The Daily Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Unfailing Grace and Sovereign Care
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; Isaiah 46:1-13; Matthew 12:9-14
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 5)
Introduction
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Unfailing Grace and Sovereign Care
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; Isaiah 46:1-13; Matthew 12:9-14
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 5)
Introduction
In the passages of Psalm 147:1-11, 20c, Isaiah 46:1-13, and Matthew 12:9-14, we find a resounding theme of God's unfailing grace and sovereign care. Psalm 147 celebrates the Lord's omnipotence and His tender care for the humble, highlighting His power in the natural world and His compassion towards the brokenhearted. Isaiah 46 contrasts the impotence of idols with the omnipotence of God, asserting His unique ability to carry His people from birth to old age. Meanwhile, Matthew 12:9-14 demonstrates Jesus' mercy and authority as He heals on the Sabbath, challenging the legalistic restrictions of the religious leaders and showcasing His role as Lord of the Sabbath. Together, these scriptures invite us to recognize the vastness of God's power coupled with the depth of His care, urging us to trust in His sovereign plan and respond with humble obedience and praise.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
Harmony of Praise and Providence
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
Harmony of Praise and Providence
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c is a resounding hymn of praise, reflecting on the immense power and loving care of God. It invites believers to celebrate God's majesty, as it touches on His creation, understanding, and compassion. The Psalm emphasizes the joy found in worship and the blessings that come from fearing the Lord and hoping in His unfailing love. It is a profound reminder of the Lord's pleasure in those who respect Him and the peace He provides to His chosen ones.1 Praise the Lord.
How good it is to sing praises to our God, *
How pleasant and fitting to praise him!
2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; *
He gathers the exiles of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted *
And binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars *
And calls them each by name.
5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; *
His understanding has no limit.
6 The Lord sustains the humble *
But casts the wicked to the ground.
7 Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; *
Make music to our God on the harp.
8 He covers the sky with clouds; *
He supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He provides food for the cattle *
And for the young ravens when they call.
10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, *
Nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
11 The Lord delights in those who fear him, *
Who put their hope in his unfailing love.
20c Praise the Lord.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude, inspired by the words of Psalm 147. Lord, You are great and mighty, deserving of all our praise. Your understanding and wisdom are beyond measure, and we are humbled by Your magnificent creation.
Thank You for rebuilding our lives, for healing our wounds, and for binding up our broken hearts. In Your love, You lift the humble and sustain the righteous. We marvel at Your creation—the stars, the seasons, the rain, and the growth You bring to the earth.
We acknowledge, O Lord, that You delight not in the strength of horses nor in the legs of warriors; but You rejoice in those who fear You, in those who put their hope in Your unfailing love. May we always be such people, living in reverence and trust in You.
We are grateful, Father, for Your word and commandments, which You have given us to guide our lives. Help us to understand and keep Your statutes, and to walk in the way of Your wisdom.
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.”
Isaiah 46:1-13 unfolds within the broader context of the prophetic book of Isaiah. This specific section provides a striking contrast between the idols of Babylon and the sovereignty of the God of Israel. As the Israelites face the reality of exile in Babylon, this passage serves as a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering power, faithfulness, and plans for redemption. It addresses themes of idolatry, divine sovereignty, and the hope of salvation, offering profound insights into the nature of God and His relationship with His people.46 1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low;
their idols are borne by beasts of burden.
The images that are carried about are burdensome,
a burden for the weary.
2 They stoop and bow down together;
unable to rescue the burden,
they themselves go off into captivity.
3 “Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob,
all the remnant of the people of Israel,
you whom I have upheld since your birth,
and have carried since you were born.
4 Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
5 “With whom will you compare me or count me equal?
To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?
6 Some pour out gold from their bags
and weigh out silver on the scales;
they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god,
and they bow down and worship it.
7 They lift it to their shoulders and carry it;
they set it up in its place, and there it stands.
From that spot it cannot move.
Even though someone cries out to it, it cannot answer;
it cannot save them from their troubles.
8 “Remember this, keep it in mind,
take it to heart, you rebels.
9 Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
10 I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.’
11 From the east I summon a bird of prey;
from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that I will bring about;
what I have planned, that I will do.
12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted,
you who are now far from my righteousness.
13 I am bringing my righteousness near,
it is not far away;
and my salvation will not be delayed.
I will grant salvation to Zion,
my splendor to Israel.
