The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Saturday, February 24, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Saturday, February 24, 2024

Divine Encounters and Revelations

Psalm 22:23-31; Genesis 16:7-15; Mark 8:27-30
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 2)

Introduction

In this thought-provoking collection of scriptures, we traverse a spiritual journey through Psalm 22:23-31, Genesis 16:7-15, and Mark 8:27-30. These passages offer a profound exploration of divine encounters and revelations. Psalm 22 invites us into a deep praise of God, recognizing His dominion and faithfulness across generations and nations. Genesis 16 unveils a poignant narrative where Hagar, an Egyptian slave, experiences a life-altering encounter with the Lord, revealing His care and foresight for the marginalized. In Mark 8, we witness a pivotal moment in the New Testament, where Jesus questions His disciples about His identity, leading to Peter's declaration of Jesus as the Messiah. Together, these scriptures intertwine to reveal the multifaceted nature of God's interaction with humanity, encompassing compassion, revelation, and the unfolding of divine truth.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 22:23-31
All The Earth Shall Turn to God

In this profound passage from Psalm 22, verses 23 to 31, we find ourselves immersed in a message of profound hope and universal redemption. This section of the Psalm shifts from the earlier expressions of distress and desolation to a celebration of deliverance and God's enduring faithfulness. The psalmist calls on those who fear the Lord to praise Him, reflecting a journey from suffering to salvation. This passage powerfully conveys the message that God's dominion extends beyond the present struggles, encompassing all nations and future generations. It serves as a reminder that in the midst of trials and tribulations, there remains an unshakeable promise of divine intervention and grace, offering solace and strength to all believers.

23  You who fear the LORD, praise him!
            All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; *
        Stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!

24  For he did not despise or abhor
            the affliction of the afflicted; *
        He did not hide his face from me,
            but heard when I cried to him.

25  From you comes my praise in the great congregation; *
        My vows I will pay before those who fear him.

26  The poor shall eat and be satisfied; *
        Those who seek him shall praise the LORD.
            May your hearts live forever!

27  All the ends of the earth shall remember
            and turn to the LORD; *
        And all the families of the nations
            shall worship before him.

28  For dominion belongs to the LORD, *
        And he rules over the nations.

29  To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down; *
        Before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,
            and I shall live for him.

30  Posterity will serve him; *
        Future generations will be told about the LORD,

31  And proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, *
        Saying that he has done it.

Heavenly Father, we come before You in humble adoration, reflecting on the words of Psalm 22. We praise Your name for Your faithfulness and steadfast love. You have not hidden Your face from us, but have listened to our cries for help.

Lord, we proclaim Your name to our brothers and sisters, declaring Your glory in the midst of the congregation. As we gather in Your presence, we offer our worship and praise, recognizing Your sovereignty over all the earth.

We remember those who suffer and are afflicted, knowing that You have not despised nor abhorred their affliction. May they find comfort and hope in Your unending love and compassion. May the afflicted eat and be satisfied, and may those who seek You praise Your name in their hearts forever.

We pray for the future generations, that they may come to know Your righteousness and declare that You have done it. May Your salvation reach to the ends of the earth, and may all nations remember and turn to You, O Lord.

For dominion belongs to You, and You rule over the nations. May all the prosperous of the earth bow down and worship; may all who go down to the dust kneel before You, including those who cannot keep themselves alive.

Our prayer is that a posterity will serve You, that future generations will be told about You, and they will proclaim Your righteousness to a people yet unborn, declaring that You have done it.

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.”

Genesis 16:7-15
An Angel Comforts Hagar at a Spring of Water

Genesis 16:7-15 presents a pivotal moment in the narrative of Hagar, the Egyptian servant of Sarai. In these verses, Hagar, having fled from her mistress Sarai's mistreatment, encounters an angel of the Lord in the wilderness. The angel speaks to her, offering both a directive and a promise, foretelling the birth of her son Ishmael and prophesying the nature of his life and legacy. This passage is significant as it not only marks the first appearance of an angel in the Bible but also highlights themes of divine intervention, promise, and the complex dynamics of faith and human relationships. Through Hagar's experience, the text explores the interplay of power, despair, and hope, while presenting a narrative where the marginalized and oppressed find recognition and promise from God.

16 7 The angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And he said, “Hagar, slave-girl of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am running away from my mistress Sarai.” 9 The angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her.” 10 The angel of the LORD also said to her, “I will so greatly multiply your offspring that they cannot be counted for multitude.” 11 And the angel of the LORD said to her,

    “Now you have conceived and shall bear a son;
        you shall call him Ishmael,
        for the Lord has given heed to your affliction.
12    He shall be a wild ass of a man,
    with his hand against everyone,
        and everyone’s hand against him;
    and he shall live at odds with all his kin.”

13 So she named the LORD who spoke to her, “You are El-roi”; for she said, “Have I really seen God and remained alive after seeing him?” 14 Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; it lies between Kadesh and Bered.

15 Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.

