The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Friday, April 12, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Friday, April 12, 2024

Comfort in Divine Guidance

Psalm 4; Daniel 10:2-19; 1 John 2:26-28
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 3)

Introduction

In this spiritually enriching compilation, we delve into the heart of divine comfort and guidance through three distinct biblical passages. Psalm 4 presents a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy, showcasing the psalmist’s unwavering trust in the Lord amidst adversity. This trust is echoed in Daniel 10:2-19, where Daniel's spiritual fortitude and the revelatory vision he receives underscore the power of steadfast faith during times of personal trials. Finally, 1 John 2:26-28 serves as a reassuring reminder of the anointing of truth believers receive, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith and abide in Him as the world’s deceptions unravel. Together, these scriptures coalesce into a powerful message of hope, urging us to seek solace in the Lord’s unceasing guidance and to trust in His eternal plan for us.

Psalm 4
God Does Wonders for the Faithful

Psalm 135 is a vibrant hymn of praise that invites worshipers to glorify the Lord for His greatness and mighty acts. This Psalm stands as a profound testament to God's sovereignty, emphasizing His power over all things, both in the heavens and on earth. It serves not only as a call to worship but also as a reminder of God's enduring faithfulness and mercy towards His people. Through a litany of reasons for praise, including God's creation, deliverance, and enduring love, Psalm 135 inspires believers to reflect on the majesty and enduring presence of God in their lives.

1    Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
        You gave me room when I was in distress.
        Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

2    How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
        How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?    Selah
3    But know that the LORD has set apart the faithful for himself;
        the Lord hears when I call to him.

4    When you are disturbed, do not sin;
        ponder it on your beds, and be silent.            Selah
5    Offer right sacrifices,
        and put your trust in the LORD.

6    There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
        Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!”
7    You have put gladness in my heart
        more than when their grain and wine abound.

8    I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
        for you alone, O LORD, make me lie down in safety.

Expository Commentary

Verse 1: This verse is a direct appeal to God, emphasizing the psalmist's confidence in divine justice ("God of my right"). It reflects past experiences where God provided relief ("room") during times of distress, establishing a foundation for the current plea for grace and attention.

Verse 2: Here, the psalmist addresses his adversaries, questioning the duration of his unjust suffering. This rhetorical question underscores the futility ("vain words") and deceitfulness ("lies") of his opponents' actions, contrasting with the psalmist's pursuit of truth and honor.

Verse 3: This verse reassures believers that God distinguishes and values the faithful. It reaffirms the psalmist's belief in God's responsiveness, serving as an encouragement to maintain faithfulness amidst opposition.

Verse 4: This advice is a call for self-reflection and restraint. The psalmist advises that in times of agitation or distress, one should avoid sin and instead reflect inwardly, promoting a sense of calm and contemplation.

Verse 5: The psalmist emphasizes the importance of sincere worship ("right sacrifices") and trust in God. This verse implies that genuine religious practices, combined with faith in God, form the foundation of a righteous life.

Verse 6: This verse reflects a common yearning for God's favor and presence. It encapsulates the desire for divine blessing and guidance, acknowledging that true goodness and enlightenment come from God.

Verse 7: Here, the psalmist expresses a joy that surpasses material abundance. The gladness derived from God's presence and blessings is depicted as greater than the joy from worldly prosperity.

Verse 8: The psalm concludes with an expression of profound peace and security under God's protection. This serene trust allows the psalmist to rest, free from fear, assured of safety in God's care.

Psalm 4, therefore, is a blend of personal lament, wise counsel, and unwavering faith. It encapsulates the struggle against external adversities and internal turmoil while affirming the supreme solace and security found in a relationship with God.

Daniel 10:2-19
Daniel’s Vision Strengthens Him

Daniel 10:2-19 presents a captivating and mysterious narrative. This passage occurs in the context of Daniel's prophetic visions, which are filled with complex symbolism and profound spiritual insights. In these verses, Daniel undergoes a profound personal experience, marked by fasting, mourning, and a startling vision. The passage narrates an encounter with a celestial being, who provides Daniel with both comfort and revelation. The description of this being is rich in symbolic imagery, reflecting the grandeur and mystery of the divine. Daniel's reaction—overwhelmed and fainting, yet strengthened by the touch of the celestial figure—underscores the intense emotional and spiritual impact of this encounter. This section of the Book of Daniel not only deepens our understanding of Daniel's character and his unwavering faith but also offers a glimpse into the spiritual realm that plays a crucial role in the book's apocalyptic themes.

10 2 At that time I, Daniel, had been mourning for three weeks. 3 I had eaten no rich food, no meat or wine had entered my mouth, and I had not anointed myself at all, for the full three weeks. 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris), 5 I looked up and saw a man clothed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like beryl, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the roar of a multitude. 7 I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; the people who were with me did not see the vision, though a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled and hid themselves. 8 So I was left alone to see this great vision. My strength left me, and my complexion grew deathly pale, and I retained no strength. 9 Then I heard the sound of his words; and when I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a trance, face to the ground.

10 But then a hand touched me and roused me to my hands and knees. 11 He said to me, “Daniel, greatly beloved, pay attention to the words that I am going to speak to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” So while he was speaking this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12 He said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me twenty-one days. So Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia, 14 and have come to help you understand what is to happen to your people at the end of days. For there is a further vision for those days.”

