The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Tuesday, February 13, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Eternal Promises and Divine Revelation

Psalm 110:1-4; Job 19:23-27; 1 Timothy 3:14-16
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Transfiguration)

Introduction

In the tapestry of biblical narratives and teachings, Psalm 110:1-4, Job 19:23-27, and 1 Timothy 3:14-16 emerge as profound passages reflecting on divine sovereignty, human suffering, and the mystery of godliness. Psalm 110:1-4 reveals a Messianic prophecy, depicting a figure appointed by God to rule amidst his enemies, a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, signifying an eternal priesthood beyond human lineage. In the midst of despair, Job 19:23-27 clings to the hope of redemption, confidently declaring his Redeemer lives and that he will stand upon the earth in the last days, a powerful testament to faith amidst suffering. Lastly, 1 Timothy 3:14-16 delves into the heart of Christian mystery, proclaiming the great revealed truth of godliness embodied in Jesus Christ, witnessed by angels, proclaimed among nations, believed in the world, and taken up in glory. Together, these scriptures intertwine to offer a multifaceted perspective on God's eternal promises and the profound nature of divine revelation.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 110:1-4
A Priest Forever

This Psalm is a powerful and profound proclamation from God, calling the heavens and the earth as witnesses to God's righteous judgment. It speaks of God as the Almighty Judge, summoning the earth from sunrise to sunset. This section of the scripture is not just a call to the people but a divine summons for all creation to listen and acknowledge the authority and righteousness of God. As we prepare our hearts to delve into these verses, let's ponder the omnipotence and justice of the Lord, who is indeed "A Priest Forever."

1    The LORD says to my lord, *
        ‘Sit at my right hand
        until I make your enemies your footstool.’

2    The LORD sends out from Zion
        your mighty sceptre. *
        Rule in the midst of your foes.

3    Your people will offer themselves willingly
        on the day you lead your forces
        on the holy mountains. *
        From the womb of the morning,
        like dew, your youth will come to you.

4    The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, *
        ‘You are a priest for ever according
        to the order of Melchizedek.’

Heavenly Father, we come before You, drawing inspiration from Psalm 110:1-4, seeking to understand the depths of Your divine plan. Lord, Your Word says, "The Lord says to my lord, 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.' The Lord sends out from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your foes. Your people will offer themselves willingly on the day you lead your forces on the holy mountains. From the womb of the morning, like dew, your youth will come to you. The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.'"

We marvel at the mystery and majesty of Your words, understanding that You, O Lord, invite us into a divine order, one of righteousness and eternal priesthood. As You have appointed Christ to sit at Your right hand, we ask that You empower us to overcome the enemies of doubt, fear, and injustice. Help us to rule in the midst of our foes with love, compassion, and strength.

On this day, may Your people offer themselves willingly, aligning with Your holy purpose. May we be refreshed and renewed like the morning dew, embracing the newness of life that comes from You. Grant us the wisdom to comprehend the eternal priesthood You've established, one that outlasts time and ushers in Your everlasting peace and order.

Lord, we trust in Your promise that You will not change Your mind. In this assurance, let our hearts find courage and our spirits find rest. Guide us to be instruments of Your will, serving as reflections of Your love and mercy.

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.”

Job 19:23-27
Job Will See God

In the heart of the Book of Job, chapters 19 verses 23 to 27, we encounter one of the most profound and moving declarations of faith in all of Scripture. This passage is not just a mere lament or a cry of despair from Job, who has lost everything and is suffering immensely. Instead, it's a powerful statement of hope and unwavering belief in the midst of unimaginable suffering. This passage is titled "Job Will See God" because it encapsulates Job's firm conviction that, despite his current misery and confusion, he will ultimately see God.

19 23 “O that my words were written down!
        O that they were inscribed in a book!
24  O that with an iron pen and with lead
        they were engraved on a rock forever!
25  For I know that my Redeemer lives,
        and that at the last he will stand upon the earth;
26  and after my skin has been thus destroyed,
        then in my flesh I shall see God,
27  whom I shall see on my side,
        and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
        My heart faints within me!

