The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Monday, February 12, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Monday, February 12, 2024

Divine Covenant and Authority

Psalm 110:1-4; Exodus 19:7-25; Hebrews 2:1-4
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Transfiguration)

Introduction

In the passages of Psalm 110:1-4, Exodus 19:7-25, and Hebrews 2:1-4, we explore the profound themes of divine authority, covenant, and the human response to God's revelation. Psalm 110:1-4 presents a messianic prophecy, emphasizing the eternal priesthood and sovereign rule of the Messiah. Exodus 19:7-25 depicts the awe-inspiring encounter of the Israelites with God at Mount Sinai, where they receive His covenant and laws, marking a foundational moment of commitment and relationship. Hebrews 2:1-4 warns of the great danger in neglecting the salvation offered through Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of the prophecies and laws given to the forefathers. Together, these texts weave a narrative of God’s unchanging authority, the establishment of a divine covenant with His people, and the critical importance of heeding God's word for salvation and guidance.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 110:1-4
A Priest Forever

This Psalm is a powerful and profound proclamation from God, calling the heavens and the earth as witnesses to God's righteous judgment. It speaks of God as the Almighty Judge, summoning the earth from sunrise to sunset. This section of the scripture is not just a call to the people but a divine summons for all creation to listen and acknowledge the authority and righteousness of God. As we prepare our hearts to delve into these verses, let's ponder the omnipotence and justice of the Lord, who is indeed "A Priest Forever."

1    The LORD says to my lord, *
        ‘Sit at my right hand
        until I make your enemies your footstool.’

2    The LORD sends out from Zion
        your mighty sceptre. *
        Rule in the midst of your foes.

3    Your people will offer themselves willingly
        on the day you lead your forces
        on the holy mountains. *
        From the womb of the morning,
        like dew, your youth will come to you.

4    The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, *
        ‘You are a priest for ever according
        to the order of Melchizedek.’

Heavenly Father, Almighty and Everlasting God, as we open our hearts to the words of Psalm 50, we acknowledge You as the Sovereign Judge over all the earth. You call forth the heavens and the earth to witness Your righteousness and truth. Lord, help us to listen attentively and respond to Your divine summons with humility and reverence.

We recognize Your power that shines from the rising of the sun to its setting. Illuminate our minds and spirits, that we may understand Your words and apply them to our lives. Let the majesty of Your voice resonate within our souls, drawing us closer to Your heart.

As "A Priest Forever," Jesus, You intercede for us. Teach us to live in a manner worthy of Your sacrifice, embracing Your righteousness and justice. May our lives reflect Your holiness and love, becoming beacons of Your truth in a world that needs Your light.

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.”

Exodus 19:7-25
Moses Meets God on the Mountain

Exodus 19:7-25 depicts a significant moment where Moses meets God on Mount Sinai. This passage is rich with symbolism and instruction, setting the stage for the giving of the Ten Commandments and laying the foundation for Israel's covenant relationship with God. It's a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative that emphasizes God's holiness and the sanctity of the law.

In this segment of the Exodus narrative, the Israelites have reached Mount Sinai after being freed from Egypt. Here, Moses acts as the mediator between God and the people, conveying divine instructions and preparing them for a transformative encounter. This event is not just about receiving laws; it's about establishing a covenant, understanding the nature of God, and recognizing the responsibilities of being chosen people.

19 7 So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8 The people all answered as one: ‘Everything that the LORD has spoken we will do.’ Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord. 9 Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, in order that the people may hear when I speak with you and so trust you ever after.’

When Moses had told the words of the people to the LORD, 10 the Lord said to Moses: ‘Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes 11 and prepare for the third day, because on the third day the LORD will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 You shall set limits for the people all around, saying, “Be careful not to go up the mountain or to touch the edge of it. Any who touch the mountain shall be put to death. 13 No hand shall touch them, but they shall be stoned or shot with arrows; whether animal or human being, they shall not live.” When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they may go up on the mountain.’ 14 So Moses went down from the mountain to the people. He consecrated the people, and they washed their clothes. 15 And he said to the people, ‘Prepare for the third day; do not go near a woman.’

16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, as well as a thick cloud on the mountain, and a blast of a trumpet so loud that all the people who were in the camp trembled. 17 Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. They took their stand at the foot of the mountain. 18 Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke, because the LORD had descended upon it in fire; the smoke went up like the smoke of a kiln, while the whole mountain shook violently. 19 As the blast of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses would speak and God would answer him in thunder. 20 When the LORD descended upon Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain, the LORD summoned Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up. 21 Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Go down and warn the people not to break through to the LORD to look; otherwise many of them will perish. 22 Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves or the LORD will break out against them.’ 23 Moses said to the LORD, ‘The people are not permitted to come up to Mount Sinai; for you yourself warned us, saying, “Set limits around the mountain and keep it holy.”’ 24 The LORD said to him, ‘Go down, and come up bringing Aaron with you; but do not let either the priests or the people break through to come up to the LORD; otherwise he will break out against them.’ 25 So Moses went down to the people and told them.

