The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Friday, February 9, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Friday, February 9, 2024

Divine Judgment and Mercy

Psalm 50:1-6; 1 Kings 14:1-18; 1 Timothy 1:12-20
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Transfiguration)

Introduction

In this exploration of sacred texts, we delve into the themes of divine judgment, mercy, and the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness. Psalm 50:1-6 calls upon the mighty God, the Lord, to speak and summon the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets, declaring His righteousness and judgment upon His people. 1 Kings 14:1-18 narrates the story of King Jeroboam and the prophecy against his household, illustrating the dire consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments. In contrast, 1 Timothy 1:12-20 offers a message of hope and redemption, as Paul expresses deep gratitude for the mercy shown to him despite his former blasphemy and persecution of Christians, urging others to remain faithful and fight the good fight of faith. Together, these passages weave a complex tapestry of God's unwavering demand for justice, His readiness to forgive, and the human struggle to live in accordance with divine will.

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, in the grandeur of Your majesty, as spoken in Psalm 50, we acknowledge Your sovereignty over all the earth. You, O Lord, shine forth from Zion, perfect in beauty. We stand in awe of Your power, as You summon the heavens above and the earth below, to gather Your faithful servants.

We come before You, recognizing Your righteousness, knowing that You do not remain silent. As fire devours before You and a tempest rages around, we are reminded of Your might and Your justice.

Lord, we ask for the grace to be among those You call, those who offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and keep their vows to the Most High. Help us to live in Your truth, to act in Your love, and to walk in Your ways.

As the heavens proclaim Your righteousness and all the peoples see Your glory, may our lives reflect Your light and Your truth. Teach us to seek Your face in all we do, and to be instruments of Your peace and justice in this world.

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 14:1-18
The Prophecy of Ahijah: Judgement and Tragedy in the House of Jeroboam

In 1 Kings 14:1-18, we delve into a poignant narrative focusing on King Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, and his family. This section of scripture is a rich tapestry of prophecy, divine judgement, and the consequences of straying from God's path. It specifically highlights the interaction between King Jeroboam, his wife, and the prophet Ahijah.

14 1 At that time Abijah son of Jeroboam became ill, 2 and Jeroboam said to his wife, “Go, disguise yourself, so you won’t be recognized as the wife of Jeroboam. Then go to Shiloh. Ahijah the prophet is there—the one who told me I would be king over this people. 3 Take ten loaves of bread with you, some cakes and a jar of honey, and go to him. He will tell you what will happen to the boy.” 4 So Jeroboam’s wife did what he said and went to Ahijah’s house in Shiloh.

Now Ahijah could not see; his sight was gone because of his age. 5 But the LORD had told Ahijah, “Jeroboam’s wife is coming to ask you about her son, for he is ill, and you are to give her such and such an answer. When she arrives, she will pretend to be someone else.”

6 So when Ahijah heard the sound of her footsteps at the door, he said, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why this pretense? I have been sent to you with bad news. 7 Go, tell Jeroboam that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I raised you up from among the people and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. 8 I tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you, but you have not been like my servant David, who kept my commands and followed me with all his heart, doing only what was right in my eyes. 9 You have done more evil than all who lived before you. You have made for yourself other gods, idols made of metal; you have aroused my anger and turned your back on me.

10 “‘Because of this, I am going to bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam. I will cut off from Jeroboam every last male in Israel—slave or free. I will burn up the house of Jeroboam as one burns dung, until it is all gone. 11 Dogs will eat those belonging to Jeroboam who die in the city, and the birds will feed on those who die in the country. The Lord has spoken!’

12 “As for you, go back home. When you set foot in your city, the boy will die. 13 All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. He is the only one belonging to Jeroboam who will be buried, because he is the only one in the house of Jeroboam in whom the Lord, the God of Israel, has found anything good.

14 “The LORD will raise up for himself a king over Israel who will cut off the family of Jeroboam. Even now this is beginning to happen. 15 And the LORD will strike Israel, so that it will be like a reed swaying in the water. He will uproot Israel from this good land that he gave to their ancestors and scatter them beyond the Euphrates River, because they aroused the LORD’s anger by making Asherah poles. 16 And he will give Israel up because of the sins Jeroboam has committed and has caused Israel to commit.”

17 Then Jeroboam’s wife got up and left and went to Tirzah. As soon as she stepped over the threshold of the house, the boy died. 18 They buried him, and all Israel mourned for him, as the LORD had said through his servant the prophet Ahijah.

