The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Wednesday, April 24, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Steadfast Faith Amid Trials and Redemption

Psalm 95; Micah 7:8-20; Mark 14:26-31
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 4)

Introduction

This collection of scriptures from Psalm 95, Micah 7:8-20, and Mark 14:26-31 eloquently interweaves themes of unwavering faith, the inevitability of human frailty, and the boundless mercy of God. Psalm 95 invites believers to worship and bow down before the Lord, recognizing His sovereignty and our position as the sheep of His pasture. In contrast, Micah 7:8-20 shifts the focus to the personal struggle of faith amidst adversity, highlighting God's qualities as a redeemer who pardons iniquity and passes over transgression. Mark 14:26-31 narrates the poignant scene of Jesus predicting Peter's denial, offering a profound insight into the nature of human weakness, even among the most devout, and the foreknowledge and forgiving nature of Christ. These passages collectively remind us of the enduring presence of God’s grace and love, even when we falter, and call us to a deeper commitment to our faith journey.

Psalm 95
We Are the Sheep of God’s Hand

Psalm 95 invites believers to celebrate the majesty and power of God. It opens with a vibrant invitation to sing, shout joyfully, and come into God’s presence with thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of music and gratitude in worship. The psalm highlights God's supremacy as the great King above all gods, acknowledging His creation and control over the depths of the earth and the mountain peaks. As the psalm progresses, it shifts from praise to a solemn warning, reminding worshipers of the importance of not hardening their hearts as the Israelites did at Meribah and Massah in the wilderness. This psalm skillfully combines elements of praise, worship, history, and caution, providing a comprehensive approach to understanding and relating to the divine.

1    O come, let us sing to the LORD;
        let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2    Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
        let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3    For the LORD is a great God,
        and a great King above all gods.
4    In his hand are the depths of the earth;
        the heights of the mountains are his also.
5    The sea is his, for he made it,
        and the dry land, which his hands have formed.

6    O come, let us worship and bow down,
        let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
7    For he is our God,
        and we are the people of his pasture,
        and the sheep of his hand.

    O that today you would listen to his voice!
8         Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
        as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
9    when your ancestors tested me,
        and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
10  For forty years I loathed that generation
        and said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray,
        and they do not regard my ways.”
11  Therefore in my anger I swore,
        “They shall not enter my rest.”

Expository Commentary

Verses 1-2 — Invitation to Worship: These opening verses serve as an enthusiastic invitation to worship. The reference to God as the "rock of our salvation" suggests a sense of stability and protection. The emphasis on singing and making a joyful noise indicates that worship is not just a solemn act but also a celebration.

Verses 3-5 — Proclaiming God’s Greatness: These verses acknowledge God’s sovereignty and creative power. By stating that God is above "all gods," the Psalmist asserts monotheism and the superiority of the Lord over any other entities worshiped. The reference to God's creation of the sea and land reflects the belief in His omnipotence and involvement in creating the physical world.

Verses 6-7a — A Call to Humble Worship: Here, the tone shifts to one of humility and reverence. The act of bowing and kneeling symbolizes submission and respect to God, the creator. The metaphor of the people as "sheep of his pasture" illustrates a relationship of dependence, guidance, and care between God and His people.

Verses 7b-11 — A Warning from History: The final section serves as a solemn warning, drawing from the historical event of the Israelites’ rebellion at Meribah and Massah. It cautions against hardening one's heart and rebelling against God, using the example of the ancestors who tested God despite witnessing His miracles. The reference to "forty years" signifies the period of wandering in the wilderness, a consequence of their disobedience. The phrase "They shall not enter my rest" alludes to the denial of entry into the Promised Land, symbolizing peace and fulfillment.

Psalm 95 thus combines elements of praise and worship with a historical lesson, encouraging faithfulness and obedience to God while remembering the consequences of disobedience.

Micah 7:8-20
God Will Shepherd the People

Micah 7:8-20 is a profound passage that encapsulates a message of hope, redemption, and the enduring mercy of God. This section of the Book of Micah, a prophetic book in the Old Testament, is a lyrical and emotive response to the trials and tribulations faced by the people of Israel. It begins with a personal expression of confidence in God's salvation, despite facing adversity and darkness. The prophet Micah, speaking on behalf of Israel, acknowledges the nation's sins but rejoices in God’s unfailing love and forgiveness. This passage highlights God's promise to bring about justice, to show compassion and steadfast love, and to once again be faithful to the covenant made with Abraham and Jacob. It serves as a timeless reminder of God's ability to turn situations of despair into stories of grace and restoration.

7 8 Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy;
        when I fall, I shall rise;
    when I sit in darkness,
        the Lord will be a light to me.
9    I must bear the indignation of the LORD,
        because I have sinned against him,
    until he takes my side
        and executes judgment for me.
    He will bring me out to the light;
        I shall see his vindication.
10  Then my enemy will see,
        and shame will cover her who said to me,
        “Where is the LORD your God?”
    My eyes will see her downfall;
        now she will be trodden down
        like the mire of the streets.

11  A day for the building of your walls!
        In that day the boundary shall be far extended.
12  In that day they will come to you
        from Assyria to Egypt,
    and from Egypt to the River,
        from sea to sea and from mountain to mountain.
13  But the earth will be desolate
        because of its inhabitants,
        for the fruit of their doings.

