The Daily Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Eternal Faithfulness and Human Frailty
Psalm 102:12-28; 2 Kings 8:1-6; Acts 15:36-41
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 5)
Introduction
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Eternal Faithfulness and Human Frailty
Psalm 102:12-28; 2 Kings 8:1-6; Acts 15:36-41
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 5)
Introduction
In the midst of changing times and human conflicts, Psalm 102:12-28, 2 Kings 8:1-6, and Acts 15:36-41 present a compelling narrative of God's unchanging faithfulness amidst human frailty. Psalm 102 portrays a heartfelt cry to the eternal God from the depths of despair, emphasizing His enduring reign and compassion. Contrastingly, 2 Kings 8 recounts the divine providence and justice in the life of the Shunammite woman, reflecting God's steadfastness in rewarding faithfulness. Meanwhile, Acts 15 delves into the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, illustrating the challenges and complexities of human relationships even among the devout. Together, these passages invite reflection on the permanence of God's promises and sovereignty, alongside the imperfections and transient nature of human existence.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 102:12-28
Everlasting Foundations: Trusting in God's Eternal Sovereignty
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 102:12-28
Everlasting Foundations: Trusting in God's Eternal Sovereignty
Psalm 102:12-28 is a profound passage that encapsulates the enduring nature of God amidst the fleeting troubles of life. As a prayer of an afflicted person, it reflects deep anguish yet also a strong sense of hope and trust in the Lord's perpetual reign. This section of the Psalm contrasts the temporary nature of human suffering with the eternal, unchanging character of God. It is a poignant reminder that while our days are like passing shadows, God remains forever steadfast and compassionate.12 But you, LORD, sit enthroned forever; *
Your renown endures through all generations.
13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
for it is time to show favor to her; *
The appointed time has come.
14 For her stones are dear to your servants; *
Her very dust moves them to pity.
15 The nations will fear the name of the LORD, *
All the kings of the earth will revere your glory.
16 For the LORD will rebuild Zion *
And appear in his glory.
17 He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; *
He will not despise their plea.
18 Let this be written for a future generation, *
That a people not yet created may praise the LORD:
19 “The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, *
From heaven he viewed the earth,
20 To hear the groans of the prisoners *
And release those condemned to death.”
21 So the name of the LORD will be declared in Zion *
And his praise in Jerusalem
22 When the peoples and the kingdoms *
Assemble to worship the LORD.
23 In the course of my life he broke my strength; *
He cut short my days.
24 So I said: “Do not take me away, my God,
in the midst of my days; *
Your years go on through all generations.
25 In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, *
And the heavens are the work of your hands.
26 They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment. *
Like clothing you will change them
and they will be discarded.
27 But you remain the same, *
And your years will never end.
28 The children of your servants will live in your presence; *
Their descendants will be established before you.”
Heavenly Father, Lord of all ages, we come before You in humble adoration, acknowledging Your sovereignty as declared in Psalm 102:12-28. You, O Lord, sit enthroned forever; Your renown endures through all generations. In Your wisdom, You rise to have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come. We are grateful for Your unchanging nature, even as the earth and heavens wear out like a garment. You remain the same, and Your years will never end. We find comfort in knowing that the children of Your servants will live in Your presence and their descendants will be established before You.
Almighty God, we pray for the strength to endure our fleeting days and for the wisdom to see Your hand at work in all things. As the psalmist expressed the agony of affliction and the fleeting nature of life, we too often feel overwhelmed and transient. Yet, we hold onto the promise that You will arise and have compassion on us. May we be like the written scroll that carries Your testimonies to the next generation. May they tell of a Lord who looked down from His sanctuary on high, who heard the groans of the prisoners and released those condemned to death. So, let Your name be declared in Zion and Your praise in Jerusalem, when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship You.
Be with us today and every day in Jesus Christ, Who taught us to pray:
Your years go on through all generations.
25 In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, *
And the heavens are the work of your hands.
26 They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment. *
Like clothing you will change them
and they will be discarded.
27 But you remain the same, *
And your years will never end.
28 The children of your servants will live in your presence; *
Their descendants will be established before you.”
Heavenly Father, Lord of all ages, we come before You in humble adoration, acknowledging Your sovereignty as declared in Psalm 102:12-28. You, O Lord, sit enthroned forever; Your renown endures through all generations. In Your wisdom, You rise to have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come. We are grateful for Your unchanging nature, even as the earth and heavens wear out like a garment. You remain the same, and Your years will never end. We find comfort in knowing that the children of Your servants will live in Your presence and their descendants will be established before You.
