The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Wednesday, February 28, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Wednesday, February 28, 2024

From Darkness to Light:

A Journey of Faith and Restoration

Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45; Jeremiah 30:12-22; John 12:36-43
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 2)

Introduction

This compilation of scriptural passages from Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45; Jeremiah 30:12-22; and John 12:36-43 invites us into a profound journey from despair to hope, darkness to light, and bondage to freedom. Psalm 105 encourages believers to remember and celebrate God's mighty acts and faithfulness to His covenant, recounting the wonders He performed for His people in Egypt and during the Exodus. In contrast, Jeremiah 30 speaks to a people in distress, offering both a diagnosis of their plight and a promise of healing and restoration through a renewed covenant. The passage from John 12 confronts the struggle of belief and unbelief, as Jesus calls for faith in the light to overcome darkness. Together, these scriptures weave a tapestry of God's enduring faithfulness, the transformative power of trust in Him, and the journey of a community called from the shadows into His marvelous light.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45
God Promises Life to Abraham

Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45 is a poetic and spiritual reflection on God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. This Psalm celebrates the remarkable journey of faith, focusing on the covenant with Abraham and the subsequent blessings bestowed upon the Israelites. It's a reminder of the power and constancy of God's word, His unfailing commitment to His people, and His miraculous deeds. Through recounting the history of Israel's ancestors and God's mighty acts, the Psalm calls the faithful to remember, give thanks, and trust in God’s guidance.

1    O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name,*
        Make known his deeds among the peoples.

2    Sing to him, sing praises to him; *
        Tell of all his wonderful works.

3    Glory in his holy name; *
        Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

4    Seek the LORD and his strength; *
        Seek his presence continually.

5    Remember the wonderful works he has done, *
        His miracles, and the judgments he has uttered,

6    O offspring of his servant Abraham, *
        Children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

7    He is the LORD our God; *
        His judgments are in all the earth.

8    He is mindful of his covenant forever, *
        Of the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,

9    The covenant that he made with Abraham, *
        His sworn promise to Isaac,

10  Which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute, *
        To Israel as an everlasting covenant,

11  Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan *
        As your portion for an inheritance.”

37  Then he brought Israel out with silver and gold, *
        And there was no one among their tribes who stumbled.

38  Egypt was glad when they departed, *
        For dread of them had fallen upon it.

39  He spread a cloud for a covering, *
        And fire to give light by night.

40  They asked, and he brought quails, *
        And gave them food from heaven in abundance.

41  He opened the rock, and water gushed out; *
        It flowed through the desert like a river.

42  For he remembered his holy promise, *
        And Abraham, his servant.

43  So he brought his people out with joy, *
        His chosen ones with singing.

44  He gave them the lands of the nations, *
        And they took possession of the wealth of the peoples,

45  That they might keep his statutes
            and observe his laws. *
        Praise the LORD!

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude, remembering Your marvelous works as recounted in Psalm 105. With joyful voices, we give thanks to You, Lord, and call upon Your holy name. We seek to make known Your deeds among the peoples, proclaiming Your strength and the wonders You have performed.

You, O God, are our Lord; Your judgments are in all the earth. You remember Your covenant forever, the promise You made for a thousand generations, the covenant You made with Abraham, and Your oath to Isaac, which You confirmed to Jacob as a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant. You have said, “To you I will give the land of Canaan as your portion for an inheritance.”

When our ancestors were few in number, of little account, and strangers in the land, wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, You allowed no one to oppress them. You rebuked kings on their account, saying, “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”

You brought out Israel with silver and gold, and there was no one among their tribes who stumbled. Egypt was glad when they departed, for dread of them had fallen upon it. You spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light by night. They asked, and You brought quails, and gave them food from heaven in abundance. You opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river.

For You remembered Your holy promise, and Abraham, Your servant. So You brought Your people out with joy, Your chosen ones with singing. You gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the wealth of the peoples, that they might keep Your statutes and observe Your laws.

Praise the Lord!

