The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Monday, February 5, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Monday, February 5, 2024

Enduring Faith in God's Eternal Promise

Psalm 102:12-28; 2 Kings 4:8-17, 32-37; Acts 14:1-7
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 5)

Introduction

In the midst of life's trials and tribulations, the selected passages from Psalm 102:12-28, 2 Kings 4:8-17, 32-37, and Acts 14:1-7 collectively underscore the unwavering faithfulness of God and the enduring nature of His promises. Psalm 102 offers a poignant reflection of human frailty contrasted with God's eternal sovereignty, echoing the cries of the distressed yet affirming the Lord's perpetual reign. The narrative in 2 Kings 4 reveals God's miraculous provision and faithfulness through the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman, illustrating how divine intervention transcends human despair. Meanwhile, Acts 14 portrays the apostolic journey of Paul and Barnabas, who, despite opposition and persecution, boldly proclaim the gospel, demonstrating the unstoppable force of God's word and the resilience of faith. Together, these scriptures invite believers to find solace in God's eternal nature and to trust in His unchanging promise of redemption and restoration.

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, Eternal and Unchanging, in the fleeting shadows of our lives, we turn to You, our constant and enduring hope. As we reflect on Psalm 102:12-28, we are reminded of Your sovereignty over all ages and the comfort that brings to our transient hearts. Lord, though we wither like grass and our days pass like a shadow, Your throne stands firm through all generations.

Grant us the grace to perceive Your eternal nature amidst our temporal struggles. Let the knowledge of Your enduring love and unchanging character be a source of strength and hope. As the Psalmist trusted in Your eternal plans, help us also to anchor our lives in the truth of Your everlasting reign.

May we find solace in Your promise that Your years will never end and that You will remain the same, and Your years will never fail. Let this assurance guide our days, knowing that while the earth and heavens may wear out, You remain the same, and Your years will never end.

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.”

2 Kings 4:8-17, 32-37
Divine Providence and Restoration

The selected passages from 2 Kings 4:8-17, 32-37 depict two miraculous events performed by the prophet Elisha, showcasing the power of faith and divine intervention. In these narratives, we encounter a Shunammite woman's hospitality and her subsequent blessing of a son, followed by a dramatic scene where Elisha brings a child back to life. These stories are not just historical accounts but are rich with theological and moral lessons that resonate with themes of providence, faith, and restoration.

4 8 One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. 9 She said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. 10 Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.”

11 One day when Elisha came, he went up to his room and lay down there. 12 He said to his servant Gehazi, “Call the Shunammite.” So he called her, and she stood before him. 13 Elisha said to him, “Tell her, ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’”

She replied, “I have a home among my own people.”

14 “What can be done for her?” Elisha asked.

Gehazi said, “She has no son, and her husband is old.”

15 Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway. 16 “About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.”

“No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!”

17 But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.

32 When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. 33 He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the Lord. 34 Then he got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out on him, the boy’s body grew warm. 35 Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out on him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.

36 Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, “Call the Shunammite.” And he did. When she came, he said, “Take your son.” 37 She came in, fell at his feet and bowed to the ground. Then she took her son and went out.

Expository Commentary

2 Kings 4:8-17: The Shunammite's Hospitality and Reward

• Verses 8-10: The passage begins with a wealthy woman from Shunem offering hospitality to Elisha, recognizing him as a holy man of God. Her actions reflect a heart of generosity and reverence, setting a stage for divine blessing.

• Verses 11-17: In gratitude for her kindness, Elisha promises the Shunammite woman a son, despite her husband's old age. This promise is a testament to God's ability to intervene in the natural order and fulfill desires that seem impossible. The birth of the son stands as a symbol of God's providence and reward for faithfulness.

2 Kings 4:32-37: The Revival of the Shunammite's Son

• Verses 32-35: Upon the sudden death of her son, the Shunammite woman seeks Elisha. Elisha's actions, laying upon the child and breathing into him, are symbolic of divine breath and life. The boy's revival is a powerful testament to God's power over life and death.

• Verses 36-37: The reunion of the mother and son is not merely a happy ending but a profound demonstration of God's compassion and the restoration of life. It reinforces the theme that faith in God can lead to miraculous outcomes.

In these narratives, the motifs of hospitality, faith, and divine intervention intertwine to reveal a profound truth: God is actively involved in the lives of those who trust and serve Him. The stories of the Shunammite woman and her son are more than miracles; they are assurances of God's ongoing care and power to restore life in the most desperate circumstances. Through Elisha's prophetic ministry, we see a foreshadowing of the greater restorative work to come through Christ, offering a deeper spiritual lesson for all believers.

Acts 14:1-7
Perseverance and Faith Amidst Opposition

Acts 14:1-7 depicts a poignant narrative of faith, opposition, and perseverance. This passage highlights the journey of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium, where they face both acceptance and stark resistance. Their experience exemplifies the resilience needed to spread the Christian faith amidst challenging circumstances.

14 1 At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. 4 The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. 5 There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. 6 But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, 7 where they continued to preach the gospel.

Expository Commentary

Verses 1-3 (Paul and Barnabas in Iconium): The passage begins with Paul and Barnabas entering a Jewish synagogue in Iconium, where they speak so effectively that a large number of Jews and Greeks believe. This success is noteworthy, considering the diverse audience, including both Jews and Gentiles. The text highlights the power of their message and the receptivity of some listeners. However, the narrative quickly shifts to the arising opposition. The unconverted Jews stir up the Gentiles and poison their minds against the brothers, showcasing early instances of religious and cultural division.

Verse 3 (The Power of Signs and Wonders): An essential element of this section is the mention of signs and wonders performed by Paul and Barnabas through the Lord's grace. These miracles serve as a testament to their divine authority and message, providing a tangible sign of God's power and favor upon their ministry.

Verses 4-5 (The Division and Determination): The city becomes divided – not only the people but also their leaders. Amidst this division, plans emerge to mistreat and stone Paul and Barnabas. Despite the danger, they choose to stay for a considerable time, boldly speaking about the Lord. Their courage in the face of potential persecution is a compelling aspect of this passage, highlighting their unwavering commitment to their mission.

Verses 6-7 (Escape to Lystra and Derbe): Eventually, learning of the plot to harm them, Paul and Barnabas flee to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding country. Their decision to flee is not a sign of weakness but a strategic move to continue their mission in safer regions. Here, they continue to preach the gospel, showing that no obstacle is too great for their commitment to spreading their faith.

This passage from Acts 14:1-7 embodies the themes of resilience in the face of opposition, the power of faith and miracles, and the importance of strategic wisdom in ministry. It serves as an inspiration for believers to persevere in their faith journey, even when faced with challenges and hostility.

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