The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Friday, March 8, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Friday, March 8, 2024

Divine Redemption and Ultimate Hope

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; Daniel 12:5-13; Ephesians 1:7-14
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 4)

Introduction

In this compilation of scriptures from Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; Daniel 12:5-13; and Ephesians 1:7-14, we delve into the profound themes of divine redemption and the enduring hope found in God's promises. Psalm 107 opens with a call to give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and wonderful deeds for mankind, emphasizing God's deliverance of those in distress. It paints a picture of gratitude and restoration. The passage from Daniel offers a glimpse into the end times, filled with mystique and prophecy, urging faithfulness and wisdom in the face of the unknown. In Ephesians, the focus shifts to the New Testament's revelation of redemption through Jesus Christ, highlighting the inheritance and the seal of the Holy Spirit as a promise of our eternal inheritance. These scriptures collectively remind us of the constant presence of God's redemptive plan, the importance of faith during trials, and the assured hope of eternal glory for believers.

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.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude, echoing the psalmist's words, "O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever."

Lord, You have gathered us from the east and west, from the north and south, a testimony to Your boundless mercy. In our wanderings and in our settling, Your love has been our constant guide.

We confess, O God, that there have been times when we, like the psalmist's people, suffered due to our own folly and rebellious ways. In our distress, we cried to You, and in Your unfailing compassion, You sent Your Word to heal and save us from destruction.

Thank You for Your wondrous works to humankind, for the food that satisfies our hungry souls, and for the living water that quenches our deepest thirst.

May our lives be a continual offering of thanksgiving, and may our lips always be open to declare Your deeds in the congregation and sing of Your praise in the assembly.

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.”

Daniel 12:5-13
The People will be Purified

Daniel 12:5-13 concludes the Book of Daniel, a prophetic and apocalyptic text of the Old Testament. This passage marks the final vision received by Daniel, encompassing a dialogue between two angels regarding the end times. It delves into the themes of eschatological events, including the resurrection of the dead and the ultimate fate of the righteous and the wicked. The text presents a timeline that is often interpreted symbolically, reflecting the struggles and hopes of the Jewish people in a period of persecution. Daniel's role as a faithful servant and his quest for understanding are emphasized, as he is instructed to seal up the words until the "time of the end." This section of Daniel is notable for its rich imagery and profound influence on Christian eschatological thought.

12 5 Then I, Daniel, looked, and two others appeared, one standing on this bank of the stream and one on the other. 6 One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was upstream, “How long shall it be until the end of these wonders?” 7 The man clothed in linen, who was upstream, raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven. And I heard him swear by the one who lives forever that it would be for a time, two times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end, all these things would be accomplished. 8 I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” 9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are to remain secret and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many shall be purified, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked shall continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. 11 From the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that desolates is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred ninety days. 12 Happy are those who persevere and attain the thousand three hundred thirty-five days. 13 But you, go your way, and rest; you shall rise for your reward at the end of the days.”

Expository Commentary

Verses 5-6 — The Vision of the Two Others: This scene depicts Daniel witnessing two angelic beings positioned on opposite sides of a river. This setting is highly symbolic, often representing the flow of time or history in biblical prophecy.

Verse 7 — The Man Clothed in Linen: The "man clothed in linen" is a key figure, often interpreted as an angel or a representation of divinity. The question asked reflects a common theme in apocalyptic literature: the desire to know when the prophesied events will come to pass.

Verse 8 — Daniel's Confusion: Daniel's admission of his lack of understanding is a humble acknowledgment of the limits of human comprehension in the face of divine mysteries.

Verse 9 — The Sealed Words: This verse suggests that the full understanding of the prophecies is reserved for a future time. It implies that certain aspects of God's plan are not to be fully understood until they unfold.

Verses 10-11 — Purification and the Abomination of Desolation: This period is often linked with trials and tribulations preceding the end times. The "abomination that desolates" is a term found in other parts of Daniel and is typically associated with profound sacrilege, particularly in the context of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Verse 12 — The Blessed Time: This verse introduces a specific time frame, the significance of which has been the subject of much speculation. It suggests a period of waiting and endurance that leads to blessing.