In Your loving kindness, Lord, help us to remember Your past faithfulness as a guide for our present and future. Grant us the grace to trust in Your promises and to follow Your statutes. May we be ever mindful of Your blessings and proclaim Your goodness to the world.

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.”

Jeremiah 30:12-22
God Will Restore Israel

Jeremiah 30:12-22 presents a powerful and evocative message from the prophet Jeremiah. This section is part of a larger discourse known as the 'Book of Consolation,' which extends from chapters 30 to 33. In these verses, God addresses the plight of Israel, offering both a diagnosis of its deep wounds inflicted by sin and the promise of restoration and healing. The passage vividly depicts the Lord’s enduring commitment to His people, emphasizing His role as their healer and redeemer. It speaks to the intimate relationship between God and Israel, portraying a future where they will be reunited and live under the benevolent reign of a righteous Davidic ruler. This section of Jeremiah encapsulates the themes of repentance, divine justice, and the hope of salvation, reflecting the overarching narrative of Israel's exile and the promise of their eventual return and restoration.

30 12 For thus says the LORD:
    Your hurt is incurable,
        your wound is grievous.
13  There is no one to uphold your cause,
        no medicine for your wound,
        no healing for you.
14  All your lovers have forgotten you;
        they care nothing for you;
    for I have dealt you the blow of an enemy,
        the punishment of a merciless foe,
    because your guilt is great,
        because your sins are so numerous.
15  Why do you cry out over your hurt?
        Your pain is incurable.
    Because your guilt is great,
        because your sins are so numerous,
        I have done these things to you.
16  Therefore all who devour you shall be devoured,
        and all your foes, every one of them, shall go into captivity;
    those who plunder you shall be plundered,
        and all who prey on you I will make a prey.
17  For I will restore health to you,
        and your wounds I will heal,
    says the Lord,
    because they have called you an outcast:
        “It is Zion; no one cares for her!”

18   Thus says the LORD:
    I am going to restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob,
        and have compassion on his dwellings;
    the city shall be rebuilt upon its mound,
        and the citadel set on its rightful site.
19  Out of them shall come thanksgiving,
        and the sound of merrymakers.
    I will make them many, and they shall not be few;
        I will make them honored, and they shall not be disdained.
20   Their children shall be as of old,
        their congregation shall be established before me;
        and I will punish all who oppress them.
21  Their prince shall be one of their own,
        their ruler shall come from their midst;
    I will bring him near, and he shall approach me,
        for who would otherwise dare to approach me?
    says the LORD.
22  And you shall be my people,
        and I will be your God.

Expository Commentary

Jeremiah 30:12-22 offers a rich tapestry of themes and messages, deeply rooted in the context of Israel's history and prophetic tradition. Let's break down these verses to understand their deeper meaning:

Verses 12-15 — Israel's Plight and God's Response: These verses describe the desperate condition of Israel, often seen as symbolic of both physical and spiritual sickness. The imagery suggests a wound that is incurable, representing the nation's sins and the resultant suffering. The lack of anyone to plead Israel's cause or to effectively heal their wounds reflects their isolation and the insufficiency of human means to rectify their spiritual state. God acknowledges their affliction and the absence of peace, indicating a divine recognition of their suffering.

Verses 16-17 — Promise of Restoration and Vengeance: These verses mark a shift from despair to hope. God promises that those who have devoured and oppressed Israel will themselves be consumed. This is a common theme in prophetic literature, where God asserts justice against the enemies of His people. Additionally, God promises restoration and healing, not just in a physical sense, but a return to a state of favor and peace with God. The mention of Israel as "Zion" here is significant, denoting not just a physical location but a spiritual ideal of peace and righteousness.

Verses 18-20 — Restoration of Jacob: Here, the focus is on the restoration of Jacob (another name for Israel). The imagery used is that of rebuilding, suggesting a reversal of the destruction they have faced. The joyous gatherings and increase in numbers signify a return to prosperity and blessing. This restoration also indicates a return to the covenantal relationship, where God is their ruler and guide.

