The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Thursday, February 8, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Thursday, February 8, 2024

Divine Judgment, Human Ambition,

and Ministry of Triumph

Psalm 50:1-6; 1 Kings 11:26-40; 2 Corinthians 2:12-17
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Transfiguration)

Introduction

In this rich tapestry of scriptures, we encounter a profound narrative of divine sovereignty, human folly, and the redemptive power of a triumphant ministry. Psalm 50:1-6 portrays the majestic God summoning the earth and declaring His judgment, emphasizing His righteousness and omnipotence. This scene of divine court sets the stage for understanding God's ultimate authority over creation and mankind. In contrast, 1 Kings 11:26-40 dives into the story of Jeroboam, whose ambition is kindled by a prophetic promise of kingship, illustrating the complex interplay of human free will, divine prophecy, and the consequences of straying from God’s commands. Finally, 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 shifts the focus to the apostle Paul's ministry, where amidst personal challenges and the aroma of Christ to God among those being saved and perishing, we find a testament to the triumph and resilience of spreading the Gospel. Together, these passages invite reflection on the nature of God’s judgment, the consequences of human ambition, and the enduring victory found in faithfully carrying out God's work.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 50:1-6
The Mighty One Calls: A Psalm of Divine Judgment and Grace

Psalm 50:1-6 is a powerful passage where God Himself speaks, calling the heavens and earth as witnesses to His judgment. It serves as a divine summons, revealing God's omnipotence and righteousness. The psalmist depicts the Lord as the Mighty One, who shines forth from Zion, perfect in beauty. God does not remain silent; He comes with fire and storm, manifesting His glory and majesty. This section of the psalm emphasizes that God is not only the judge of all but also the one who desires righteousness from His people. It sets the stage for understanding God's expectations and the importance of a sincere relationship with Him, rather than mere ritualistic worship.

1    The Mighty One, God, the LORD,
            speaks and summons the earth *
        From the rising of the sun to where it sets.

2    From Zion, perfect in beauty, *
        God shines forth.

3    Our God comes
            and will not be silent; *
        A fire devours before him,
            and around him a tempest rages.

4    He summons the heavens above, *
        And the earth, that he may judge his people:

5    “Gather to me this consecrated people, *
        Who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”

6    And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, *
        For he is a God of justice.

Heavenly Father, the Mighty One who calls forth the heavens and the earth, we stand in awe of Your power and righteousness. As You shine forth from Zion, perfect in beauty, we acknowledge Your sovereign authority over all creation. Lord, let us hear Your voice amidst the fire and tempest, understanding Your judgments and Your grace. Help us to come before You with true hearts, seeking not only to fulfill duties but to nurture a deep, sincere relationship with You. Teach us Your ways, that we may walk in the path of righteousness, ever mindful of Your presence and Your call.

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.”

1 Kings 11:26-40
Rise of Adversaries: The Consequences of Disobedience

In this passage from 1 Kings 11:26-40, we witness the unfolding consequences of Solomon's disobedience to God. As Solomon turns away from the divine path, the Lord raises adversaries to challenge his reign. Among these adversaries, Jeroboam's role is particularly highlighted. The narrative not only chronicles the political turmoil of the time but also serves as a testament to the importance of faithfulness and the perils of forsaking divine commands.

11 26 Also, Jeroboam son of Nebat rebelled against the king. He was one of Solomon’s officials, an Ephraimite from Zeredah, and his mother was a widow named Zeruah.

27 Here is the account of how he rebelled against the king: Solomon had built the terraces and had filled in the gap in the wall of the city of David his father. 28 Now Jeroboam was a man of standing, and when Solomon saw how well the young man did his work, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the tribes of Joseph.

29 About that time Jeroboam was going out of Jerusalem, and Ahijah the prophet of Shiloh met him on the way, wearing a new cloak. The two of them were alone out in the country, 30 and Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing and tore it into twelve pieces. 31 Then he said to Jeroboam, “Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘See, I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon’s hand and give you ten tribes. 32 But for the sake of my servant David and the city of Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, he will have one tribe. 33 I will do this because they have forsaken me and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Molek the god of the Ammonites, and have not walked in obedience to me, nor done what is right in my eyes, nor kept my decrees and laws as David, Solomon’s father, did.

34 “‘But I will not take the whole kingdom out of Solomon’s hand; I have made him ruler all the days of his life for the sake of David my servant, whom I chose and who obeyed my commands and decrees. 35 I will take the kingdom from his son’s hands and give you ten tribes. 36 I will give one tribe to his son so that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put my Name. 37 However, as for you, I will take you, and you will rule over all that your heart desires; you will be king over Israel. 38 If you do whatever I command you and walk in obedience to me and do what is right in my eyes by obeying my decrees and commands, as David my servant did, I will be with you. I will build you a dynasty as enduring as the one I built for David and will give Israel to you. 39 I will humble David’s descendants because of this, but not forever.’”

