The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Friday, April 19, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Friday, April 19, 2024

Guidance, Reunion, and Bold Witness

Psalm 23; Genesis 46:28—47:6; Acts 4:1-4
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 4)

Introduction

In this selection of scriptures, we encounter profound themes of divine guidance, family reunion, and courageous testimony. Psalm 23, a cornerstone of faith for many, portrays the Lord as a shepherd who provides, guides, and comforts. This metaphor of God's gentle yet powerful guidance resonates through dark valleys and lush pastures, embodying the essence of trust and security in divine care. Genesis 46:28—47:6 narrates the poignant reunion of Joseph with his father, Jacob, in Egypt, and the ensuing favor they find in Pharaoh's eyes. This story illustrates the fulfillment of God's promises and the unfolding of His plan through family bonds and reconciliation. In Acts 4:1-4, the narrative shifts to the early Christian community, where Peter and John face persecution for their bold proclamation of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Despite opposition, their unwavering testimony leads to the growth of the believer community, showcasing the power of faith and witness in the face of adversity. Together, these passages weave a tapestry of divine guidance, familial love, and the courage to testify one's faith, offering timeless lessons for believers.

Psalm 23
God our Shepherd

Psalm 23 is one of the most cherished and widely known psalms, offering comfort and hope to countless believers through its depiction of the Lord as a shepherd. This brief but profound text, attributed to King David, employs the metaphor of a shepherd guiding and caring for his sheep to express God's protective and provident relationship with His people. As the psalmist walks through valleys and faces adversity, the assurance of God's presence, guidance, and bounty provides a powerful message of divine companionship and trust. Psalm 23's timeless appeal lies in its evocative imagery and the deep sense of security and peace it imparts to its readers, making it a frequent choice for religious services, personal reflection, and times of distress.

1    The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2        He makes me lie down in green pastures;
    he leads me beside still waters;
3        he restores my soul.
    He leads me in right paths
        for his name’s sake.

4    Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
        I fear no evil;
    for you are with me;
        your rod and your staff—
        they comfort me.

5    You prepare a table before me
        in the presence of my enemies;
    you anoint my head with oil;
        my cup overflows.
6    Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
        all the days of my life,
    and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
        my whole life long.

Expository Commentary

Verse 1: This verse introduces the central metaphor of the Psalm: God as a shepherd. The imagery of a shepherd in biblical times conveys a sense of guidance, provision, and care. The phrase "I shall not want" signifies contentment and assurance in God's provision, suggesting that with God, all essential needs are met.

Verse 2: This verse continues the pastoral imagery, depicting a scene of tranquility and abundance. "Green pastures" symbolize a place of nourishment and rest, while "still waters" represent peace and refreshment for the soul. The verse emphasizes God's role in leading one to places of spiritual sustenance and rest.

Verse 3: The phrase "he restores my soul" suggests a renewal or revitalization provided by God. The "right paths" are indicative of a life lived in righteousness and moral integrity, guided by God's will. The phrase "for his name's sake" implies that this guidance is part of God's character and commitment to His people.

Verse 4: Here, the tone shifts to facing adversity. "The darkest valley" (traditionally "the valley of the shadow of death") symbolizes the most profound and challenging trials in life. The absence of fear is attributed to God's presence. The "rod and staff" are tools of the shepherd, symbolizing protection and guidance, respectively, offering comfort in the midst of trials.

Verse 5: This verse changes the metaphor slightly, with God portrayed as a gracious host. The "table" signifies provision and abundance, even in the presence of adversaries. The act of anointing the head with oil is a sign of honor, blessing, and hospitality. "My cup overflows" suggests abundant blessings beyond basic needs.

Verse 6: The Psalm concludes with a statement of confidence and hope. "Goodness and mercy" are seen as constant companions in the life of the believer, a testament to God's enduring faithfulness. The final promise, "I shall dwell in the house of the Lord," expresses a desire for eternal fellowship with God, reflecting a deep sense of trust and commitment.

Psalm 23 elegantly combines imagery of pastoral care and divine hospitality to convey a message of trust, provision, protection, and eternal hope in God. It remains a profound source of comfort and assurance for believers, encapsulating key aspects of the human relationship with the divine.

Genesis 46:28—47:6
The Shepherds of Israel Sojourn in Egypt

In this passage from Genesis 46:28—47:6, we witness the poignant reunion of Jacob, also known as Israel, with his long-lost son Joseph in the land of Egypt. As Jacob and his family settle in Goshen, a region of Egypt, Joseph, now a person of great influence, presents them to Pharaoh. This section beautifully encapsulates themes of family, providence, and fulfillment of promises. Joseph's elevation in Egypt, once an unimaginable twist of fate, becomes a divine instrument for the preservation and prosperity of Jacob's lineage. The narrative not only reflects the continuation of God's covenant with Abraham but also highlights Joseph's wisdom and humility in his interactions with Pharaoh, as he skillfully arranges for his family's well-being in a foreign land. This passage offers profound insights into the interplay of divine providence and human action in the unfolding of Israel's history.

