The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Wednesday, March 20, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Guidance, Promise, and Revelation

Psalm 119:9-16; Haggai 2:1-9, 20-23; John 12:34-50
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 5)

Introduction

In this thematic exploration, we delve into the heart of spiritual guidance, divine promises, and the unveiling of profound truths as reflected in Psalm 119:9-16, Haggai 2:1-9, 20-23, and John 12:34-50. Psalm 119:9-16 provides a meditative reflection on the significance of God's word in guiding and purifying the life of a believer. Haggai 2:1-9, 20-23 shifts our focus to the promises of God, highlighting His assurance of blessing and strength amidst the rebuilding of the Temple, symbolizing hope and restoration. In John 12:34-50, the narrative reaches a climax with the revelation of Jesus Christ as the light of the world, confronting the complexities of belief and unbelief, and setting forth a profound discourse on the power of His words as the path to eternal life. These passages together weave a tapestry of divine instruction, promise, and revelation, inviting believers to a deeper understanding and commitment to their faith journey.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 119:9-16
I Treasure Your Promise in My Heart

Psalm 119:9-16 is a profound and reflective passage that delves into the theme of living a life in accordance with God's commandments. This segment of the longest psalm in the Bible emphasizes the importance of young people maintaining purity and righteousness through adherence to the Word of God. It underscores the significance of treasuring God's teachings in one's heart as a means to avoid sinning. The psalmist expresses a deep love and respect for God's statutes, vowing to meditate on His precepts and delight in His decrees. This passage is not only a personal commitment to follow God's laws but also an invitation for readers to reflect on the impact of divine guidance in their own lives, highlighting the transformative power of God's word in leading a faithful and righteous path.

9    How can young people keep their way pure?
        By guarding it according to your word.
10  With my whole heart I seek you;
        do not let me stray from your commandments.
11  I treasure your word in my heart,
        so that I may not sin against you.
12  Blessed are you, O LORD;
        teach me your statutes.
13  With my lips I declare
        all the ordinances of your mouth.
14  I delight in the way of your decrees
        as much as in all riches.
15  I will meditate on your precepts,
        and fix my eyes on your ways.
16  I will delight in your statutes;
        I will not forget your word.

Heavenly Father, in Your infinite wisdom and grace, You have given us Your word to guide our steps. Like a lamp unto our feet, Your commandments illuminate our path in a world shadowed by uncertainty and sin.

Lord, teach us to cherish Your statutes above all earthly treasures. Let us not wander from Your commands, but keep them close to our hearts. In meditating on Your decrees, may we find joy and understanding, and in keeping Your precepts, may we discover the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Help us to recount the wondrous deeds from Your law, to speak of Your ways, and to delight in Your statutes. May we never forget Your word, for in it lies the key to purity of heart and a life pleasing to You.

In Your mercy, guide us to walk in the path of Your commandments, for it is there we find true freedom and unending love. May our hearts be inclined to perform Your statutes forever, to the very 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.”

Haggai 2:1-9, 20-23
God Promises Future Blessings

Haggai 2:1-9, 20-23 presents a compelling and significant portion of the prophetic book of Haggai, a minor prophet in the Hebrew Bible. This passage, set in the historical context of the post-exilic period of ancient Israel, encapsulates two distinct prophetic messages delivered by Haggai. The first part (verses 1-9) addresses the people of Judah during the reconstruction of the Jerusalem Temple, urging them to have courage and promising divine glory in the new temple greater than that of the former. It emphasizes God's continued presence and support for His people, despite the challenges they face. The latter section (verses 20-23) shifts focus to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, affirming him as God's chosen leader. This prophecy symbolically articulates the overthrow of kingdoms and establishes Zerubbabel as a signet ring, signifying a special status in God’s divine plan. Together, these passages offer a profound insight into the themes of hope, divine sovereignty, and the fulfillment of God's promises in challenging times.

2 1 In the second year of King Darius, 1 in the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month, the word of the LORD came by the prophet Haggai, saying: 2 Speak now to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, and say, 3 Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Is it not in your sight as nothing? 4 Yet now take courage, O Zerubbabel, says the LORD; take courage, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; take courage, all you people of the land, says the LORD; work, for I am with you, says the LORD of hosts, 5 according to the promise that I made you when you came out of Egypt. My spirit abides among you; do not fear. 6 For thus says the LORD of hosts: Once again, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land; 7 and I will shake all the nations, so that the treasure of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with splendor, says the LORD of hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the LORD of hosts. 9 The latter splendor of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts; and in this place I will give prosperity, says the LORD of hosts.

20 The word of the LORD came a second time to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month: 21 Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, 22 and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms; I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders; and the horses and their riders shall fall, every one by the sword of a comrade. 23 On that day, says the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, son of Shealtiel, says the Lord, and make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you, says the LORD of hosts.

Expository Commentary

Verses 1-2: These verses set the context, dating the prophecy to the second year of King Darius. Haggai is instructed to speak to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, Joshua, the high priest, and the remnant of the people. This establishes the audience as the civil and religious leaders, along with the people who returned from exile.
 
