The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Tuesday, February 27, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Faith and Providence: A Journey through Trial and Promise

Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45; Genesis 22:1-19; Hebrews 11:1-3, 13-19
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 2)

Introduction

In the intricate tapestry of biblical narratives, the passages from Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45; Genesis 22:1-19; and Hebrews 11:1-3, 13-19 weave a profound theme of faith and divine providence. This collection encapsulates the essence of unwavering faith in the face of daunting trials and the fulfillment of God's promises. Psalm 105 celebrates God's faithfulness and mighty works, urging believers to remember and give thanks for His deeds. Genesis 22 recounts the harrowing test of Abraham's faith, as he faces the command to sacrifice his son Isaac, only to witness God's providential intervention. Hebrews 11 offers a reflection on faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen, and highlights the faith of the patriarchs, who trusted in God's promises despite not receiving them in their lifetime. Together, these passages invite us to ponder the depth of faith required to trust in God's plan, even when it remains unseen, and to rejoice in the assurance that God's promises are unfailing.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45
God Promises Life to Abraham

Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45 is a poetic and spiritual reflection on God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. This Psalm celebrates the remarkable journey of faith, focusing on the covenant with Abraham and the subsequent blessings bestowed upon the Israelites. It's a reminder of the power and constancy of God's word, His unfailing commitment to His people, and His miraculous deeds. Through recounting the history of Israel's ancestors and God's mighty acts, the Psalm calls the faithful to remember, give thanks, and trust in God’s guidance.

1    O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name,*
        Make known his deeds among the peoples.

2    Sing to him, sing praises to him; *
        Tell of all his wonderful works.

3    Glory in his holy name; *
        Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

4    Seek the LORD and his strength; *
        Seek his presence continually.

5    Remember the wonderful works he has done, *
        His miracles, and the judgments he has uttered,

6    O offspring of his servant Abraham, *
        Children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

7    He is the LORD our God; *
        His judgments are in all the earth.

8    He is mindful of his covenant forever, *
        Of the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,

9    The covenant that he made with Abraham, *
        His sworn promise to Isaac,

10  Which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute, *
        To Israel as an everlasting covenant,

11  Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan *
        As your portion for an inheritance.”

37  Then he brought Israel out with silver and gold, *
        And there was no one among their tribes who stumbled.

38  Egypt was glad when they departed, *
        For dread of them had fallen upon it.

39  He spread a cloud for a covering, *
        And fire to give light by night.

40  They asked, and he brought quails, *
        And gave them food from heaven in abundance.

41   He opened the rock, and water gushed out; *
        It flowed through the desert like a river.

42  For he remembered his holy promise, *
        And Abraham, his servant.

43  So he brought his people out with joy, *
        His chosen ones with singing.

44  He gave them the lands of the nations, *
        And they took possession of the wealth of the peoples,

45  That they might keep his statutes
            and observe his laws. *
        Praise the LORD!

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude, recalling Your marvelous deeds and wonders. We praise Your holy name and seek to make known among the nations what You have done. You are a God of miracles, a God who keeps promises, and a God of steadfast love.

Lord, You remember Your covenant forever, the promise You made for a thousand generations. You, O Lord, made Your people Israel Your very own and led them with a mighty hand. You brought them out of bondage, enriching them with silver and gold, and ensuring none among their tribes stumbled.

In Your great mercy, You brought quails to feed them and satisfied their hunger with manna from heaven. You opened a rock, and water gushed out in the desert, flowing like a river, as You remembered Your holy promise to Your servant Abraham.

Today, we stand in awe of these mighty acts and rejoice in Your enduring faithfulness. May we always keep Your statutes and observe Your laws. Help us to follow in the footsteps of our forebears, living lives that reflect Your glory and grace.

Through the intercessions of the saints and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, lead us in paths of righteousness. We thank You for Your unending love and the blessings You bestow upon us each day.

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 22:1-19
God Asks Abraham to Sacrifice Isaac

Genesis 22:1-19 presents one of the most profound and theologically significant narratives in the Bible. This passage recounts the story of God testing Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. In this deeply moving and complex episode, Abraham demonstrates unwavering faith and obedience, preparing to offer his beloved son as a sacrifice. This act is interrupted by divine intervention, providing a ram as a substitute offering. This narrative is not only pivotal in the story of Abraham, but also foreshadows themes of sacrifice, obedience, and redemption that are central to Christian theology. The passage invites readers to reflect on the nature of faith, obedience to God, and the concept of divine provision and salvation.

22 1 After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac; he cut the wood for the burnt offering, and set out and went to the place in the distance that God had shown him. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place far away. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the boy and I will go over there; we will worship, and then we will come back to you.” 6 Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. 7 Isaac said to his father Abraham, “Father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together.

9 When they came to the place that God had shown him, Abraham built an altar there and laid the wood in order. He bound his son Isaac, and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13 And Abraham looked up and saw a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place “The LORD will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided.”

15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven, 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, says the LORD: Because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, 18 and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice.” 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beer-sheba; and Abraham lived at Beer-sheba.

