The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Wednesday, February 7, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Endurance and Divine Sovereignty in Suffering

Psalm 102:12-28; Job 6:1-13; Mark 3:7-12
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 5)

Introduction

In the selected passages from Psalm 102:12-28, Job 6:1-13, and Mark 3:7-12, the common thread is the endurance of suffering and the unshakeable sovereignty of God. Psalm 102 portrays the heartfelt cry of an afflicted soul who, amidst deep sorrow and weakness, finds hope in the eternal reign of God. Job, in his profound agony, questions the meaning of life and his unending suffering, yet his narrative invites us to ponder the complexities of faith and the human condition. In Mark, we witness Jesus's compassion and divine power as multitudes seek healing, demonstrating His authority over all afflictions. Together, these scriptures encourage believers to find solace in God's unchanging nature and sovereign power, even when faced with life's most challenging trials.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 102:12-28
Everlasting Foundations: Trusting in God's Eternal Sovereignty

Psalm 102:12-28 is a profound passage that encapsulates the enduring nature of God amidst the fleeting troubles of life. As a prayer of an afflicted person, it reflects deep anguish yet also a strong sense of hope and trust in the Lord's perpetual reign. This section of the Psalm contrasts the temporary nature of human suffering with the eternal, unchanging character of God. It is a poignant reminder that while our days are like passing shadows, God remains forever steadfast and compassionate.

12  But you, LORD, sit enthroned forever; *
        Your renown endures through all generations.

13  You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
            for it is time to show favor to her; *
       The appointed time has come.

14  For her stones are dear to your servants; *
        Her very dust moves them to pity.

15  The nations will fear the name of the LORD, *
        All the kings of the earth will revere your glory.

16  For the LORD will rebuild Zion *
        And appear in his glory.

17  He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; *
        He will not despise their plea.

18  Let this be written for a future generation, *
        That a people not yet created may praise the LORD:

19  “The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, *
        From heaven he viewed the earth,

20  To hear the groans of the prisoners *
        And release those condemned to death.”

21  So the name of the LORD will be declared in Zion *
        And his praise in Jerusalem

22  When the peoples and the kingdoms *
        Assemble to worship the LORD.

23  In the course of my life he broke my strength; *
        He cut short my days.

24  So I said: “Do not take me away, my God,
        in the midst of my days; *
        Your years go on through all generations.

25  In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, *
        And the heavens are the work of your hands.

26  They will perish, but you remain;
            they will all wear out like a garment. *
        Like clothing you will change them
            and they will be discarded.

27  But you remain the same, *
        And your years will never end.

28  The children of your servants will live in your presence; *
        Their descendants will be established before you.”

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts lifted in praise, acknowledging Your sovereignty and eternal reign. As declared in Psalm 102:12-28, we recognize that You, O Lord, sit enthroned forever; Your renown endures through all generations.

We find comfort in knowing that You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come. We see the stones of our lives, once in ruin, being cherished by You, and we are grateful for Your restoration.

Lord, we acknowledge that the nations will fear Your name and all the kings of the earth will revere Your glory. For You will rebuild Zion and appear in Your glory. You will respond to the prayer of the destitute; You will not despise their plea.

We are humbled by the thought that this will be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord. We stand in awe of Your timeless nature, that even though our days are like a fleeting shadow, You remain the same, and Your years will never end.

We pray for the children of Your servants; may they live in Your presence and their descendants be established before You. Help us to lay down a legacy of faith, that the future generations may know of Your deeds and continue to walk in Your ways.

In the midst of change, let us hold fast to the truth that You, O Lord, are the same yesterday, today, and forever. May our lives reflect Your eternal nature, and may our hearts be ever turned towards You, the everlasting God.

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 6:1-13
Enduring Through Despair

In this passage from the Book of Job, we delve into the depths of human suffering and the search for meaning amid intense despair. As Job responds to his friend Eliphaz, he articulates the immensity of his grief and the incomprehensibility of his pain. This segment of scripture not only reflects the personal agony of Job but also poses profound questions about the nature of suffering, divine justice, and human solidarity.

