The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Thursday, March 7, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Thursday, March 7, 2024

Embracing Divine Mercy and Covenant

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; Genesis 9:8-17; Ephesians 1:3-6
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 4)

Introduction

In this thematic exploration, we delve into the rich tapestry of divine mercy and the covenant between God and His creation, as depicted in Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; Genesis 9:8-17; and Ephesians 1:3-6. Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 extols the steadfast love of the Lord, showcasing His deliverance of the distressed and healing for the sick, a testament to His enduring mercy. Genesis 9:8-17 narrates the covenant God establishes with Noah and all living creatures, a promise symbolized by the rainbow, reflecting God's commitment to never again destroy the earth by flood. Ephesians 1:3-6 speaks to the spiritual blessings in Christ, emphasizing the theme of divine election and adoption as children of God through Jesus Christ. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of God's mercy and faithfulness, and our calling to live as recipients of His gracious covenant.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
God Delivers from Distress

Psalm 107 is a powerful song of thanksgiving and praise in the Bible, found in the Old Testament. This particular passage, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22, reflects on the steadfast love and deliverance of God. It speaks to the human experience of distress, the act of crying out to the Lord in times of trouble, and the wondrous relief and healing that comes from His intervention. As we prepare our hearts to delve into these verses, let us remember the countless ways in which God has shown His enduring love and faithfulness in our lives and in the history of His people.

1    O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; *
        For his steadfast love endures forever.

2    Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, *
        Those he redeemed from trouble

3    And gathered in from the lands, *
        From the east and from the west,
        from the north and from the south.

17  Some were sick through their sinful ways, *
        And because of their iniquities endured affliction;

18  They loathed any kind of food, *
        And they drew near to the gates of death.

19  Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, *
        And he saved them from their distress;

20  He sent out his word and healed them, *
        And delivered them from destruction.

21  Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, *
        For his wonderful works to humankind.

22  And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, *
        And tell of his deeds with songs of joy.

Gracious and Loving God, as we turn to Your Word in Psalm 107, we are filled with gratitude for Your unfailing love and mercy. Your deeds are mighty and Your compassion boundless. In times of darkness and despair, when we felt lost and afflicted, You heard our cries and delivered us from our distress.

Lord, we thank You for being our refuge and strength, for healing our wounds and saving us from the brink of destruction. Help us to always remember Your works and to speak of Your goodness. May our hearts overflow with thanksgiving and our mouths sing of Your righteousness.

Guide us, O God, to live in a manner worthy of Your grace, sharing Your love with others, and acknowledging Your mighty works in all aspects of our lives. May we always hold fast to the truth of Your Word, trusting in Your promises and rejoicing in Your salvation.

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 9:8-17
The Covenant with Noah

Genesis 9:8-17 is a significant passage that marks the conclusion of the great flood narrative and the establishment of a covenant between God and all living creatures. In this passage, God speaks to Noah and his sons after they have emerged from the ark, setting a rainbow in the sky as a sign of this everlasting covenant. This covenant is unique because it is not only with Noah and his descendants but extends to every living creature on the earth, signifying God's promise never to destroy the earth by flood again. The rainbow serves as a perpetual reminder of God's mercy and faithfulness, symbolizing hope and the restoration of harmony between the Creator and His creation. This passage is foundational in biblical theology, emphasizing God's grace and the sacredness of life and the natural world.

9 8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. 11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

Expository Commentary

Verses 8-11: These verses depict God speaking to Noah and his sons, promising never again to destroy all life on Earth with a flood. The covenant is established not just with Noah and his family, but with "every living creature" and "all future generations." This moment signifies a shift in the relationship between God and His creation, emphasizing God's mercy and the sacredness of life.

Verses 12-13: God introduces the rainbow as a sign of this covenant. The rainbow, appearing in the clouds after the rain, serves as a physical reminder of God's promise. It's significant because it's a natural phenomenon that is both beautiful and universal, visible to all of humanity and living creatures as a symbol of hope and God's faithfulness.

Verses 14-15: These verses reiterate the promise using the rainbow as a reminder. Whenever a rainbow appears, it's a sign that God remembers His covenant. The repetitive nature of these verses emphasizes the reliability and unchanging nature of God's promise.

Verse 16: This verse further solidifies the permanence of the covenant. It states that the covenant is "everlasting," implying that it's an unbreakable promise that will stand for all time. The rainbow is a constant reminder to God Himself about this enduring commitment.

Verse 17: The passage concludes with God affirming the significance of the rainbow as the sign of the covenant. This final verse serves as a summary of the entire passage, reiterating the importance of the covenant and the symbolism of the rainbow as a lasting, visual representation of God's promise.

In summary, Genesis 9:8-17 is a foundational text that sets the stage for the relationship between God and all of His creation. It establishes a promise of mercy and care from God, represented by the enduring symbol of the rainbow. This covenant is significant as it extends beyond Noah and his family, encompassing all living creatures and future generations, symbolizing the universal and inclusive nature of God's love and commitment.

Ephesians 1:3-6
Blessed be God who Chose Us in Christ

Ephesians 1:3-6 opens with a profound expression of praise and theological depth. In this passage, the Apostle Paul begins by blessing God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing the spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers in Christ. This section is remarkable for its emphasis on the concept of predestination, as Paul speaks of God choosing the faithful in Christ before the foundation of the world. He touches upon themes of holiness, blamelessness, and the divine plan of love, which involves the adoption of believers as God's children through Jesus Christ. This passage not only celebrates the richness of God's grace but also serves as a theological cornerstone, emphasizing the intentional and gracious act of God in bringing salvation to His people.

1 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. 5 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

Expository Commentary

Verse 3 — Spiritual Blessings in Christ: This verse highlights the spiritual blessings that believers have received in Christ. The phrase "every spiritual blessing" suggests that these blessings are comprehensive and complete, encompassing all aspects of spiritual life. The "heavenly places" indicate a spiritual realm that transcends the earthly and mundane. This verse sets the tone for the rest of the passage, focusing on the spiritual richness and depth available to believers through Christ.

Verse 4 — Chosen in Christ: This verse emphasizes the idea of divine election. Believers are chosen "in Christ" before the creation of the world, indicating God's sovereign plan and purpose. The purpose of this election is for believers to be "holy and blameless before him in love," which speaks to the transformative effect of being in Christ. It suggests a calling to a life of purity, moral integrity, and love, reflecting the character of Christ.

Verse 5 — Destined for Adoption: Here, Paul introduces the concept of adoption. This metaphor is powerful, as it speaks to the intimate and personal relationship believers have with God. Being "destined for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ" implies a change in status – from alienation to intimacy, from outsider to family member. This adoption is part of God's plan, "according to the good pleasure of his will," indicating that it is not only purposeful but also a source of divine joy.

Verse 6 — Praise of His Glorious Grace: The passage culminates in praise for God's grace. The phrase "to the praise of his glorious grace" suggests that the ultimate purpose of these spiritual blessings, including election and adoption, is to bring glory to God. The grace mentioned here is described as "glorious," emphasizing its magnificence and beauty. It is "freely bestowed on us in the Beloved," indicating that it is a gift given without reservation or precondition, and the term "Beloved" refers to Jesus Christ, underscoring the centrality of Christ in the entire plan of salvation.

Overall, Ephesians 1:3-6 offers a profound insight into the Christian understanding of spiritual blessings, divine election, adoption as God's children, and the purpose of these gifts, which is to glorify God's grace. The passage emphasizes the depth of God's love and the transformative power of a relationship 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 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