The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Tuesday, February 20, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Seeking Solace in Divine Wisdom and Hope

Psalm 77; Job 5:8-27; 1 Peter 3:8-18a
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 1)

Introduction

In this thematic exploration, we delve into the profound spiritual landscapes of Psalm 77, Job 5:8-27, and 1 Peter 3:8-18a. These scriptures collectively guide us through a journey of lamentation, seeking understanding, and eventual solace in divine wisdom and hope. Psalm 77 expresses a heartfelt plea to God amidst despair, where the psalmist recalls God's past deeds as a source of comfort. In Job 5:8-27, we find words of wisdom from Eliphaz, offering a perspective on God's mighty works and the notion of divine justice and blessing for the righteous. Finally, 1 Peter 3:8-18a calls for a life of compassion, unity, and a steadfast faith in the face of suffering, emphasizing the blessing that comes from enduring unjust suffering for what is right. Together, these passages intertwine to form a rich tapestry of faith, perseverance, and the enduring hope found in God's unfailing love and wisdom.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 77
Prayer for God to Remember Us

Psalm 77 is a poignant expression of human distress and a profound search for God in times of deep trouble. Authored by Asaph, a prominent Levite musician and seer, this Psalm resonates with anyone who has ever felt abandoned or overwhelmed by life's trials. It begins with a heartfelt cry to God, reflecting the Psalmist's intense feelings of despair and isolation. However, as we journey through the verses, we witness a transition from despair to remembrance, from questioning to affirming God's mighty deeds in history. Psalm 77 encourages us to remember God's past faithfulness as a source of hope for our present and future. As we read, let us open our hearts to the timeless message of this Psalm, allowing its words to comfort and strengthen us in our own moments of difficulty.

1    I cry aloud to God, *
        Aloud to God, that he may hear me.

2    In the day of my trouble I seek the LORD;
            in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; *
        My soul refuses to be comforted.

3    I think of God, and I moan; *
        I meditate, and my spirit faints.  Selah

4    You keep my eyelids from closing; *
        I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

5    I consider the days of old, *
        And remember the years of long ago.

6    I commune with my heart in the night; *
        I meditate and search my spirit:

7    “Will the LORD spurn forever, *
        And never again be favorable?

8    Has his steadfast love ceased forever? *
        Are his promises at an end for all time?

9    Has God forgotten to be gracious? *
        Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”  Selah

10  And I say, “It is my grief *
        That the right hand of the Most High has changed.”

11  I will call to mind the deeds of the LORD; *
        I will remember your wonders of old.

12  I will meditate on all your work, *
        And muse on your mighty deeds.

13  Your way, O God, is holy. *
        What god is so great as our God?

14  You are the God who works wonders; *
        You have displayed your might among the peoples.

15  With your strong arm you redeemed your people, *
        The descendants of Jacob and Joseph.  Selah

16  When the waters saw you, O God,
            when the waters saw you, they were afraid; *
        The very deep trembled.

17  The clouds poured out water;
            the skies thundered; *
        Your arrows flashed on every side.

18  The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
            your lightnings lit up the world; *
        The earth trembled and shook.

19  Your way was through the sea,
            your path, through the mighty waters; *
        Yet your footprints were unseen.

20  You led your people like a flock *
        By the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Heavenly Father, in the spirit of Psalm 77, I turn to You in my moments of distress. When my spirit is overwhelmed and my heart is heavy, I remember Your deeds and meditate on Your ancient wonders.

Lord, Your ways are holy and righteous. Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who works wonders; You have displayed Your power among the peoples. With Your strong arm, You have redeemed Your children.

In times of trouble, when I cry out to You, let me remember the works of Your hands. As You guided Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron, so too guide me through the challenges I face.

Help me to trust in Your unfailing love and to find peace in Your divine presence. Teach me to reflect on Your mighty deeds and draw strength from Your everlasting faithfulness.

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 5:8-27
Seek God

Job 5:8-27 offers a profound exploration of the themes of divine justice and human suffering within the Biblical context. This passage, articulated by Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, suggests that suffering may be a form of divine correction, and encourages Job to seek God in his affliction. Eliphaz posits that God's mysterious ways are beyond human understanding, yet asserts that God is just and merciful. He advises Job to turn to God with hope, as God is seen as a savior who can rescue the suffering from their plight. The passage is filled with imagery that juxtaposes the despair of adversity with the hope of divine intervention, making it a compelling part of the Book of Job's broader dialogue on the nature of suffering and the righteousness of God.

5 8 “As for me, I would seek God,
       and to God I would commit my cause.
9    He does great things and unsearchable,
        marvelous things without number.
10   He gives rain on the earth
        and sends waters on the fields;
11  he sets on high those who are lowly,
        and those who mourn are lifted to safety.
12  He frustrates the devices of the crafty,
        so that their hands achieve no success.
13  He takes the wise in their own craftiness;
        and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end.
14  They meet with darkness in the daytime,
        and grope at noonday as in the night.
15  But he saves the needy from the sword of their mouth,
        from the hand of the mighty.
16  So the poor have hope,
        and injustice shuts its mouth.

