The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Friday, March 1, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Friday, March 1, 2024

Divine Encounters: The Manifestations of God’s Presence

Psalm 19; Exodus 19:9b-15; Acts 7:30-40
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 3)

Introduction

In this themed collection of biblical passages, we delve into the profound moments of divine encounters and the manifestations of God’s presence in human history. Psalm 19 celebrates the glory of God as revealed through the majesty of the created universe, where the heavens themselves are a testament to the Creator's handiwork. Exodus 19:9b-15 narrates the awe-inspiring event at Mount Sinai, where God descends in a cloud, marking a pivotal moment in the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. In Acts 7:30-40, we revisit the encounter of Moses with the burning bush, a miraculous revelation that set the stage for Israel's deliverance from Egypt. These scriptures collectively offer a tapestry of experiences where the divine intersects with the mortal, inviting reflection on the ways God chooses to reveal Himself and His purposes to humanity.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 19
The Commandments Give Light to the Eyes

Psalm 19 is a profound reflection on the glory of God as revealed through His creation and His law. This Psalm, attributed to King David, is a celebration of the ways in which God communicates with humanity. The first part marvels at how the heavens proclaim the glory of God, illustrating the divine hand in the natural world. The second part shifts to a deep appreciation of the law of the Lord, emphasizing how the commandments provide guidance and enlightenment to the human heart and mind. This Psalm beautifully captures the dual revelation of God through creation and scripture, ultimately portraying God's commandments as a source of light and wisdom. The title "The Commandments Give Light to the Eyes" encapsulates the Psalm's central theme of finding divine insight and clarity through God's laws.

1    The heavens are telling the glory of God; *
        And the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

2    Day to day pours forth speech, *
        And night to night declares knowledge.

3    There is no speech, nor are there words; *
        Their voice is not heard;

4    Yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
            and their words to the end of the world. *
        In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,

5    Which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, *
        And like a strong man runs its course with joy.

6    Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
            and its circuit to the end of them; *
        And nothing is hid from its heat.

7    The law of the LORD is perfect,
            reviving the soul; *
        The decrees of the LORD are sure,
            making wise the simple;

8    The precepts of the LORD are right,
            rejoicing the heart; *
        The commandment of the LORD is clear,
            enlightening the eyes;

9    The fear of the LORD is pure,
            enduring forever; *
        The ordinances of the LORD are true
            and righteous altogether.

10  More to be desired are they than gold,
            even much fine gold; *
        Sweeter also than honey,
            and drippings of the honeycomb.

11  Moreover by them is your servant warned; *
        in keeping them there is great reward.

12  But who can detect their errors? *
        Clear me from hidden faults.

13  Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
            do not let them have dominion over me. *
        Then I shall be blameless,
            and innocent of great transgression.

14  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
            be acceptable to you, *
        O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Heavenly Father, as the heavens declare Your glory and the skies proclaim the work of Your hands, let my heart be attuned to the wonders of Your creation. In the vast expanse of the universe, Your beauty is displayed, speaking without words, their voice heard across the earth.

Lord, Your law is perfect, refreshing the soul. Your decrees are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Your precepts are right, giving joy to the heart, and Your commands are radiant, enlightening the eyes. Let me find reverence in Your commandments, more precious than gold, sweeter than honey.

Cleanse me, O God, from my hidden faults. Keep me also from willful sins; may they not have dominion over me. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

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 19:9b-15
Preparation for the Giving of the Commandments

Exodus 19:9b-15 captures a profound moment in the history of the Israelites as they encamp at Mount Sinai. This passage is pivotal, marking the preparation for God's revelation to Moses and the people. It begins with God expressing his intention to Moses: to appear in a dense cloud so that the people will hear God speaking with him and always believe him. The passage emphasizes the sanctity and seriousness of the encounter, with God instructing Moses to consecrate the people and set boundaries around the mountain, declaring it holy. The people are to wash their clothes and abstain from sexual relations, preparing themselves both physically and spiritually. The anticipation culminates with instructions for readiness on the third day, when the Lord will descend upon Mount Sinai. This text not only depicts the deep reverence and obedience expected of the Israelites but also symbolizes the profound sanctity of encountering the divine.

19 9b 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.”

Expository Commentary

Exodus 19:9b-15 presents a rich tapestry of themes and imagery, fundamental to understanding the relationship between God and the Israelites. Here's an expository breakdown of these verses:

Verse 9b — Divine Legitimacy and Trust: God’s decision to speak to Moses in the people's hearing is significant. It establishes Moses' role as God's chosen mediator and leader, ensuring the people trust his leadership. This public demonstration of God’s communication with Moses reinforces the idea that Moses is not acting on his own accord, but is guided by divine will.

Verse 10 — Preparation and Purification: The act of consecration and washing clothes signifies a state of ritual purity. It’s a physical and symbolic preparation for a sacred encounter. This process underscores the seriousness with which they must approach God, highlighting the holiness and otherness of God.

