The Daily Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Thursday, February 22, 2024
The Covenant of Faith and Righteousness
Psalm 22:23-31; Genesis 15:1-6, 12-18; Romans 3:21-31
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 2)
Introduction
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Thursday, February 22, 2024
The Covenant of Faith and Righteousness
Psalm 22:23-31; Genesis 15:1-6, 12-18; Romans 3:21-31
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 2)
Introduction
In this thought-provoking selection of scriptures, we delve into the profound depths of faith, righteousness, and the covenant with God as revealed in Psalm 22:23-31, Genesis 15:1-6, 12-18, and Romans 3:21-31. Psalm 22 offers a heartfelt proclamation of the Lord's dominion and mercy, inviting all nations to worship and stand in awe of God's eternal reign. Genesis 15 narrates the seminal moment of God's covenant with Abram, underscoring the significance of faith and the birthright of countless descendants as numerous as the stars. In Romans 3, Paul elucidates the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ, available to all who believe, irrespective of the Law. Together, these passages intertwine to form a tapestry of divine promise, faith as the cornerstone of righteousness, and the universal scope of God's salvific plan.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 22:23-31
All The Earth Shall Turn to God
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 22:23-31
All The Earth Shall Turn to God
In this profound passage from Psalm 22, verses 23 to 31, we find ourselves immersed in a message of profound hope and universal redemption. This section of the Psalm shifts from the earlier expressions of distress and desolation to a celebration of deliverance and God's enduring faithfulness. The psalmist calls on those who fear the Lord to praise Him, reflecting a journey from suffering to salvation. This passage powerfully conveys the message that God's dominion extends beyond the present struggles, encompassing all nations and future generations. It serves as a reminder that in the midst of trials and tribulations, there remains an unshakeable promise of divine intervention and grace, offering solace and strength to all believers.23 You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; *
Stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
24 For he did not despise or abhor
the affliction of the afflicted; *
He did not hide his face from me,
but heard when I cried to him.
25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation; *
My vows I will pay before those who fear him.
26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied; *
Those who seek him shall praise the LORD.
May your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth shall remember
and turn to the LORD; *
And all the families of the nations
shall worship before him.
28 For dominion belongs to the LORD, *
And he rules over the nations.
29 To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down; *
Before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,
and I shall live for him.
30 Posterity will serve him; *
Future generations will be told about the LORD,
31 And proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, *
Saying that he has done it.
Almighty and Everlasting God, whose mercy and grace are revealed in every corner of creation, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude as we reflect on Psalm 22, verses 23 to 31. In these sacred words, we are reminded of Your unfailing love and the promise of Your salvation that extends to all peoples and all generations.
Lord, we marvel at the breadth of Your compassion, which encompasses the entire earth, calling every nation and every soul towards Your light. As the psalmist proclaims Your deliverance and faithfulness, help us to join in this chorus of praise and adoration, recognizing Your hand in every aspect of our lives.
Grant us the strength to endure our trials, just as the psalmist did, with an unwavering faith in Your providential care. May our hearts be ever turned towards You, trusting in Your promises and rejoicing in the salvation that comes from Your hand.
As we meditate on these verses, instill in us a spirit of unity and love, that we might see our fellow human beings as part of Your great family, and work together to manifest Your kingdom on earth. May our lives be a testament to Your enduring love and may all the earth turn to You, finding hope, peace, and redemption in Your embrace.
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.”
Genesis 15:1-6, 12-18 presents a pivotal moment in the narrative of Abram (later Abraham), a central figure in Judeo-Christian tradition. This passage is renowned for its depiction of God's covenant with Abram, promising him numerous descendants and a vast land for his people. The text highlights themes of faith, divine promise, and the challenges of belief. It begins with God appearing to Abram in a vision to offer reassurance and protection, leading to a profound declaration of faith by Abram. The latter part of the passage, verses 12-18, describes a deeply symbolic ceremony in which God formally establishes His covenant, signifying a momentous spiritual and historical covenant that shapes the foundations of monotheistic faiths. This passage is essential for understanding the roots of the Abrahamic covenant and its implications in biblical history and theology.15 1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2 But Abram said, “O LORD God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” 4 But the word of the LORD came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” 5 He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6 And he believed the LORD; and the LORD reckoned it to him as righteousness.
12 As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him. 13 Then the LORD said to Abram, “Know this for certain, that your offspring shall be aliens in a land that is not theirs, and shall be slaves there, and they shall be oppressed for four hundred years; 14 but I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 As for yourself, you shall go to your ancestors in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. 16 And they shall come back here in the fourth generation; for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”
17 When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.
Expository Commentary
Genesis 15:1-6, 12-18 is a significant passage in the Bible, as it describes a pivotal moment in the life of Abram (later named Abraham). This passage is often studied for its theological and historical implications. Here's an expository commentary breaking down these verses:
Genesis 15:1: "After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.’" This verse follows Abram's victory in rescuing his nephew Lot. God's message, "Do not be afraid," is reassuring, emphasizing His protective role. The promise of a great reward sets the stage for what follows.