Verse 13 — Daniel's Rest and Resurrection: The final verse addresses Daniel directly, offering him a promise of rest and a future resurrection. This can be seen as a personal assurance to Daniel and a broader promise of resurrection and reward for the faithful.

Summary:

• The passage is a part of apocalyptic literature, rich in symbolic imagery and eschatological themes.

• It addresses themes of divine mysteries, the unfolding of God's plan, trials and tribulation, and the ultimate promise of resurrection and reward.

• The specific time frames mentioned (1,290 days, 1,335 days) have been interpreted in various ways but generally symbolize periods of trial and waiting before the end times.

• Daniel's role as a humble servant seeking understanding reflects the human quest for knowledge about the divine plan.

This passage, like much of apocalyptic literature, has been subject to various interpretations over the centuries. Its symbolic language and imagery are meant to convey truths about God's sovereignty, the reality of spiritual conflict, and the hope of ultimate vindication for the faithful.

Ephesians 1:7-14
We Live to the Praise of God’s Glory

Ephesians 1:7-14 is a profound passage that delves into the themes of redemption, grace, and the divine plan of God. In these verses, the Apostle Paul expounds on the richness of God's grace that has been bestowed upon believers through Christ. He speaks of redemption through the blood of Jesus and the forgiveness of sins, emphasizing the lavishness of God's grace. Paul also highlights the mystery of God's will, revealed in Christ for the ultimate purpose of uniting all things in Him. Furthermore, this section touches on the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of inheritance, assuring believers of their place in God’s eternal plan. This passage stands as a testament to the hope and promise found in the Christian faith, encapsulating key theological concepts central to Christian belief and practice.

1 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 14 this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

Expository Commentary

Verse 7: Redemption through Christ's Blood

• This verse emphasizes the theme of redemption, a core concept in Christian theology. Redemption here is described as being "through his blood", a reference to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. The idea is that Christ's death pays the debt of sin for believers.

• The "forgiveness of our trespasses" is highlighted as the key outcome of this redemption. In Christian belief, sin separates humanity from God, and forgiveness is essential for restoring this relationship.

• The phrase "according to the riches of his grace" suggests that this forgiveness is not earned by human merit but is a generous gift from God.

Verse 8-9: Revelation of God's Will

• These verses talk about how God has "lavished" grace upon believers, indicating the abundance and generosity of God's gift.

• There is a mention of wisdom and insight, suggesting that through God’s grace, believers are granted understanding that goes beyond human wisdom.

• Verse 9 speaks of God making known "the mystery of his will." This refers to the divine plan that was once hidden but now revealed in Christ. It underscores the belief that God’s purposes are ultimately good and are oriented towards the fulfillment of His divine plan.

Verse 10: Unity in Christ

• This verse introduces the concept of the fullness of time, indicating a divinely appointed moment in history.

• The idea of gathering up all things in Christ, both in heaven and on earth, presents a vision of cosmic reconciliation and unity through Jesus. This suggests a restoration of all creation under Christ’s leadership and authority.

Verse 11-12: Inheritance and Purpose

• These verses shift focus to the idea of inheritance. Believers are described as having been destined according to God's purpose. This inheritance is not just a future promise but also imparts a sense of identity and belonging in the present.

• The phrase "to live for the praise of his glory" indicates the ultimate purpose for believers - to glorify God. This is a central theme in Christian worship and life.

Verse 13-14: The Role of the Holy Spirit

• These verses introduce the Holy Spirit as a key figure in the believer's experience. Upon hearing the word of truth and believing in it, believers are "marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit."

• The Holy Spirit is described as a "pledge of our inheritance," which can be understood as a down payment or guarantee of the full redemption and inheritance that believers will receive.

• The passage concludes by reiterating the theme of God’s glory, suggesting that the work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives ultimately contributes to the praise of God’s glory.

In summary, Ephesians 1:7-14 encapsulates several key elements of Christian belief: redemption through Christ, the revelation of God's will, the unifying work of Christ, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the glorification of God. It's a passage rich in theological significance, offering insights into the nature of God's plan and the believer's place within it.

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