Almighty God, we pray for the strength to endure our fleeting days and for the wisdom to see Your hand at work in all things. As the psalmist expressed the agony of affliction and the fleeting nature of life, we too often feel overwhelmed and transient. Yet, we hold onto the promise that You will arise and have compassion on us. May we be like the written scroll that carries Your testimonies to the next generation. May they tell of a Lord who looked down from His sanctuary on high, who heard the groans of the prisoners and released those condemned to death. So, let Your name be declared in Zion and Your praise in Jerusalem, when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship You.
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.”
2 Kings 8:1-6 presents a fascinating narrative that underscores the themes of divine providence, justice, and restoration. This passage tells the story of the Shunammite woman, who had previously shown great hospitality to the prophet Elisha. As a reward for her faithfulness, Elisha had granted her a son, and later miraculously restored the boy to life. The passage in 2 Kings 8 opens with Elisha advising the woman to leave her land due to an impending famine. The woman heeds his advice, showing her unwavering trust in God's messenger.8 1 Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Go away with your family and stay for a while wherever you can, because the LORD has decreed a famine in the land that will last seven years.” 2 The woman proceeded to do as the man of God said. She and her family went away and stayed in the land of the Philistines seven years.
3 At the end of the seven years she came back from the land of the Philistines and went to appeal to the king for her house and land. 4 The king was talking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, and had said, “Tell me about all the great things Elisha has done.” 5 Just as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, the woman whose son Elisha had brought back to life came to appeal to the king for her house and land.
Gehazi said, “This is the woman, my lord the king, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life.” 6 The king asked the woman about it, and she told him.
Then he assigned an official to her case and said to him, “Give back everything that belonged to her, including all the income from her land from the day she left the country until now.”
Expository Commentary
Verse 1 (Divine Guidance and Protection): Elisha's warning to the Shunammite woman to leave her homeland to escape the coming famine demonstrates God’s foresight and care for His faithful. This act of divine guidance is a testament to the provision and protection God offers to those who trust in Him.
Verses 2-3 (The Test of Faith and Obedience): The woman's obedience to Elisha's instruction, leaving everything behind for seven years, highlights her deep faith. This period of absence can be seen as a test of her faith, where she relinquishes control and relies entirely on God’s plan.
Verse 4 (God's Perfect Timing): Upon her return, she goes to appeal for her land at the exact moment the king is conversing with Gehazi about Elisha's miracles. This remarkable coincidence is an example of God’s perfect timing, orchestrating events to favor His people.
Verses 5-6 (Recognition and Validation of God’s Work): As Gehazi recounts the miracles performed by Elisha, including the resurrection of the woman's son, the king is moved to action. The woman's story and her son stand as living testimonies of God's power and faithfulness. The king’s order to restore her land, along with the income from it during her absence, is not only a gesture of justice but also a validation of God's miraculous works.
Verse 6 (Restoration and Reward): The restoration of the Shunammite woman’s property, with the accrued benefits, symbolizes God’s promise to restore and reward those who are faithful. It serves as a reminder that God's blessings often come full circle, rewarding faith and perseverance.
This passage from 2 Kings 8 beautifully illustrates how God works through people and circumstances to protect, guide, and bless His faithful servants. It encourages readers to trust in God's timing and providence, assuring them of His justice and restoration.
Acts 15:36-41 presents a significant event in the early Christian church: the disagreement and subsequent separation of Paul and Barnabas. This passage highlights the challenges faced by the early church leaders in spreading the Gospel, and how differences in judgment can lead to divisions, even among the most devoted believers.15 36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Expository Commentary
Verses 36-37 (Context and Conflict): The passage begins with Paul proposing to Barnabas that they revisit the churches they had established. However, a conflict arises over whether to take John Mark with them. Barnabas wants to include him, but Paul disagrees due to John Mark's earlier departure from them in Pamphylia.
Verse 38 (Differing Perspectives): Paul's refusal to take John Mark along is rooted in his perception of commitment and reliability. For Paul, the mission's success and the churches' well-being are paramount, and he views John Mark's previous withdrawal as a lack of commitment.
Verses 39-40 (Separate Paths): The disagreement becomes so sharp that Paul and Barnabas decide to part ways. Barnabas takes John Mark and sails for Cyprus, while Paul chooses Silas and heads through Syria and Cilicia. This separation, although painful, illustrates the complexities in mission work and personal dynamics in ministry.
Verse 41 (Divine Providence in Disagreement): Despite the division, both teams continue their missionary work. This indicates that God can use disagreements among believers for the broader purpose of spreading the Gospel. The separation allows for a wider reach, showing that even in conflict, God's work can progress.
Lessons for Modern Believers: Acts 15:36-41 teaches that disagreements, while challenging, do not halt God's plans. It encourages believers to remain committed to their mission, even when faced with conflicts. It also highlights the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives within the Christian community.
This passage is a profound reflection on the human aspect of ministry and mission, demonstrating that even in discord, there can be a greater divine purpose at play.
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 Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 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
The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 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