Verse 3: Here, Haggai poses a reflective question, asking who among the people saw the temple in its former glory. This question stirs up memories of the past, acknowledging the sense of loss and disappointment the people felt about the current state of the temple compared to its former splendor in Solomon's time.

Verse 4: "Take courage" is repeated three times, addressed to Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people. This is a call to action and reassurance, emphasizing that they are not alone in their task, as God is with them.

Verse 5 This verse recalls the covenant made when the Israelites left Egypt, ensuring God’s continual presence and spirit among them. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and commitment to His people.

Verses 6-7: These verses contain a prophecy of future shaking of the heavens and the earth, symbolizing a major upheaval. The "desired of all nations" is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, indicating that the future glory of the temple will surpass the former.

Verse 8: The declaration that silver and gold belong to God suggests that the resources needed for rebuilding the temple are at God’s disposal. This could be a reassurance to the people concerned about material provisions.

Verse 9: It concludes with a promise of greater glory for the new temple and peace, indicating God's enduring presence and blessing in this new era.

Verse 20: Returning to the theme of divine communication, this verse marks the second message delivered on the same day to Haggai.

Verses 21-22: These verses contain a prophecy directed to Zerubbabel about overthrowing kingdoms. This imagery of God shaking the heavens and earth implies a radical transformation of the existing order, possibly indicating a future time when God will intervene directly in human affairs.

Verse 23: The metaphor of Zerubbabel as God’s signet ring is significant. In ancient times, a signet ring bore the seal of a king and represented authority and value. By choosing Zerubbabel as his signet ring, God is affirming him as a leader with divine authority and importance in God’s plan.

In summary, Haggai 2:1-9, 20-23 speaks to the immediate context of rebuilding the temple and the broader themes of hope, divine intervention, and the establishment of a future, peaceful kingdom. It reassures the people of God's presence and support, and establishes Zerubbabel's pivotal role in the unfolding of God's plan for His people.

John 12:34-50
God Gives Eternal Life

John 12:34-50 presents a profound segment where Jesus addresses a crowd about His impending death and the significance of His mission. In this passage, the crowd is puzzled by Jesus' reference to being "lifted up," questioning how it aligns with their understanding of the Messiah. Jesus responds with a poignant discourse on the nature of light and darkness, urging the listeners to believe in the light to become children of light. This section culminates with Jesus explaining that He speaks on behalf of the Father, emphasizing that rejecting His words equates to rejecting the one who sent Him. This passage, rich in symbolic language and theological depth, highlights key themes of belief, judgment, and the relationship between Jesus and the Father, making it a crucial part of understanding the Gospel's message about Jesus' role and mission.

12 34 The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”

After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. 37 Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

    “Lord, who has believed our message,
        and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

39 And so they could not believe, because Isaiah also said,

40  “He has blinded their eyes
        and hardened their heart,
    so that they might not look with their eyes,
        and understand with their heart and turn—
        and I would heal them.”

41 Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him. 42 Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God.

44 Then Jesus cried aloud: “Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. 47 I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, 49 for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me.”

Expository Commentary

Verses 34-36: The crowd is confused about Jesus' statement regarding being "lifted up." They question how this aligns with their understanding of the Christ, who they believe remains forever. Jesus, instead of directly answering their query about His identity, speaks metaphorically about light and darkness. He urges them to walk in the light (symbolizing belief and understanding) to avoid the darkness (symbolizing disbelief and ignorance). This is a call for urgent belief, as the opportunity to believe in Him as the light would not be indefinite.

Verses 37-43: Despite Jesus' many signs, John notes that many still did not believe in Him, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 53:1). John attributes their unbelief to their spiritual blindness and hardness of heart, as foretold by Isaiah (Isaiah 6:10). However, even among the authorities, some believed in Jesus but did not confess it publicly for fear of being ostracized from the synagogue. This highlights a key theme in John's Gospel: the conflict between the fear of social ostracism and the personal conviction of faith.

Verses 44-46: Jesus declares that belief in Him is belief in God who sent Him. He positions Himself not just as a teacher or prophet, but as the very revelation of God. Jesus reiterates His role as the light of the world, come to save and not to judge, and to bring people out of darkness.

Verses 47-50: The passage concludes with Jesus emphasizing that He speaks God’s words. There is a distinction between immediate judgment and ultimate judgment. Jesus came to save the world, not to judge it at that time. However, those who reject Him and His words have a judge: the word that He has spoken. This judge is not immediate but reserved for the last day. This emphasizes the enduring impact of Jesus’ words and teachings.

Overall, John 12:34-50 underscores the urgent call to believe in Jesus as the Son of God, the light of the world, and the bearer of God's truth. It highlights the internal conflicts faced by the people of Jesus' time—between societal pressures and personal belief, between the darkness of misunderstanding and the light of Christ's revelation. This passage lays a foundation for understanding the nature of Jesus' mission and the critical choice presented to His listeners: to remain in darkness or to embrace the light of belief in Him.

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 biblical commentaries provided here are intended for educational and spiritual enrichment purposes only. The interpretations and insights offered are based on the authors' understanding and perspective of the Bible, which may be influenced by their theological training, denominational background, and personal beliefs.

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