17  “How happy is the one whom God reproves;
        therefore do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
18  For he wounds, but he binds up;
        he strikes, but his hands heal.
19  He will deliver you from six troubles;
        in seven no harm shall touch you.
20  In famine he will redeem you from death,
        and in war from the power of the sword.
21  You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue,
        and shall not fear destruction when it comes.
22  At destruction and famine you shall laugh,
        and shall not fear the wild animals of the earth.
23  For you shall be in league with the stones of the field,
        and the wild animals shall be at peace with you.
24  You shall know that your tent is safe,
        you shall inspect your fold and miss nothing.
25  You shall know that your descendants will be many,
        and your offspring like the grass of the earth.
26  You shall come to your grave in ripe old age,
        as a shock of grain comes up to the threshing floor in its season.
27  See, we have searched this out; it is true.
        Hear, and know it for yourself.”

Expository Commentary

Verses 8-9: Eliphaz encourages Job to "seek God" and "commit his cause to God." He emphasizes God's greatness and inscrutability, suggesting that God's actions are wondrous and beyond human understanding. This is a call for Job to recognize the sovereignty and mystery of God in the midst of suffering.

Verses 10-16: These verses describe the ways God interacts with the world. God is portrayed as providing rain, sustaining the lowly, frustrating the devices of the crafty, and saving the needy from the schemes of the wicked. Eliphaz uses these descriptions to illustrate God's justice and care for the downtrodden, implying that God's actions are inherently just and beneficial to those who are righteous.

Verses 17-18: Eliphaz introduces the concept of divine discipline. He suggests that suffering can be a form of correction from God, and that the Almighty wounds but also binds up and heals. This is a critical point in Eliphaz's argument, as he attempts to reconcile the existence of suffering with a just and caring God.

Verses 19-22: These verses offer assurances of protection from various calamities, including famine and war. Eliphaz assures Job that those who are aligned with God will be shielded from harm, reflecting a common belief in the Ancient Near East that righteousness leads to divine protection and prosperity.

Verses 23-26: Eliphaz continues with promises of security and prosperity, extending even to the natural world and familial relations. The description of a harmonious life and a ripe old age serves as an idealized depiction of the blessings bestowed on the righteous.

Verses 27: The chapter concludes with Eliphaz asserting the reliability of his counsel. He invites Job to reflect on the truths he has presented, implying that they are based on wisdom and observation.

Throughout this passage, Eliphaz's perspective represents a traditional view of God's justice and the nature of suffering: that suffering is a form of divine discipline meant for correction and that righteousness leads to divine favor. However, as the Book of Job progresses, this view is challenged and complicated by the experiences and speeches of Job and his other friends, as well as by God's ultimate response to Job's plight. Eliphaz's speech sets the stage for these deeper explorations of theodicy, human suffering, and the nature of God's justice.

1 Peter 3:8-18a
About suffering

The passage 1 Peter 3:8-18a provides a profound exposition on Christian conduct in the face of suffering. This section of the epistle, authored by the Apostle Peter, offers timeless guidance on how believers should interact with one another and respond to adversity. Emphasizing unity, humility, compassion, and a love for others, it encourages Christians to return blessings for insults and to keep a clear conscience. In the face of persecution, Peter advises maintaining a respectful and gentle demeanor, always being prepared to defend one's faith with gentleness and reverence. This scripture not only instructs on personal conduct but also provides insights into enduring suffering with grace, exemplifying Christ's teachings through personal example.

3 8 Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. 10 For

    “Those who desire life
        and desire to see good days,
    let them keep their tongues from evil
        and their lips from speaking deceit;
11  let them turn away from evil and do good;
        let them seek peace and pursue it.
12  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
        and his ears are open to their prayer.
    But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

13 Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 16 yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. 18a For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God.

Expository Commentary

Verses 8-9: Call to Unity and Blessing

• Verse 8: "Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind."

•   This verse is a summation of Christian ethical behavior. It emphasizes unity, sympathy, love, tenderness, and humility, reflecting the character of Christ.

• Verse 9: "Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing."

•   Peter encourages believers to respond to evil and abuse not with retaliation, but with blessings. This attitude aligns with Jesus' teachings and signifies a calling to inherit God's blessings.

Verses 10-12: Quoting Psalm 34

• Verses 10-12: This section quotes Psalm 34, reinforcing the message with scriptural authority. It connects righteous living with God's favor and the avoidance of evil with divine protection. This reinforces the idea that a godly life is not just morally right but also beneficial.

Verses 13-14: Suffering for Righteousness

• Verse 13: "Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?"

•   Suggests that generally, doing good leads to less harm, though it's not an absolute promise of safety.

• Verse 14: "But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated,"

•   Acknowledges that suffering for righteousness is possible and even blessed. It advises against fear and intimidation, echoing Jesus' teachings.

Verses 15-16: Christ as Lord and Defense of Faith

• Verse 15: "but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you;"

•   This verse emphasizes honoring Christ as Lord in one’s heart and being prepared to explain one's Christian hope to others.

• Verse 16: "yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame."

•   Advises gentleness and respect when defending the faith. A clear conscience helps ensure that any accusations against Christians are baseless and result in the accuser's shame.

Verses 17-18a: Suffering for Doing Good

• Verse 17: "For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil."

•   Suggests that if one must suffer, it is preferable to suffer for doing good, possibly as part of God's will, rather than for wrongdoing.

• Verse 18a: "For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God."

•   Highlights Christ's sacrificial suffering for humanity's sins, underscoring the theme of suffering for good and the ultimate purpose of reconciliation with God.

Summary: 1 Peter 3:8-18a offers a profound insight into Christian living, emphasizing unity, love, and humility, while also dealing with the reality of suffering for righteousness. It encourages believers to respond to hostility with blessings, live righteously, fearlessly defend their faith, and take comfort in Christ's own suffering and victory.

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