Expository Commentary

Genesis 16:7-15 presents a narrative that involves Hagar, the Egyptian servant of Sarai, Abram's wife, and the angel of the Lord. Here's an expository commentary breaking down these verses:

Genesis 16:7: The angel of the Lord finds Hagar near a spring in the wilderness. This encounter occurs as Hagar flees from Sarai's mistreatment. The setting, a spring in the wilderness, symbolizes both Hagar's desperation and the beginning of divine intervention in her plight.

Genesis 16:8: The angel of the Lord questions Hagar, asking her where she has come from and where she is going. This inquiry is not for the angel’s information but serves to make Hagar reflect on her situation and acknowledge her plight.

Genesis 16:9: The angel instructs Hagar to return to Sarai and submit to her. This command may seem harsh, but it is coupled with a promise of blessing. It suggests a divine plan at work, even in difficult circumstances.

Genesis 16:10: The angel of the Lord promises Hagar a multitude of descendants, too numerous to count. This promise mirrors the one given to Abram, indicating a shared blessing and emphasizing the significance of Hagar and her offspring.

Genesis 16:11-12: The angel reveals that Hagar will bear a son, whom she is to name Ishmael (meaning “God hears”). The description of Ishmael as a "wild ass of a man," indicates his future independence and strength, with his hand against everyone and everyone’s hand against him. This prophecy reflects the future struggles and nature of Ishmael's descendants.

Genesis 16:13: Hagar names the Lord who spoke to her “El-roi” (meaning “God who sees”), acknowledging God's care and attention. This is significant as it represents a personal encounter with the divine, and Hagar, a maidservant, is one of the few people in the Old Testament who gives a name to the Lord.

Genesis 16:14: Therefore, the well where Hagar encountered the angel is named Beer-lahai-roi (meaning “Well of the Living One who sees me”). This acts as a lasting testimony to the encounter and God’s providence.

Genesis 16:15: The birth of Ishmael is recorded, fulfilling part of the angel's prophecy. This sets the stage for further developments in the biblical narrative concerning Abraham's descendants.

Throughout this passage, themes of divine providence, promise, struggle, and human response to God’s intervention are evident. The narrative underscores God's care for the marginalized (Hagar, in this case) and establishes the foundation for the complex relationships and events that follow in the biblical account of Abraham's lineage.

Mark 8:27-30
Peter’s Confession

Mark 8:27-30 presents a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus inquires about his disciples' understanding of his identity. As they travel to the villages of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus questions them, "Who do people say that I am?" This passage captures the varied public perceptions of Jesus, reflecting the views of Him as a prophet or a significant religious figure. However, the focal point of this section is Peter's declaration, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. This acknowledgment marks a turning point in the narrative, as it is the first time Jesus is explicitly identified as the Christ by his followers in Mark's Gospel. Jesus' response to Peter's confession and His instruction to keep this knowledge secret further intensifies the mystery surrounding His true nature and mission. This pericope is central to understanding the Christological themes in Mark, emphasizing the messianic secret and the gradual revelation of Jesus' identity.

8 27 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” 30 And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

Expository Commentary

Verse 27:

•    Setting and Question: Jesus travels to the villages of Caesarea Philippi with His disciples. Here, He poses a critical question to His disciples: “Who do people say that I am?” This question sets the stage for a deeper revelation of Jesus' identity and mission.

•    Caesarea Philippi: The location is significant. Caesarea Philippi was a region known for its pagan worship and a place that represented worldly power and influence. Jesus’ question in this context highlights the contrast between popular and worldly views of greatness and His own mission and identity.

Verse 28:

•    Disciples' Response: The disciples report on the various opinions of the people. Some say Jesus is John the Baptist, others think He is Elijah, and still others believe He is one of the prophets. These answers reflect the respect and high regard people had for Jesus, associating Him with significant religious figures of their history.

•    Expectations of the Messiah: The Jews expected a Messiah who would be a powerful earthly leader. The identification with these historical figures shows that people recognized Jesus' spiritual authority, yet they couldn't fully grasp His true identity.

Verse 29:

•    Jesus' Direct Question: Jesus turns the question directly to His disciples: “But who do you say that I am?” This question is pivotal, demanding personal reflection and commitment. It’s not just about public opinion; it's about personal belief.

•    Peter's Declaration: Peter, often seen as the spokesperson for the disciples, declares, “You are the Messiah.” This confession is a moment of profound revelation and understanding. Peter recognizes Jesus not just as a prophet, but as the long-awaited Messiah, the Anointed One sent by God.

Verse 30:

•    Jesus’ Command: After Peter’s declaration, Jesus sternly orders them not to tell anyone about Him. This instruction might seem puzzling but is part of what's known as the “Messianic Secret” in Mark's Gospel. Jesus often tells those He heals and His disciples to be silent about His identity and works.

•    Purpose of Secrecy: The secrecy serves several purposes. It might be to avoid drawing premature attention from authorities or misinterpretations of His mission as purely political. It also indicates that a full understanding of His messiahship can only come after His death and resurrection.

This passage is critical in the Gospel of Mark, as it marks a turning point in Jesus' ministry and the understanding of His identity by His closest followers. The recognition of Jesus as the Messiah is central to Christian faith, and this passage vividly captures this moment of realization.

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