The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Friday, March 22, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Friday, March 22, 2024

A Journey of Thanksgiving, Promise,

and Joyful Obedience

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Jeremiah 33:1-9; Philippians 2:12-18
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 6)

Introduction

This collection of scripture passages—Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Jeremiah 33:1-9; and Philippians 2:12-18—invites us into a profound reflection on the themes of gratitude, divine promise, and the joy of obedience to God's will. Psalm 118 opens with a call to thanksgiving, emphasizing God's enduring love and the joy of salvation. It transitions into a celebration of God's faithful deliverance, encouraging a procession of praise. Jeremiah 33 speaks to the restoration and renewal of promises made by God, portraying a future filled with hope and prosperity after a period of distress. Lastly, Philippians 2 encourages believers to work out their salvation with humility and obedience, reflecting the selfless attitude of Christ. Together, these passages intertwine to create a tapestry of divine faithfulness, human response, and the transformative power of living in alignment with God's will.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Blessed is the One Who Comes

Psalm 118, verses 1-2 and 19-29 presents an exuberant expression of gratitude and praise to God. It begins with an invocation of thanksgiving, acknowledging God's enduring mercy, and invites all of Israel to echo this sentiment. This passage then transitions to a vivid depiction of the psalmist's deliverance, where the gates of righteousness become a metaphorical entrance into God's favor. The psalm culminates in a celebratory procession, possibly reflecting an ancient festival, where the faithful give thanks and recognize the cornerstone rejected by the builders as the foundation of God's saving work. This Psalm, rich in liturgical imagery and Messianic overtones, has been a cornerstone of worship, symbolizing God's steadfast love and faithfulness across generations.

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

2    Let Israel say,
        “His steadfast love endures forever.”

19  Open to me the gates of righteousness,
        that I may enter through them
        and give thanks to the LORD.

20  This is the gate of the LORD;
        the righteous shall enter through it.

21  I thank you that you have answered me
        and have become my salvation.
22  The stone that the builders rejected
        has become the chief cornerstone.
23  This is the LORD’s doing;
        it is marvelous in our eyes.
24  This is the day that the LORD has made;
        let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25  Save us, we beseech you, O LORD!
        O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!

26  Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD.
        We bless you from the house of the LORD.
27  The LORD is God,
        and he has given us light.
    Bind the festal procession with branches,
        up to the horns of the altar.

28  You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
        you are my God, I will extol you.

29  O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
        for his steadfast love endures forever.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude, echoing the eternal truth of Your word, as declared in Psalm 118. We proclaim, "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever!"

Lord, You are our strength and our shield, our ever-present help in times of need. Just as the Psalmist sought Your gates of righteousness, we too seek Your path, longing to walk in Your ways and bask in the light of Your truth.

Open our eyes, O God, to see the wonders of Your love, and guide our steps into the joy of Your salvation. May we, like the stones the builders rejected, find our purpose and place in Your divine plan, becoming cornerstones of faith in our communities.

As we navigate the complexities of life, remind us that You are our God, and we will give thanks to You. You are our God, and we will extol You. Every day, may our lives be a testament to Your enduring love and Your unceasing mercy.

In moments of triumph and in times of trial, we will sing, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." For in every circumstance, Your grace abounds, and Your love remains our guiding light.

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.”

Jeremiah 33:1-9
God Will Restore and Cleanse from Sin

Jeremiah 33:1-9 presents a profound message of hope and restoration amidst despair. In this passage, the Prophet Jeremiah, confined in the courtyard of the guard during the siege of Jerusalem, receives a second revelation from the Lord. This revelation stands in stark contrast to the destruction and desolation surrounding him. Here, God promises a future of healing and peace, assuring the people that He will restore the fortunes of the land and cleanse them from their iniquity. This section of scripture beautifully encapsulates the theme of divine mercy and redemption, highlighting God's unfailing commitment to renew and bless His people even in the darkest of times.

33 1 The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still confined in the court of the guard: 2 Thus says the LORD who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to establish it—the LORD is his name: 3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. 4 For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city and the houses of the kings of Judah that were torn down to make a defense against the siege ramps and before the sword: 5 The Chaldeans are coming in to fight and to fill them with the dead bodies of those whom I shall strike down in my anger and my wrath, for I have hidden my face from this city because of all their wickedness. 6 I am going to bring it recovery and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security. 7 I will restore the fortunes of Judah and the fortunes of Israel, and rebuild them as they were at first. 8 I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me. 9 And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them; they shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it.

Expository Commentary

Verses 1-2: This opening sets the context of Jeremiah's situation—he is confined, yet still receives God's word. The emphasis on God as the Creator underscores His authority and power, suggesting that what follows is not just hopeful thinking, but a promise from the one who has the power to fulfill it.