46 28 Israel sent Judah ahead to Joseph to lead the way before him into Goshen. When they came to the land of Goshen, 29 Joseph made ready his chariot and went up to meet his father Israel in Goshen. He presented himself to him, fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. 30 Israel said to Joseph, “I can die now, having seen for myself that you are still alive.” 31 Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh, and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 The men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.’ 33 When Pharaoh calls you, and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our ancestors’—in order that you may settle in the land of Goshen, because all shepherds are abhorrent to the Egyptians.”

47 1 So Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan; they are now in the land of Goshen.” 2 From among his brothers he took five men and presented them to Pharaoh. 3 Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, as our ancestors were.” 4 They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to reside as aliens in the land; for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks because the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now, we ask you, let your servants settle in the land of Goshen.” 5 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. 6 The land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land; let them live in the land of Goshen; and if you know that there are capable men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.”

Expository Commentary

Verse 46:28: Jacob sends Judah ahead to Joseph to lead the way to Goshen. This act signifies trust in Judah and sets the stage for Judah's future role as a leader among his brothers. It also illustrates the practical steps taken by the family in their journey, showcasing a blend of divine guidance and human prudence.

Verses 46:29-30: Joseph prepares his chariot and goes to Goshen to meet his father. Their reunion is emotional, with Joseph weeping on his father's neck. This scene is a powerful depiction of reconciliation and the fulfillment of God’s promise. It also marks the climax of Joseph's personal journey from a dreamer in Canaan to a ruler in Egypt.

Verses 46:31-34: Joseph advises his brothers on how to speak to Pharaoh. He plans to tell Pharaoh that his family are shepherds, a profession Egyptians generally looked down upon. This strategy by Joseph is insightful, as it would likely lead to his family being given Goshen to live in, a land suitable for pasturing, thus keeping them somewhat separate from the Egyptian population. This separation would help preserve their identity and customs.

Verses 47:1-2: Joseph presents five of his brothers to Pharaoh. The selection of only a portion of his brothers to present to Pharaoh might be a strategic decision by Joseph, aimed at managing the impression they make.

Verses 47:3-4: The brothers tell Pharaoh they are shepherds and have come to reside temporarily in Egypt due to the famine. They request to settle in Goshen. Their response is in line with Joseph's instructions, emphasizing their shepherding background and the need for pasture land, subtly advocating for the suitability of Goshen for their needs.

Verses 47:5-6: Pharaoh responds favorably, allowing them to settle in Goshen and even suggesting they oversee his own livestock if they are capable. This response not only fulfills Joseph’s intention but also shows Pharaoh’s trust in Joseph and his willingness to extend generosity to Joseph’s family. It's also a sign of how God’s providence is working through Joseph to ensure the survival and prosperity of Israel's family.

In summary, these verses in Genesis narrate a critical juncture in the story of Israel’s family, underlining themes of providence, reconciliation, and wisdom. Joseph's strategic thinking, combined with God's guidance, leads to the favorable establishment of Israel's family in Egypt, setting the stage for future events in the biblical narrative.

Acts 4:1-4
Peter and John Arrested

Acts 4:1-4 portrays a pivotal moment in the early Christian Church, where Peter and John face opposition for their teachings about Jesus Christ and the resurrection. This passage opens with the arrest of the apostles by the Jewish authorities, including the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees. These officials are disturbed by the apostles' preaching, particularly their proclamation of the resurrection, which challenges the Sadducees' beliefs. Despite the arrest and the ensuing challenges, the passage highlights the unstoppable growth of the Christian faith, as the number of believers increases significantly, reflecting the powerful impact of the apostles' message.

4 1 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, 2 much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. 3 So they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand.

Expository Commentary

Verse 1: This verse sets the scene immediately following a miraculous healing by Peter and John (in Acts 3). The apostles are addressing the gathered crowd. The arrival of the priests, the captain of the temple (likely the leader of the temple guard), and the Sadducees signifies the interest and concern of the Jewish religious authorities. The Sadducees, in particular, are known for their denial of the resurrection of the dead, a key point of contention with the apostles’ teachings.

Verse 2: The apostles' teaching about the resurrection, especially through Jesus, is the primary reason for the annoyance of the authorities. This highlights a theological clash: the Sadducees did not believe in resurrection, while the apostles were proclaiming it as a fulfilled reality in Jesus Christ. This proclamation is not just a theological statement but also a challenge to the existing power structures and religious beliefs of the time.

Verse 3: The response of the authorities is to arrest Peter and John. This indicates the level of threat they felt from the apostles’ teachings. The mention of it being evening suggests the immediacy of the action taken by the authorities. According to Jewish law, trials or interrogations could not be conducted at night, so the apostles were detained until the next day.

Verse 4: Despite the arrest, the impact of Peter and John’s message is profound. A significant number of people, about five thousand, come to believe in their message. This indicates a rapid and substantial growth of the early Christian community. This verse contrasts the reaction of the religious authorities with that of the common people, showcasing the transformative power of the apostolic message and the receptiveness of the people to it.

In summary, Acts 4:1-4 captures a critical confrontation between the early Christian leaders and the Jewish religious authorities. It highlights the central role of the resurrection of Jesus in early Christian preaching, the resultant tension with existing religious beliefs, and the remarkable growth of the Christian community despite opposition.

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