Expository Commentary

Verses 7-8 — Covenant and Commitment: Moses conveys God's words to the elders of Israel, presenting them with a covenant. The people unanimously commit to whatever God speaks, signifying their acceptance and readiness to follow His commandments.

Verses 9-13 — Preparation and Purification: God instructs Moses to consecrate the people, a process involving washing their clothes and abstaining from certain activities. This physical preparation symbolizes spiritual purification, necessary for encountering the divine. The boundaries set around the mountain ensure that the people understand the seriousness and holiness of God's presence.

Verses 14-15 — Sanctification: The people wash and prepare themselves, reflecting an outward act that represents an internal state of reverence and readiness. This sanctification is crucial for approaching God, highlighting the theme of holiness that pervades the passage.

Verses 16-19 — Divine Manifestation: The third day arrives with thunder, lightning, a thick cloud, and a very loud trumpet blast. These awe-inspiring phenomena signify God's descent onto the mountain. The entire Mount Sinai is covered in smoke because the Lord descends upon it in fire. The smoke and trembling of the mountain visually represent God's overwhelming power and majesty.

Verses 20-22 — Moses Ascends, the People Stand Back: God calls Moses to the top of the mountain, while the people are warned to keep their distance, reinforcing the idea that God is sacred and set apart. Moses serves as the mediator, illustrating the need for a go-between in the human-divine relationship.

Verses 23-25 — Reinforcing the Sacred Boundaries: Despite the previous warnings, God reemphasizes the importance of maintaining the boundaries around the mountain. This repetition underscores the seriousness of the people's commitment and the grave consequences of approaching the divine without permission.

Conclusion: Exodus 19:7-25 is a foundational text that illustrates the momentous event of God's appearance on Mount Sinai. Through Moses, God establishes a covenant with Israel, setting them apart as a holy nation. This passage not only provides the context for the giving of the Ten Commandments but also highlights the themes of sanctity, obedience, and the fear of the Lord. It's a powerful reminder of God's holiness and the reverence due to Him by His people.

Hebrews 2:1-4
Do Not Neglect So Great a Salvation

The passage of Hebrews 2:1-4 serves as a stern and loving reminder to the early Christians, and by extension to all believers, of the importance of adhering to the truths received through Jesus Christ. This segment of Scripture, positioned in the early chapters of Hebrews, is particularly pivotal as it transitions from the exaltation of Christ as superior to angels in chapter 1 to His empathetic and human aspects in the later texts. It warns against the peril of drifting away from the teachings of salvation and emphasizes the gravity of the message delivered by the Lord.

2 1 Therefore we must pay greater attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. 2 For if the message declared through angels was valid, and every transgression or disobedience received a just penalty, 3 how can we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? It was declared at first through the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, 4 while God added his testimony by signs and wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, distributed according to his will.

Expository Commentary

Verse 1 — Paying Greater Attention: The word 'therefore' connects this verse with the preceding chapter, where the supremacy of Christ over angels is established. The call is for heightened vigilance and commitment to the gospel truths, implying these truths are both precious and perilous to ignore. The imagery of 'drifting away' suggests a slow and almost unnoticeable departure from the truth. This implies that negligence isn't typically a sudden forsaking but a gradual process of neglect.

Verse 2 — Validity of the Angelic Message: This references the Jewish belief that the Law was mediated by angels. It establishes a lesser-to-greater argument: if the Law, given through angels, demanded obedience, how much more should the message given directly by the Son of God? The mention of 'just penalty' serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views disobedience, further underscoring the need to heed the salvation offered through Christ.

Verse 3 — Inescapable Consequences: The rhetorical question implies there is no escape from divine judgment if one neglects the offered salvation. It emphasizes the uniqueness and greatness of this salvation, unlike anything previously known. The salvation message isn't based on distant or second-hand accounts but on the testimony of those who directly heard and witnessed Christ. This adds weight and authenticity to the message.

Verse 4 — Divine Endorsement: The signs, wonders, and miracles are God's endorsement of the message of salvation. They serve as divine confirmation of the truth of the gospel. The distribution of spiritual gifts is not random but is a deliberate act of God, further attesting to the truth of the Christian message and the authority of those who proclaimed it.

Conclusion: In summary, Hebrews 2:1-4 is a powerful exhortation to hold firmly to the gospel. It warns of the dangers of neglect and the impossibility of escape if one ignores such a great salvation. The passage urges believers to consider the credibility and seriousness of the message delivered by Christ and confirmed through miracles and the Holy Spirit. It's a call to not only embrace the salvation offered but to cherish and adhere to it with utmost dedication.

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 Bible: Anglicised Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 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