Verse 3: Here, God invites Jeremiah to a deeper communion through prayer. The promise of revealing "great and hidden things" indicates that God is ready to share divine wisdom and plans that were previously unknown. It's a call to trust and depend on God for insight and direction.

Verses 4-5: These verses reflect the grim reality of Jerusalem's situation during Jeremiah's time. The destruction and the consequent loss of life are acknowledged as a result of God's wrath due to the people's wickedness. It's a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

Verses 6-7: Despite the dire circumstances, God promises restoration and healing. This is a pivotal turn in the narrative, highlighting God's mercy and willingness to bring prosperity and security, reversing the fortunes of Judah and Israel. It's a message of hope and redemption.

Verse 8: Central to the restoration is the theme of forgiveness. God is not just rebuilding structures but is concerned with cleansing and forgiving the people. This verse emphasizes the depth of God's mercy, offering complete forgiveness and a clean slate.

Verse 9: The final verse in this passage speaks to the transformation of Jerusalem from a place of despair to a source of joy and praise. The change will be so remarkable that it will serve as a testimony to other nations, leading them to recognize and revere God's power and goodness.

In summary, Jeremiah 33:1-9 is a powerful testament to God's ability to bring hope and renewal in the midst of despair. It emphasizes themes of divine power, prayer, judgment, mercy, forgiveness, and restoration, painting a picture of a God who is both just and abundantly merciful.

Philippians 2:12-18
Shine Like Stars in the World

Philippians 2:12-18 presents a profound and insightful passage where the Apostle Paul encourages the believers in Philippi to cultivate their own salvation with humility and reverence. This section, deeply embedded in the context of Christian servitude and humility, reflects on the importance of working out one's salvation 'with fear and trembling,' emphasizing God's role in enabling both the will and the ability to live a life pleasing to Him. Paul's teachings pivot around the themes of obedience, selfless service, and joy in the Christian journey, even amidst suffering. This passage also includes the metaphor of believers as 'lights in the world,' holding fast to the 'word of life,' which serves as a beacon of hope and guidance in a world often shrouded in moral and spiritual darkness. The exhortation to rejoice and share in Paul's joy adds a communal dimension to the faith experience, underlining the unity and shared purpose of the Christian community in Philippi.

2 12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmuring and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. 16 It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you— 18 and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me.

Expository Commentary

Verse 12 — Context and Meaning: This verse connects to the earlier exhortation about Christ's humility and obedience. Paul commends the Philippians for their obedience, emphasizing the importance of continuing in faithful living even when he is not physically present. The phrase "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" suggests a serious, reverent approach to one’s spiritual journey. It implies active participation in the process of salvation, recognizing that it is God who enables this journey.

Verse 13 — Divine Empowerment: This verse highlights the divine-human synergy in the process of salvation. While believers are called to work out their salvation, it is ultimately God who empowers and motivates them. This empowerment is directed towards actions that are pleasing to God, indicating that the believers' desires and efforts are aligned with God's will.

Verse 14 — Call to Unity and Humility: Paul urges believers to perform their duties without grumbling or disputing. This is an echo of the humility and selflessness exemplified by Christ earlier in the chapter. It’s a call for unity and harmony within the community, avoiding behaviors that lead to division.

Verse 15 — Witness to the World: The conduct of the believers is set as a contrast to the 'crooked and perverse generation.' The imagery of shining like stars symbolizes the distinct and luminous witness of Christians in a dark world. The call to be blameless and innocent reflects a life that visibly reflects God's character.

Verse 16 — Paul's Hope and Reward: Paul expresses his hope that the faithfulness of the Philippians will be evidence of his successful ministry. 'Holding fast to the word of life' suggests a steadfast adherence to the gospel. Paul anticipates the 'day of Christ' as a time when the fruits of his labor will be manifest.

Verse 17 — Paul’s Sacrificial Service: The imagery of being 'poured out as a libation' reflects Paul’s view of his life and ministry as a sacrifice to God. Despite the possibility of suffering and death, Paul expresses joy and contentment in serving the believers’ faith.

Verse 18 — Shared Joy in Christian Service: Paul invites the Philippians to share in his joy. This mutual rejoicing strengthens the bond within the Christian community and reinforces the theme of unity and fellowship in service to Christ.

In summary, Philippians 2:12-18 encapsulates key themes of Christian living: active participation in one's salvation, divine empowerment, unity and humility, being a distinct witness in the world, the importance of steadfastness in faith, the concept of sacrificial service, and the shared joy in the Christian community. Paul's instructions not only guide the Philippians but also offer timeless insights for contemporary believers.

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