Verse 11 — Anticipation of the Divine Encounter: The mention of the 'third day' creates a sense of anticipation. It marks a specific time for a significant event – the Lord’s descent. This precise timing underscores the intentional and monumental nature of God’s revelation.

Verse 12 — Sacred Boundaries and Reverence: The establishment of boundaries around Mount Sinai serves as a physical representation of the holiness of God and the need for respect and reverence. The severe penalty for crossing these boundaries emphasizes the seriousness of maintaining respect for God's sacred space.

Verse 13 — Sacredness and the Role of the Divine Signal: The further instruction about how to deal with those who cross the boundary (without even touching them) underscores the untouchable sanctity of the mountain. The trumpet blast serves as a divine signal, indicating when it is permissible to approach – this again shows the control and authority of God over the situation.

Verse 14 — Obedience and Ritual Action: Moses’ compliance with God’s instructions and the people's participation in consecration and washing their clothes demonstrate their obedience and reverence for God's commands. It reflects the community’s collective preparation for a holy encounter.

Verse 15 — Spiritual Readiness and Abstinence: The command to abstain from sexual relations is another form of purification, a common practice in many religious traditions before significant religious experiences. This instruction emphasizes the need for total spiritual focus and readiness for encountering the divine.

Overall, this passage is rich in its portrayal of the seriousness, sanctity, and awe associated with the divine presence and the human response of obedience, reverence, and preparation.

Acts 7:30-40
God Spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai

Acts 7:30-40 narrates a significant episode in the early history of the Israelites, as recounted by Stephen, a prominent figure in the early Christian church. In this passage, Stephen continues his defense before the Sanhedrin by referring to a pivotal moment in the life of Moses. It begins with the divine encounter at Mount Sinai, where Moses, after forty years in the wilderness, sees the 'angel in the burning bush'. This event marks the beginning of Moses' mission to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Stephen emphasizes God's direct communication with Moses, underscoring the divine authority behind his leadership. This passage also touches on the resistance Moses faced from his own people, highlighting the recurring theme of rejection of God's chosen messengers. Stephen uses this story as a powerful parallel to the resistance and rejection faced by Jesus Christ, thereby drawing a direct line between the experiences of Moses and the situation facing the early Christian community.

7 30 “Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight; and as he approached to look, there came the voice of the Lord: 32 ‘I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look. 33 Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen the mistreatment of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to rescue them. Come now, I will send you to Egypt.’

35 “It was this Moses whom they rejected when they said, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ and whom God now sent as both ruler and liberator through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 He led them out, having performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. 37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up a prophet for you from your own people as he raised me up.’ 38 He is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors; and he received living oracles to give to us. 39 Our ancestors were unwilling to obey him; instead, they pushed him aside, and in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make gods for us who will lead the way for us; as for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.’

Expository Commentary

Acts 7:30-40 forms a part of Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin in the New Testament. This passage recounts a segment of the history of Israel, focusing on Moses and the Israelites' experiences in Egypt and the wilderness. I'll provide an expository commentary, breaking down these verses:

Verse 30: This verse refers to Moses' encounter with God forty years after he fled Egypt. The burning bush is a significant symbol, representing God's presence and calling to Moses. It also signifies a turning point in Moses' life and in the history of Israel.

Verse 31: Moses' amazement and approach indicate his curiosity and openness to the divine encounter. The voice of the Lord signifies direct communication from God, emphasizing the importance of this moment.

Verse 32: God identifies Himself with the patriarchs, establishing continuity with the covenantal promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses' trembling and reluctance to look signify his recognition of the holiness and awe-inspiring presence of God.

Verse 33: The instruction to remove sandals is a call for respect and recognition of the sacredness of God's presence. This act symbolizes humility and reverence.

Verse 34: This verse highlights God's concern and responsiveness to the suffering of the Israelites. God's decision to intervene and His choice of Moses as the leader to deliver His people are central themes.

Verse 35-36: These verses describe how Moses, who was initially rejected by the Israelites, became their leader and performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. The transformation of Moses from a rejected individual to a leader chosen by God exemplifies the theme of God's power to elevate and empower the unlikely.

Verse 37: This verse connects Moses' role as a prophet to the future promise of another prophet, which Christians interpret as a reference to Jesus Christ.

Verse 38: This verse emphasizes Moses' unique role as the mediator of God's law, highlighting his encounter with the divine at Mount Sinai.

Verse 39-40: These verses recount the Israelites' rebellion against Moses and their turn towards idolatry, including the making of a golden calf. The Israelites' disobedience and idolatry serve as a stark contrast to Moses' faithfulness. This acts as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unfaithfulness and the human tendency to reject God's appointed leaders.

Overall, Acts 7:30-40 is a critical section that recounts the significant events in the life of Moses and the Israelites, emphasizing themes of divine calling, leadership, faithfulness, and rebellion. It serves to illustrate the continuity of God's plan from the time of the patriarchs through Moses, and ultimately to Jesus.

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