration
Psalm 35:1-10; Jeremiah 29:1-14; Mark 5:1-20
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 4)
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Divine Deliverance and Restoration
Psalm 35:1-10; Jeremiah 29:1-14; Mark 5:1-20
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 4)
Introduction
Psalm 35:1-10, Jeremiah 29:1-14, and Mark 5:1-20 collectively unfold a profound narrative of divine deliverance and restoration. In Psalm 35, we encounter David’s fervent plea for God's righteous intervention against his adversaries, illustrating a personal quest for justice and divine vindication. Shifting to Jeremiah 29, we are immersed in God's assurance to the exiles in Babylon, promising a hopeful future and a return to their homeland, highlighting the themes of hope, endurance, and the certainty of God's plans for well-being. Finally, in Mark 5, the dramatic healing of the demon-possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes not only showcases Jesus' power over evil but also symbolizes the transformative liberation and restoration available to all. Together, these passages underscore the recurring motif of God's unwavering commitment to deliver and restore His people, offering solace and strength in times of distress.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 35:1-10
A Celebration of God's Wondrous Works
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 35:1-10
A Celebration of God's Wondrous Works
Psalm 35:1-10 is a heartfelt cry to God from David, who finds himself surrounded by enemies seeking his harm. In these verses, David appeals to God as his defender, imploring the Lord to fight against those who fight him. He uses vivid imagery to describe his plea for justice and deliverance. The psalm reflects the intense emotions of someone who feels wronged and is desperately seeking God's intervention. It teaches us about the nature of God as a righteous judge and protector while also illustrating the appropriate human response to injustice—seeking refuge and vindication from the Almighty, rather than taking matters into one's own hands.1 Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; *
Fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take up shield and armor; *
Arise and come to my aid.
3 Brandish spear and javelin
against those who pursue me. *
Say to me,
“I am your salvation.”
4 May those who seek my life
be disgraced and put to shame; *
May those who plot my ruin
be turned back in dismay.
5 May they be like chaff before the wind, *
With the angel of the Lord driving them away;
6 May their path be dark and slippery, *
With the angel of the Lord pursuing them.
7 Since they hid their net for me without cause *
And without cause dug a pit for me,
8 May ruin overtake them by surprise—
may the net they hid entangle them, *
May they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
9 Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord *
And delight in his salvation.
10 My whole being will exclaim,
“Who is like you, Lord? *
You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,
the poor and needy from those who rob them.”
Heavenly Father, in the spirit of Psalm 35, I come to You seeking refuge and defense. As David called upon You to contend with those who contend with him, I ask for Your protection against the adversities and struggles I face.
Lord, take up shield and armor; stand up for me. I am in need of Your divine strength and intervention. Be my fortress and my shield. Push back those who pursue me, and say to my soul, "I am your salvation."
In my moments of fear and uncertainty, remind me that You are the God who fights for the righteous. Let those who seek my harm be turned back and confounded. May their ways be dark and slippery as the angel of the Lord pursues them.
For without cause, they have hidden their net for me; without reason, they have dug a pit for my life. Let ruin come upon them unaware. But I, Your servant, will rejoice in Your strength and delight in Your deliverance.
I shall continually proclaim Your righteousness and praise. For You stand with the poor and the oppressed, You save the afflicted, and You bring justice to the righteous.
In the battles I face, be my defender and my advocate. Let Your will be done, and Your name be glorified. I trust in Your unfailing love and know that You are working for my good and Your glory.
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 29:1-14, we find a poignant letter sent by the prophet Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon. Amidst one of the darkest periods of Israel's history, God's words through Jeremiah offer a beacon of hope and assurance. This passage is a profound blend of comfort, instruction, and divine promise, emphasizing that even in the midst of punishment and despair, God's plans are unwaveringly for the welfare of his people.29 1 This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 (This was after King Jehoiachin and the queen mother, the court officials and the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the skilled workers and the artisans had gone into exile from Jerusalem.) 3 He entrusted the letter to Elasah son of Shaphan and to Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It said:
4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” 8 Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord.
10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
Expository Commentary
Verses 1-3 (The Context of the Letter): Jeremiah sends a letter to the exiled elders, priests, prophets, and people, who Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon. This sets the stage, revealing the gravity of the situation: God’s chosen people removed from the promised land due to their disobedience and now residing in a foreign empire.
Verses 4-7 (Instructions in Exile): God, through Jeremiah, instructs the exiles to build lives in Babylon: to build homes, raise families, and seek the peace and prosperity of the city where they are held captive. This is a call to faithfulness and well-being, even in the face of adversity, showing that God's purposes extend beyond immediate circumstances.