14  Shepherd your people with your staff,
        the flock that belongs to you,
    which lives alone in a forest
        in the midst of a garden land;
    let them feed in Bashan and Gilead
        as in the days of old.
15  As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt,
        show us marvelous things.
16  The nations shall see and be ashamed
        of all their might;
    they shall lay their hands on their mouths;
        their ears shall be deaf;
17  they shall lick dust like a snake,
        like the crawling things of the earth;
    they shall come trembling out of their fortresses;
        they shall turn in dread to the LORD our God,
        and they shall stand in fear of you.

18  Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity
        and passing over the transgression
        of the remnant of your possession?
    He does not retain his anger forever,
        because he delights in showing clemency.
19  He will again have compassion upon us;
        he will tread our iniquities under foot.
    You will cast all our sins
        into the depths of the sea.
20  You will show faithfulness to Jacob
        and unswerving loyalty to Abraham,
    as you have sworn to our ancestors
        from the days of old.

Expository Commentary

Verses 8-10: The prophet Micah speaks with a personal and collective voice, representing both himself and Israel. He acknowledges the suffering and disgrace Israel has faced due to their sins but expresses a strong confidence in God's deliverance and vindication. The imagery of darkness and light is used to symbolize despair and hope, emphasizing God's role as a savior in times of trouble. The expectation of enemies' downfall points towards divine justice.

Verses 11-13: These verses describe the restoration and rebuilding of Israel. The metaphor of walls and boundaries being extended implies not just a physical rebuilding, but also an increase in influence and prosperity. However, this expansion comes after a period of desolation, indicating that renewal often follows judgment.

Verses 14-15: Here, Micah pleads with God to shepherd His people and perform miracles as in the days of the Exodus. This plea reflects a longing for God's guidance and a reminder of His past deeds as evidence of His power and commitment to His people. It serves as an affirmation of faith in God's ability to deliver and protect.

Verses 16-17: These verses anticipate the reaction of the nations to God's mighty acts. The imagery used indicates awe and fear among the Gentiles, recognizing the power and sovereignty of Israel's God. It serves as a form of divine vindication for Israel, showing that God's power and justice are acknowledged even by those outside the covenant.

Verses 18-20: The closing verses beautifully capture the essence of God's character. It speaks of His incomparable compassion and willingness to forgive sin, highlighting that God does not stay angry but delights in showing mercy. The passage concludes with a reaffirmation of God's covenant with Abraham and Jacob, underscoring His faithfulness and steadfast love. This covenantal reminder seals the promise of restoration and blessing, not just for Israel, but in a broader sense, for all who are part of this Abrahamic lineage of faith.

Throughout Micah 7:8-20, there is a strong theme of hope in the midst of despair, redemption from sin, and the unchanging nature of God's mercy and faithfulness. This passage reassures believers of God's unwavering commitment to His people, encouraging them to remain faithful and trust in His divine plan.

Mark 14:26-31
Christ the Shepherd

Mark 14:26-31 presents a poignant and significant moment in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus predicts Peter's denial. This passage, set against the backdrop of the Last Supper and Jesus' impending crucifixion, captures the emotional intensity and the human frailty of the disciples. As they leave the Upper Room and move towards the Mount of Olives, Jesus foretells that all his disciples will desert him, citing a prophecy from Zechariah. Peter, with characteristic fervor, insists that he will never deny Jesus, only to be told by Jesus that, in fact, he will deny him three times before the rooster crows twice. This scene underscores the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the fulfillment of prophecy, which are central to the narrative of the Passion of Christ.

14 26 When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters; for it is written,

    ‘I will strike the shepherd,
        and the sheep will be scattered.’

28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though all become deserters, I will not.” 30 Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same.

Expository Commentary

Verse 26: This verse sets the scene, following the Last Supper. The act of singing a hymn, likely part of the Passover tradition, adds a sense of solemnity and communal worship. The movement towards the Mount of Olives is both literal and symbolic, leading Jesus towards His impending arrest and passion.

Verse 27: Here, Jesus predicts the desertion of His disciples, grounding this assertion in scripture (Zechariah 13:7). The metaphor of the shepherd and sheep is powerful, portraying Jesus as the guiding shepherd whose loss will lead to the dispersal and confusion of His followers. This prophecy underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament predictions in the New Testament narrative.

Verse 28: Despite the prediction of desertion and suffering, this verse introduces a note of hope and resurrection. Jesus foretells His resurrection and reassures His disciples that He will reunite with them in Galilee. This is a pivotal moment that preempts the victory over death and the continuation of His mission.

Verse 29: Peter’s declaration reflects his impulsive nature and deep devotion to Jesus. It illustrates the human tendency to overestimate one's strength and faithfulness. Peter's bold assertion sets the stage for what follows, highlighting the contrast between human bravado and divine foreknowledge.

Verse 30: Jesus’s response to Peter is both a prophecy and a challenge. The specificity of the prediction (“before the rooster crows twice”) adds to its gravity. This verse not only foreshadows Peter’s denial but also serves as a reminder of the frailty and fallibility of even the most devoted followers.

Verse 31: Peter's vehement response, echoed by other disciples, illustrates a common human theme: the gap between our intentions and actions, especially under pressure. The disciples' unified vow of loyalty, despite Jesus' prediction, sets a dramatic contrast to the events that unfold later.

In summary, Mark 14:26-31 captures a moment of transition from fellowship to trial, juxtaposing human weakness against divine foreknowledge. It serves as a precursor to the Passion narrative, highlighting themes of prophecy, betrayal, and the unwavering path of Jesus towards His sacrificial role.

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