40 Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam, but Jeroboam fled to Egypt, to Shishak the king, and stayed there until Solomon’s death.

Expository Commentary

Verses 26-28 (The Emergence of Jeroboam): These verses introduce Jeroboam, an industrious individual who quickly rises to prominence within Solomon's labor force. His competence and Solomon's subsequent recognition set the stage for his pivotal role in the future divide of the kingdom. The narrative begins to weave the tale of a kingdom on the brink of fracture, with Jeroboam at its center.

Verses 29-33 (The Prophecy of Ahijah): In this section, the prophet Ahijah delivers a stark message from God to Jeroboam. The prophecy foretells the division of the kingdom as a direct consequence of Solomon's idolatry and disobedience. These verses emphasize the seriousness of turning away from God's commandments and the far-reaching impact of such actions. The divine judgment pronounced here sets in motion the events that will lead to the eventual split of Israel.

Verses 34-36 (The Preservation of David's Line): Despite the pronounced judgment, these verses reveal God's mercy and faithfulness. The Lord promises to retain one tribe for Solomon's successor, ensuring the continuation of David's dynasty. This section highlights God's complex character, both just and merciful, and reaffirms His commitment to the covenant made with David.

Verses 37-40 (The Promise to Jeroboam): Here, God makes a significant promise to Jeroboam, offering him a lasting dynasty if he adheres to the divine commandments. This passage contrasts with the earlier narrative, focusing on the potential for blessing and stability that comes from obedience. It sets up a future filled with possibilities but also underscores the conditional nature of God's promises.

In summary, 1 Kings 11:26-40 is a complex tapestry of judgment, mercy, and the potential for redemption. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of forsaking God and the hope that lies in obedience. The narrative of Jeroboam's rise sets the stage for the challenges and changes that will come to Israel, emphasizing the enduring truth that leadership and prosperity are contingent upon faithfulness to God's commandments.

2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Triumph and Fragrance

In these verses of 2 Corinthians 2:12-17, the Apostle Paul provides a profound reflection on his ministry and the Christian mission. This passage serves as a metaphorical depiction of spiritual triumph and the spreading of the Gospel. Here, Paul likens his missionary journey to a triumphant procession, evoking imagery of a Roman victory parade. He further delves into the concept of Christians being the 'aroma of Christ,' signifying their influential and transformative role in the world. This section of Scripture offers deep insights into the nature of Christian ministry, the impact of the Gospel on believers and non-believers alike, and the contrasting perceptions of the message of Christ.

2 12 Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, 13 I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.

14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? 17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

Expository Commentary

Verse 12-13 (Open Doors and Anxious Hearts): Paul begins by mentioning his arrival in Troas, where he found an open door for ministry. Despite this opportunity, his spirit was not at ease due to his concern for Titus and the Corinthian church. This highlights the human aspect of Paul's ministry, marked by deep care for his fellow believers and an eagerness to hear about their spiritual welfare.

Verse 14 (The Triumph in Christ): Paul shifts to a tone of thanksgiving, praising God for leading him in 'triumph in Christ.' This imagery is reminiscent of a Roman triumph, where a victorious general paraded through the streets. In Paul's metaphor, Christ is the victorious leader, and Paul, along with other believers, are participants in His victory procession. This signifies the victory of the Gospel and its power to overcome spiritual battles.

Verse 15-16 (The Aroma of Christ): Paul introduces a captivating metaphor, comparing Christians to the fragrance that followed Roman triumphal processions. To those who are being saved, this aroma represents life and salvation, a sweet and welcoming fragrance. In contrast, to those who are perishing, it is the odor of death, as they reject the Gospel. This dual perception underscores the polarizing effect of the Christian message and the inevitable differing responses it elicits.

Verse 17 (Sincerity and Truth in Ministry): Paul concludes by contrasting sincere Christian ministers with those who 'peddle' the word of God for profit. He emphasizes integrity in proclaiming the Gospel, underlining that genuine ministers speak before God with sincerity, as those sent by God. This serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility and the purity of heart required in sharing the message of Christ.

In summary, 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 encapsulates the essence of Paul's ministry and the Christian mission at large. It vividly portrays the triumphant advance of the Gospel, the transformative power of its message, and the sincere heart and integrity required to share it. This passage invites believers to reflect on their role as carriers of this 'aroma,' spreading the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ in every place.

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