15 While he was speaking these words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and was speechless. 16 Then one in human form touched my lips, and I opened my mouth to speak, and said to the one who stood before me, “My lord, because of the vision such pains have come upon me that I retain no strength. 17 How can my lord’s servant talk with my lord? For I am shaking, no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”

18 Again one in human form touched me and strengthened me. 19 He said, “Do not fear, greatly beloved, you are safe. Be strong and courageous!” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

Expository Commentary

Verses 2-3: Daniel starts by describing a period of mourning lasting three weeks. During this time, he fasts from choice foods, meat, and wine and doesn't anoint himself. This practice suggests a period of deep contemplation and preparation, a common biblical motif indicating spiritual readiness and sincerity in seeking divine insight.

Verse 4: On the banks of the great river Tigris, Daniel has a significant vision. The specific setting near a river can symbolize the flow of divine revelations and life-giving spiritual nourishment.

Verses 5-6: Daniel sees a man clothed in linen with a belt of gold. His body resembles precious stones, his face flashes like lightning, his eyes are like flaming torches, his arms and legs like polished bronze, and his voice like a multitude. This description symbolizes divine majesty and awe-inspiring power, indicating that the figure is not of this world.

Verses 7-9: While Daniel's companions don't see the vision, they feel its overwhelming presence and hide in fear. Daniel, however, sees the vision and is struck with weakness, his strength drained, and he falls into a deep sleep. This reaction indicates the overpowering nature of divine encounters.

Verses 10-11: A hand touches Daniel, setting him trembling on his hands and knees. The figure addresses him as "greatly beloved," signifying Daniel's favor in the eyes of God. The figure encourages Daniel to understand the words spoken to him and stand upright. This touch and speech act as a form of divine empowerment and reassurance.

Verses 12-14: The figure explains that Daniel's prayers have been heard from the first day of his fasting, but the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted him for twenty-one days. This introduces the concept of spiritual warfare, with angelic beings contending in the heavenly realm. The mention of Michael, one of the chief princes, coming to help, highlights the hierarchy and struggle in the spiritual world.

Verses 15-17: Upon hearing these words, Daniel bows his head and is speechless. He expresses his weakness and inability to speak, a common biblical response to divine presence, reflecting humility and awe.

Verses 18-19: Again, the being touches Daniel, strengthening him. He encourages Daniel to be at peace, be strong, and fear not. The repetitive assurance and strengthening by the celestial figure emphasize God's care and empowerment for those he calls.

In summary, Daniel 10:2-19 depicts a profound spiritual encounter. The passage emphasizes themes of spiritual preparedness, divine revelation, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the comforting and empowering presence of God in the midst of overwhelming circumstances. This encounter prepares Daniel for the visions and revelations to follow, illustrating the deep connection between spiritual discipline and divine revelation.

1 John 2:26-28
Have Confidence in the Coming One

This passage from the First Epistle of John, chapters 2 verses 26 to 28, speaks directly to the believer's relationship with truth and deception in a world where false teachings are prevalent. John writes with pastoral concern and affection, warning his readers about those who seek to lead them astray. He emphasizes the anointing received from the Holy One, which enables believers to discern truth from lies. This anointing refers to the Holy Spirit, a gift from God to guide and preserve the faithful in truth. John encourages believers to remain in Christ so that when He appears, they may approach Him with confidence and not shrink from Him in shame. The passage highlights the central theme of abiding in Jesus as the cornerstone of Christian faith and the assurance of righteousness through Him.

2 26 I write these things to you concerning those who would deceive you. 27 As for you, the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and so you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, abide in him.

28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he is revealed we may have confidence and not be put to shame before him at his coming.

Expository Commentary

Verse 26: "I write these things to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you."

• Context: John is addressing the early Christian community, which was facing internal challenges from false teachers and deceivers.

• Purpose: His intent is to warn and protect his readers from these deceivers.

• Deception: The nature of this deception likely revolves around incorrect teachings about the nature of Jesus Christ and His message.

Verse 27: "As for you, the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and so you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, abide in him."

• Anointing: Symbolizes the Holy Spirit, given to believers at the time of their faith commitment. This anointing represents divine guidance and understanding.

• Self-sufficiency in Learning: The verse isn't suggesting that believers need no external teaching but emphasizes the capability of the Holy Spirit to guide in understanding truth.

• Abide in Him: Reiterates the importance of remaining in a close relationship with Jesus Christ, which is key to discerning truth and resisting deception.

Verse 28: "And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he is revealed we may have confidence and not be put to shame before him at his coming."

• Address as "Little Children": Indicates John's pastoral care and affectionate concern for his readers.

• Abide in Him: A call to remain steadfast in faith and communion with Christ.

• Confidence at Christ's Return: Suggests that faithful adherence to Christ's teachings prepares believers for His second coming. The reference to confidence implies assurance in their salvation and standing before God.

• Avoiding Shame: Implies the importance of living a life in Christ so as not to be ashamed at His return. This encompasses ethical living, doctrinal soundness, and spiritual vigilance.

In summary, these verses in 1 John 2:26-28 address the challenges of false teachings and emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit as a guide in truth. John encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ, assuring them of their salvation and confidence at the time of His return.

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