Expository Commentary

Verses 1-3: King Jeroboam's son becomes ill, prompting him to send his wife in disguise to consult the prophet Ahijah. This action reflects Jeroboam's desperation and his recognition of the prophet's connection to God, despite his own idolatrous practices. The instructions to bring gifts as she seeks a word from God denote the cultural and religious norms of the time.

Verses 4-6: Ahijah, old and blind, is informed by God of the coming of Jeroboam’s wife. This passage underscores the prophet's spiritual insight, which surpasses his physical blindness, and sets the stage for the divine revelation to come. The disguise is futile against divine knowledge, highlighting the futility of deceit against God.

Verses 7-9: Ahijah delivers a scathing rebuke from God, condemning Jeroboam for his idolatry and unfaithfulness. Despite being elevated by God to kingship, Jeroboam led Israel into sin. This portion serves as a stark reminder of God's expectations and the serious consequences of deviating from His commands.

Verses 10-11: The prophecy turns grim, foretelling the devastating end of Jeroboam's dynasty. Every male in his line will die, and their bodies will face indignity. This severe judgment reflects the gravity of Jeroboam's sins and serves as a warning to all of God's people about the dire consequences of disobedience and idolatry.

Verses 12-13: As Jeroboam's wife returns, the prophecy specifies that her child will die upon her re-entry to the city but will receive a proper burial. This child, who found some favor in the eyes of the Lord, is contrasted with the rest of Jeroboam's lineage, showing that individual righteousness can be recognized even amidst widespread corruption.

Verses 14-16: The prophecy expands to the future of Israel, predicting its downfall and scattering because of Jeroboam's sins. This passage not only condemns the current king but also serves as a sorrowful prediction of the long-term consequences of Israel's continued idolatry and rebellion against God.

Verses 17-18: The prophecy is fulfilled as Jeroboam's wife returns and the child dies, aligning with Ahijah's words. The death of the child upon her return is immediate and tragic, underscoring the certainty and precision of God's word through his prophet.

In conclusion, 1 Kings 14:1-18 is a somber narrative filled with divine judgment, prophecy, and the inevitable consequences of turning away from God. Through the story of Jeroboam and his family, the passage serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. It challenges readers to reflect on their own actions and the potential long-term impacts of their choices on themselves and their communities.

1 Timothy 1:12-20
Grace and Duty: Paul's Charge to Timothy

In 1 Timothy 1:12-20, the Apostle Paul expresses profound gratitude for the grace and mercy bestowed upon him by Jesus Christ, who considered him faithful and appointed him to service despite his past. This passage not only highlights Paul's personal transformation and calling but also sets the stage for Timothy's duty as a young leader. Through Paul's words, we glimpse the depth of God's grace and the serious responsibility of maintaining faith and a good conscience in the face of challenges.

1 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

Expository Commentary

Verses 12-14 (Grace in Transformation): Paul begins by thanking Christ Jesus for the strength and faith placed in him. He acknowledges his past as a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man, yet he was shown mercy because he acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord overflowed for him with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. This transformation from sinner to servant highlights the boundless nature of God's grace and sets a powerful example for all believers.

Verses 15-16 (A Trustworthy Saying): Paul reiterates a saying worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom Paul considers himself the worst. However, his past is not a point of despair but a display of Christ's immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Paul's story is a testimony to the fact that no one is beyond the reach of God's saving grace.

Verses 17 (Doxology): In response to the mercy and grace he has received, Paul bursts into doxology, praising the eternal King, the immortal, invisible, only God. This doxology not only reflects Paul's deep reverence and awe for the Lord but also serves as a reminder to all believers of the majesty and sovereignty of God.

Verses 18-19 (Charge to Timothy): Paul shifts his focus to Timothy, entrusting him with a charge in keeping with the prophecies once made about him. Timothy is to fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Paul warns that some have rejected these and have shipwrecked their faith, highlighting the importance of perseverance and integrity in one's spiritual journey.

Verse 20 (Discipline and Redemption): Naming two individuals, Hymenaeus and Alexander, who have been handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme, Paul illustrates the seriousness of maintaining faith and a good conscience. This act of discipline is not merely punitive but aims at redemption and the restoration of proper reverence for God.

In this passage, Paul masterfully intertwines his personal testimony with a charge to Timothy, reminding all believers of the depth of God's grace and the serious call to uphold faith and conscience in their walk with Christ.

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