Verses 8-9 (Warning Against False Prophets): The exiles are warned not to be deceived by false prophets among them. These false messages of imminent deliverance were contrary to God's actual plan and timing. This serves as a reminder that discernment and faithfulness to God’s word are crucial.
Verses 10-11 (The Promise of Restoration): Arguably the most famous verse, Jeremiah 29:11 reveals God's promise to the people: a promise of a future and a hope, not for harm but for prosperity. God assures them that the exile will last 70 years, after which He will bring them back to Jerusalem. This verse stands as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, despite the people's unfaithfulness.
Verses 12-14 (The Call to Seek and Find God): God encourages the people to call upon Him, come and pray to Him, and He will listen. When they seek Him with all their heart, they will find Him. This section emphasizes the relational aspect of God’s character; He is not distant or indifferent but responsive and intimately involved with His people's lives.
Conclusion: Jeremiah 29:1-14 is not just a historical account; it's a timeless reminder of God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and the hope that transcends circumstances. It speaks to all who find themselves in a "spiritual exile," encouraging them to seek God wholeheartedly and trust in His plans for a future filled with hope. The passage reassures us that our journey, however difficult, is enveloped in God's grand design for good.
The passage from Mark 5:1-20 offers a compelling and intricate narrative that delves into themes of spiritual warfare, liberation, and the transformative power of faith. This section of Scripture portrays the encounter between Jesus and a man possessed by a legion of demons in the region of the Gerasenes. It is a powerful testament to Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm and his compassionate response to those who are marginalized and afflicted.5 1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”
9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
Expository Commentary
Verses 1-5 (The Encounter with the Demon-Possessed Man): As Jesus arrives in the region of the Gerasenes, he is immediately confronted by a man with an unclean spirit. This man, living among the tombs, is depicted as extraordinarily strong and tormented, unable to be restrained by any physical means. His plight symbolizes the extreme degree of human suffering and alienation caused by demonic influence.
Verses 6-8 (Recognition of Jesus' Authority): Remarkably, the demons within the man immediately recognize Jesus as the Son of the Most High God. This recognition highlights the spiritual insight of the demonic realm and the undeniable authority of Jesus. The plea of the demons not to be tormented signifies Jesus' power to command even the spiritual forces of evil.
Verses 9-13 (The Dialogue and the Legion): In a dramatic turn, Jesus converses with the demons, who reveal themselves as 'Legion,' indicating their vast number. This interaction underscores the profound depths of the man’s affliction. Jesus' granting of the demons' request to enter a herd of pigs, which then drown in the lake, serves as a symbolic act of purging evil and restoring order.
Verses 14-17 (The Reaction of the Gerasenes): The local people's response to the healing is one of fear and bewilderment. Their request for Jesus to leave their region reflects a common theme in the Gospels where the miraculous works of Jesus often provoke fear or misunderstanding among witnesses. This reaction presents a paradoxical situation where a miraculous act of deliverance leads to rejection.
Verses 18-20 (The Transformation of the Healed Man): The healed man's desire to follow Jesus contrasts sharply with the reaction of the Gerasenes. However, Jesus instructs him to return home and share his story. This directive emphasizes the importance of witnessing and sharing personal experiences of divine intervention. The man’s subsequent actions, spreading the news of his healing, illustrate the transformative impact of an encounter with Christ, not only on an individual but also on a broader community.
In summary, Mark 5:1-20 is a profound narrative that reveals Jesus' sovereignty over evil, his compassionate response to human suffering, and the power of personal testimony. It challenges readers to reflect on their own response to Christ's transformative work and the call to share the good news with others.
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, aided by ChatGPT.
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 31, 2024
Divine Deliverance and Restoration
Psalm 35:1-10; Jeremiah 29:1-14; Mark 5:1-20
Today's scripture readings weave a powerful story of divine rescue and renewal. The Psalm reflects David’s earnest appeal for God's just intervention against his foes, marking a personal journey toward justice and divine approval. In Jeremiah 29, we delve into God's comforting promise to the Babylonian exiles, foreseeing a future filled with hope and a return to their land, emphasizing themes of optimism, perseverance, and the assuredness of God's benevolent designs. Meanwhile, Mark 5 narrates the striking healing of a man tormented by demons in the Gerasenes, demonstrating Jesus' supremacy over evil and representing the profound transformation and rejuvenation accessible to everyone. Collectively, these texts highlight God's steadfast dedication to redeeming and renewing His people, providing comfort and fortitude in challenging times.
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