Expository Commentary
Verses 1-2 (The Fall of Babylonian Gods): The passage begins with a vivid depiction of Babylon's idols, Bel and Nebo, being lowered and carried away, symbolizing the fall of Babylon and the impotence of its gods. This imagery starkly contrasts with the omnipotence of the God of Israel, highlighting the futility of trusting in man-made idols.
Verses 3-4 (God’s Unfailing Commitment): In these verses, God addresses the people of Israel directly, assuring them of His continual care from birth to old age. Unlike the idols that must be carried, God emphasizes that He carries His people, providing a powerful metaphor for His sustaining and unchanging nature.
Verses 5-7 (The Folly of Idol Worship): This section further elaborates on the absurdity of idolatry. It describes the process of crafting idols from gold and silver, underscoring their inanimate and powerless nature. In contrast, God’s living presence and power are implied, questioning why anyone would choose to worship these lifeless figures.
Verses 8-11 (A Call to Remember and Trust): God calls the rebellious to remember their history and recognize His sovereignty. He declares His ability to predict and bring about the future, affirming that His purposes will prevail. This section emphasizes God's unique omniscience and omnipotence, setting Him apart from the powerless idols.
Verses 12-13 (Assurance of Salvation): The passage concludes with a promise of salvation, not just for Israel but for all who are far away. This points forward to the inclusive nature of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. It's a message of hope, emphasizing that God's righteousness and salvation will not be delayed.
In summary, Isaiah 46:1-13 serves as a profound reminder of the stark contrast between the living God of Israel and the lifeless idols of the nations. It reassures the exiled Israelites of God's ongoing care, highlights the foolishness of idol worship, and promises a future of salvation and hope. This passage calls readers to recognize the sovereignty and faithfulness of God, encouraging trust and obedience in Him alone.
In Matthew 12:9-14, we are presented with a profound incident that vividly portrays the tension between Jesus’ teachings and the traditional Jewish understanding of the Sabbath. This passage is not just a story of a miraculous healing, but a deeper exploration of Jesus' perspective on the law, mercy, and human need. Here, we see Jesus challenging the Pharisees' strict interpretation of the Sabbath laws, positioning compassion and human well-being above rigid adherence to religious regulations.12 9 Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, 10 and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
11 He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.
Expository Commentary
Context and Conflict: The incident occurs in a synagogue, a place central to Jewish religious life. The presence of the man with a shriveled hand presents an opportunity for Jesus to teach a crucial lesson. The Pharisees' question reveals their intent to test Jesus, showcasing the existing tensions between Jesus’ ministry and the religious authorities.
Jesus' Response: Jesus responds with a rhetorical question, using the example of a sheep falling into a pit to highlight the hypocrisy in the Pharisees’ interpretation of the Sabbath law. His argument is clear: if it is permissible to save an animal on the Sabbath, how much more so to heal a human being?
The Act of Healing: Jesus’ command to the man to stretch out his hand, followed by the man's healing, underscores the power and authority of Jesus. This act of healing on the Sabbath boldly asserts that acts of mercy and kindness align with the true spirit of the Sabbath.
The Pharisees' Reaction: The Pharisees' plotting against Jesus following the miracle illustrates their hard-heartedness and inability to understand the essence of Jesus’ message. It marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities.
Broader Implications: This narrative is pivotal in understanding Jesus' approach to the law. He does not dismiss the law but transcends its literal interpretation, advocating for a law fulfilled by love and compassion. The incident underscores the principle that religious practices should not overshadow basic human needs and acts of kindness.
In summary, Matthew 12:9-14 challenges readers to reconsider the nature of religious observance, emphasizing the importance of compassion and empathy over legalistic adherence. It invites a reflection on the essence of true righteousness, which, according to Jesus, lies in love and mercy towards others, especially those in need.
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
The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Saturday, February 3, 2024
Unfailing Grace and Sovereign Care
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; Isaiah 46:1-13; Matthew 12:9-14
Today's scriptural passages collectively underscore the enduring nature of divine grace and supreme guardianship. The Psalm extols the Almighty's all-encompassing power and His gentle attention to the lowly, emphasizing His dominion over nature and His kindness to the disheartened. In Isaiah, the futility of idols is juxtaposed with the Almighty's boundless might, proclaiming His singular capacity to support His followers from infancy to their twilight years. Meanwhile, Matthew's account illustrates the compassion and authority of Jesus as He performs healing on the Sabbath, confronting the rigid constraints imposed by religious authorities and affirming His position as the ruler of the Sabbath. These texts together encourage us to acknowledge the immensity of divine power alongside the profundity of His care, inspiring us to place our faith in His all-encompassing plan and respond with reverent submission and adoration.
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