Expository Commentary

Genesis 22:1-19 is a rich and complex text, often referred to as the "Binding of Isaac" or "The Akedah." Let's break down this passage:

Verses 1-2: The narrative begins with God testing Abraham's faith. God calls to Abraham, who responds with readiness. God then instructs Abraham to take his son, Isaac, whom he loves, to the land of Moriah and offer him as a burnt offering. This command is startling and sets the stage for a dramatic test of faith, highlighting the tension between divine command and human emotion.

Verses 3-5: Abraham's obedience is immediate. He prepares for the journey and travels to the specified location. Abraham's actions are portrayed without hesitation, demonstrating his complete trust in God. The mention of the "third day" may symbolize a period of trial or a transition in the narrative.

Verses 6-8: As they journey, Isaac, unaware of God's command, questions his father about the absence of a lamb for the offering. Abraham's response, "God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son," reflects both his faith in God's provision and potentially his inner turmoil.

Verses 9-10: Upon arrival at the designated place, Abraham builds an altar and arranges the wood. He then binds Isaac and places him on the altar. Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son underlines his unwavering faith and the severity of the test.

Verses 11-12: At the critical moment, an angel of the Lord intervenes, calling out to Abraham and instructing him not to harm Isaac. The angel acknowledges Abraham's fear of God, evident in his willingness to sacrifice his only son.

Verses 13-14: Abraham then sees a ram caught in a thicket and offers it as a burnt offering instead of his son. He names the place "The Lord will provide," signifying his recognition of God's provision and mercy.

Verses 15-18: The Lord reaffirms his covenant with Abraham, promising blessings and descendants as numerous as the stars and sand, because of his obedience. This reaffirmation ties Abraham's personal faithfulness to the broader narrative of God's plan for his people.

Verses 19: The passage concludes with Abraham returning to his servants. The focus on Abraham, rather than Isaac, may suggest the primary emphasis on Abraham's faith journey and the fulfillment of God's promises through his obedience.

This passage is foundational in Judeo-Christian theology, symbolizing themes of faith, obedience, sacrifice, and divine providence. It foreshadows the concept of substitutionary atonement in Christian theology and raises profound questions about faith and obedience in the face of incomprehensible challenges.

Hebrews 11:1-3, 13-19
By Faith Abraham Obeyed God

Hebrews 11:1-3, 13-19 delves into the profound concept of faith, a central tenet of Christian belief. This passage, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter," begins by defining faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." It emphasizes that through faith, the ancients were commended. The passage then reflects on the experiences of several Old Testament figures, such as Abraham and Sarah, illustrating how their unwavering faith in God's promises, despite seeming impossibilities, stood as a testament to their righteousness. Their journeys embody the essence of faith—trusting in God’s plan, even when it remains unseen or difficult to understand. This section of Hebrews encourages believers to draw inspiration from these biblical examples, highlighting that faith is not just belief in what we see, but a deeper, enduring trust in God and His promises.

11 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

13 All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, 14 for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

17 By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, 18 of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” 19 He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

Expository Commentary

Verse 1 — "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.":

• This verse provides a fundamental definition of faith. Faith is described as a confident assurance in what we hope for and a firm belief in what we do not see. This definition sets the stage for understanding the rest of the chapter, emphasizing that faith is rooted in trust and certainty, even in the absence of physical evidence.

Verse 2 — "Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval.":

• The writer asserts that it was through faith that the ancestors, or the Old Testament figures, received God’s approval. This verse underlines the importance of faith in the lives of these figures and sets the premise that faith is not a new concept but has always been central to a righteous relationship with God.

Verse 3 — "By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.":

• This verse expands the concept of faith to the creation of the world, suggesting that faith enables the understanding that the universe was created by God’s command. It highlights the idea that the visible world has its origins in the invisible, underscoring the power of God's word.

Verses 13-16: These verses discuss how the patriarchs died in faith without receiving the things promised but saw them and greeted them from a distance. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, seeking a homeland. The passage indicates that if they had been thinking of the land they had left behind, they would have had the opportunity to return. But they desired a better country, a heavenly one, and therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

• These verses reflect on the nature of the patriarchs’ faith. They lived their lives in faith, despite not receiving what was promised during their lifetimes. Their faith was forward-looking and not tied to earthly possessions or status. This sets an example for believers to seek a heavenly reward rather than earthly gains.

Verses 17-19: The writer recounts Abraham’s faith when he was tested, offering Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.

• These verses highlight the pinnacle of Abraham's faith. His willingness to sacrifice Isaac, his son, on God's command exemplifies absolute trust and obedience. Abraham's faith was such that he believed God could defy the natural order, even to the point of raising the dead. This story serves as a powerful testament to the depth and strength of faith that believers are called to emulate.

In conclusion, Hebrews 11:1-3, 13-19 provides a profound exploration of faith, exemplified through the experiences of biblical figures. It challenges believers to understand faith as a confident assurance in God’s promises and a conviction in the unseen, encouraging them to live a life of faith that looks beyond the earthly realm to the divine promises of God.

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