Verses 21-22 — Establishing a New Leader: These verses speak of the rise of a new leader who will come from within the people, not imposed from outside. This leader will have a direct relationship with God, suggesting a righteous and divinely appointed ruler. The statement "I will bring him near, and he shall approach me" implies a closeness to God that is vital for effective and righteous leadership. The reaffirmation of Israel as God's people and He as their God reinforces the covenant theme that runs throughout the Book of Jeremiah.

Throughout these verses, the themes of judgment, hope, restoration, and covenant are interwoven. The passage reflects a movement from the acknowledgment of Israel's dire state due to their sins, towards a future of restoration and renewal under a divinely anointed leader. It encapsulates the essence of prophetic literature: calling out sin, warning of consequences, but also offering hope for redemption and renewal under God's sovereign plan.

John 12:36-43
The Unbelief of the People

John 12:36-43 presents a poignant section of the Gospel according to John, revealing deep insights into the nature of belief and unbelief among the people and leaders during Jesus' time. This passage follows Jesus' public declaration about being the light of the world and the necessity for people to walk in that light. It poignantly captures the tension between the public's response to Jesus' miracles and teachings, and their simultaneous reluctance to openly acknowledge Him due to fear of persecution and ostracism by the Pharisees. This portion of Scripture not only underscores the division of opinion regarding Jesus' identity and mission but also offers a profound reflection on the human tendency to prioritize societal acceptance over spiritual truth. It challenges readers to consider the cost of discipleship and the courage required to stand for one's convictions in the face of societal pressures.

12 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”

After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. 37 Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

    “Lord, who has believed our message,
        and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

39 And so they could not believe, because Isaiah also said,

40  “He has blinded their eyes
        and hardened their heart,
    so that they might not look with their eyes,
        and understand with their heart and turn—
        and I would heal them.”

41 Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him. 42 Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God.

Expository Commentary

John 12:36-43 offers a rich tapestry of themes and insights. Here's a breakdown of these verses, offering an expository commentary on each segment:

Verse 36: This verse emphasizes Jesus' call for belief in Him as the light of the world. The imagery of light and darkness is a recurring theme in John's Gospel, symbolizing truth, life, and guidance. Jesus urges the people to embrace the light—to embrace Him and His teachings—so they might become 'children of light,' a metaphor for living in truth and righteousness. His departure and subsequent concealment suggest a turning point in His ministry, marking the end of His public teaching and beginning of the journey to the cross.

Verses 37-38: Despite witnessing numerous miracles, many in Jesus' audience remained unconverted. This unbelief fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 53:1), highlighting a profound spiritual blindness and stubbornness. The reference to Isaiah places Jesus' ministry within the broader context of God's redemptive plan as foretold by the prophets.

Verses 39-40: These verses further explore the theme of disbelief, quoting Isaiah 6:10. The hardening of hearts and blinding of eyes is a metaphorical way of describing the people's refusal to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. This judicial hardening is a divine response to persistent unbelief, preventing them from understanding and accepting the truth of Jesus' message.

Verses 41-42: Isaiah's prophecy is linked directly to Jesus, affirming His divine glory and identity. The acknowledgment that many, including some authorities, believed in Jesus but were afraid to confess it openly reveals the powerful social and religious pressures of the time. Fear of excommunication and social ostracism by the Pharisees prevented many from publicly aligning with Jesus, reflecting a conflict between personal conviction and societal conformity.

Verse 43: This concluding verse captures the crux of the passage. It contrasts the transient glory offered by human approval with the eternal glory that comes from God. This highlights a fundamental human dilemma: the choice between seeking approval from others and remaining faithful to divine truth. It serves as a cautionary note about the dangers of valuing human praise over God's.

In summary, John 12:36-43 presents a profound meditation on belief and unbelief, the conflict between divine calling and human fear, and the ultimate choice between seeking human approval and embracing divine truth. It challenges readers to reflect on where their allegiances lie and what they value most.

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