Expository Commentary

Verse 23: Job begins by expressing a deep desire for his words to be recorded for posterity. This is not just a wish for his story to be remembered; it's a plea for his suffering and his faith amidst suffering to be understood by future generations.

Verse 24: Job intensifies his initial wish. He desires his words to be permanently inscribed, unchangeable and enduring. This not only reflects the depth of his anguish but also his hope that his struggle and his faith are of eternal significance.

Verse 25: Amidst his despair, Job makes a startling declaration of faith. He affirms his belief in a "Redeemer"—a deliverer or vindicator. This is a profound expression of hope and certainty that transcends his immediate circumstances. Job is convinced that this Redeemer lives and will ultimately manifest in the physical world.

Verse 26: Job acknowledges his mortality and the inevitability of death. The phrase "after my skin has been thus destroyed" likely refers to his physical decay after death. Yet, he expresses a remarkable conviction that even after his body has perished, he will see God. This is an early expression of belief in the resurrection or life after death.

Verse 27: Job concludes with a personal and intimate assurance that he will behold God himself, not a substitute or second-hand account. The phrase "on my side" indicates a relationship, a personal encounter with the divine. The final sentence, "My heart faints within me," is often interpreted as a mix of overwhelming longing and joyous anticipation.

Conclusion: In these verses, Job moves from despair to a declaration of faith, from questioning to asserting a profound truth. Job 19:23-27 is not just about the anticipation of vindication but also about the personal, transformative vision of the divine. This passage resonates with anyone who has ever suffered and sought understanding or hope beyond their immediate circumstances. It's a testament to the enduring human spirit and the profound yearning to connect with the divine, to seek answers, and to find hope in the midst of life's most challenging moments.

1 Timothy 3:14-16
The Mystery of Our Religion

The passage from 1 Timothy 3:14-16, is a significant portion of Scripture that provides insights into the early Christian understanding of the church and the nature of Christ's revelation. This section is a part of a letter attributed to Paul the Apostle, addressing his young protégé, Timothy. Here, Paul is imparting wisdom and guidance on how to lead the church and its members.

3 14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, 15 if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. 16 Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great:

    He was revealed in flesh,
        vindicated in spirit,
            seen by angels,
    proclaimed among Gentiles,
        believed in throughout the world,
            taken up in glory.

Expository Commentary

Verse 14: Paul expresses his intention to visit Timothy but notes the importance of writing these instructions in case his visit is delayed. This suggests the urgency and significance of the message he's delivering. Paul wants to ensure that Timothy has the necessary guidance to lead effectively, whether or not Paul can be present.

Verse 15: Paul refers to the church as the "household of God," emphasizing its sacred nature and the importance of proper conduct within it. He further describes the church as the "pillar and bulwark of the truth," indicating its foundational role in upholding and spreading the truth of God's revelation. This metaphor highlights the church's responsibility to maintain doctrinal integrity and moral righteousness.

Verse 16: This verse unfolds the mystery of Christian faith, centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. It's a concise yet profound Christological statement. "Revealed in flesh" refers to the Incarnation, where Jesus, being divine, took human form. "Vindicated by the Spirit" likely points to Christ's resurrection, where the Holy Spirit played a role in declaring Him righteous and defeating death. "Seen by angels" indicates the spiritual realm's acknowledgment of Jesus' divine nature and mission. "Proclaimed among Gentiles" refers to the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish communities, and "believed in throughout the world" underscores the global and inclusive nature of Christianity. Finally, "taken up in glory" points to the Ascension, where Christ was exalted and returned to divine glory.

Conclusion: 1 Timothy 3:14-16 serves as a powerful reminder of the foundational truths of Christianity and the high calling of the church. It reveals the deep mystery of faith centered on Christ's incarnation, resurrection, and ascension. The passage urges believers to live righteously within the "household of God" and holds the church responsible for upholding and proclaiming the truth. Paul's words resonate through the centuries, calling every generation to ponder the profound mystery and live out the high calling of their faith.

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 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 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