6 1 Then Job replied:

2    “If only my anguish could be weighed
    and all my misery be placed on the scales!
3    It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas—
        no wonder my words have been impetuous.
4    The arrows of the Almighty are in me,
        my spirit drinks in their poison;
        God’s terrors are marshaled against me.
5    Does a wild donkey bray when it has grass,
        or an ox bellow when it has fodder?
6    Is tasteless food eaten without salt,
        or is there flavor in the sap of the mallow?
7    I refuse to touch it;
        such food makes me ill.

8    “Oh, that I might have my request,
        that God would grant what I hope for,
9    that God would be willing to crush me,
        to let loose his hand and cut off my life!
10  Then I would still have this consolation—
        my joy in unrelenting pain—
        that I had not denied the words of the Holy One.

11  “What strength do I have, that I should still hope?
        What prospects, that I should be patient?
12  Do I have the strength of stone?
        Is my flesh bronze?
13  Do I have any power to help myself,
        now that success has been driven from me?

Expository Commentary

Verses 1-3: Job begins by expressing the weight of his anguish, likening it to the sands of the seas—a metaphor for the overwhelming and immeasurable nature of his sorrow. This hyperbolic expression conveys not just the extent but the complexity and depth of his affliction. Job's lament is not merely a complaint; it is a poignant expression of existential suffering.

Verses 4-7: Job shifts to describe the divine arrows embedded within him, accompanied by the poison of God's spirit. These verses depict the intensity of his perceived abandonment by God, feeling besieged by the very one he once felt closest to. The bitterness of his soul is juxtaposed with the distasteful food, illustrating his utter repulsion at life's sustenance amidst his torment.

Verses 8-10: Here, Job expresses a wish for God to grant his request for death, revealing his profound despair. Yet, even in this desire to end his life, he clings to a shred of consolation—the knowledge that he has not denied the words of the Holy One. This suggests a complex relationship with the divine, intertwined with both accusation and a steadfast clinging to faith.

Verses 11-13: Job questions his strength and his end, pondering what keeps him enduring his suffering. He acknowledges his lack of resources—his strength and hope have perished, leaving him destitute and vulnerable. In this admission, there's a raw confrontation with his human limitations and a subtle inquiry into the purpose of continuing in the face of unrelenting despair.

Throughout Job 6:1-13, we encounter a man grappling with the extremities of human suffering and the elusive nature of divine justice. This passage invites us to reflect on our own experiences of suffering, the sources of our resilience, and the profound mystery of the human-divine relationship. It's a stark reminder of the enduring human quest for understanding and solace amid the inexplicable tides of life.

Mark 3:7-12
The Growing Fame and Divine Authority of Jesus

Mark 3:7-12 recounts a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus, as he retreats to the lake with his disciples. This passage is a vivid portrayal of Jesus' growing fame and his divine authority over unclean spirits. As crowds gather from all around, and as spirits fall before him, we see a glimpse of the duality of Jesus' earthly ministry—his appeal to the suffering and his command over the spiritual realm.

3 7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. 8 When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. 9 Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. 10 For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. 11 Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” 12 But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.

Expository Commentary

Verse 7: This verse sets the scene, emphasizing the growing popularity of Jesus. His teachings and healings have begun to attract large crowds, indicating a turning point in his ministry. The reference to Galilee also highlights Jesus' influence in his own region.

Verse 8: The extent of Jesus' fame is underscored here. People are traveling great distances, from diverse regions, to see him. This not only shows the widespread impact of his ministry but also foreshadows the universal nature of his message.

Verse 9: Jesus' practical response to the overwhelming crowds reveals his humanity and the logistical challenges of his ministry. The mention of the boat also subtly alludes to his dominion over nature.

Verse 10: The desperation and hope of the people are palpable in this verse. It highlights Jesus' role as a healer and the profound impact he had on those suffering physically and, by extension, spiritually.

Verse 11: This verse demonstrates Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm. The acknowledgment of Jesus as the 'Son of God' by unclean spirits paradoxically affirms his divine identity, even as he orders them not to make him known.

Verse 12: Jesus' command reflects the Messianic Secret, a recurring theme in Mark's Gospel. It's a complex directive that has been interpreted in many ways but often seen as a way to control the timing and manner of the revelation of his true identity and purpose.

In conclusion, Mark 3:7-12 paints a multifaceted picture of Jesus as a magnetic healer and a commanding divine authority. The passage invites reflection on the nature of Jesus' early ministry and the profound reactions—both human and supernatural—that it elicited.

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