Genesis 15:2-3: Abram, despite God's promise, expresses his worry about not having an heir. He mentions that his servant Eliezer of Damascus might inherit his wealth. This shows Abram's human side, filled with doubts and concerns despite God’s promises. It reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice where a childless person might adopt a servant as an heir.
Genesis 15:4-5: God responds by assuring Abram that his own offspring will be his heir. He takes Abram outside and asks him to look at the stars and try to count them, promising that his descendants will be just as numerous. This moment is symbolic, illustrating the immensity of God's promise. The stars are often interpreted as a metaphor for countless descendants, a promise that extends beyond Abram’s immediate concerns.
Genesis 15:6: "And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness." This verse is pivotal in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic theology. Abram's faith in God's promise is counted as righteousness, establishing a key principle in biblical faith: that trust in God, not just acts of obedience, is foundational to a right relationship with Him.
Genesis 15:12-13: As the sun was setting, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a terrifying darkness descended upon him. Then the Lord said to Abram, "Know for certain that your offspring shall be aliens in a land that is not theirs, and shall be slaves there, and they shall be oppressed for four hundred years." This is a prophetic revelation about the future enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt. It’s a glimpse into the future challenges Abram's descendants will face, but it also underscores the certainty of God's plan.
Genesis 15:14-16: God promises that Abram's descendants will come out with great possessions. However, Abram himself will die in peace before this happens. The return of his descendants to the promised land will happen in the fourth generation. These verses offer both a promise and a limitation. While the descendants will eventually be delivered, Abram himself will not see the fulfillment of all the promises.
Genesis 15:17-18: As the sun set and darkness fell, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between the pieces of the animals Abram had cut in half. This act signifies God's covenant with Abram, promising the land from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates to his descendants. The passing between animal pieces was a common ancient ritual for making covenants. The presence of God (symbolized by the fire pot and torch) passing through the pieces signifies His unbreakable commitment to the covenant.
This passage is central to understanding the Abrahamic covenant, a foundational element in the Judeo-Christian tradition. It emphasizes faith, promise, and a deep relationship between God and Abram, setting the stage for the rest of the Biblical narrative.
In Romans 3:21-31, Paul articulates a profound shift in understanding righteousness and salvation, moving from the Law of Moses to faith in Jesus Christ. This passage marks a pivotal moment in the Epistle to the Romans, highlighting the universality of sin and the equally universal offer of grace through faith. Paul emphasizes that the righteousness of God has been revealed apart from the law, accessible to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. This revelation of God's righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ upholds the law while simultaneously transcending it, offering justification to all who believe. Here, Paul confronts the human condition of sinfulness and extends the promise of redemption, firmly establishing the principle of justification by faith as a cornerstone of Christian theology.3 21 But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23 since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24 they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; 26 it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one; and he will justify the circumcised on the ground of faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.
Expository Commentary
Romans 3:21-31 is a key passage in the New Testament that presents fundamental Christian theological concepts. Here's an expository commentary on this passage, breaking down the verses:
Verses 21-22: Paul introduces a major shift in thought. He states that apart from the Law, the righteousness of God has been revealed and is accessible through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. This represents a departure from the idea that righteousness is attained through adherence to the Mosaic Law. Instead, it's available to everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, through faith.
Verse 23: Paul emphasizes the universality of sin: "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This is a key concept in Christian theology, stressing that every person is in need of God's grace.
Verses 24-25: These verses introduce the concept of justification by grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement, accessible through faith. This atonement is seen as God's action to forgive sins, rectify wrongdoing, and restore the relationship between humans and God.
Verse 26: Paul explains that this justification demonstrates God's righteousness and His forbearance. God had previously tolerated sin, but now, through Jesus, He provides a way for justice and mercy to be reconciled.
Verses 27-28: Paul argues that this new understanding of righteousness through faith nullifies any grounds for boasting in one's adherence to the Law. Justification by faith means that it is not one's own actions (or adherence to the Law) that bring righteousness, but faith in Christ.
Verse 29: This verse emphasizes the universality of God and His salvation. God is not just the God of the Jews, but also of the Gentiles. Therefore, His plan of salvation through faith is for all humanity.
Verses 30-31: Paul concludes this section by reiterating that God will justify both the circumcised (Jews) and the uncircumcised (Gentiles) through faith. However, he clarifies that this does not nullify the Law; rather, it upholds it. This suggests that the Law still has value, but it is not the means of salvation.
Overall, Romans 3:21-31 presents a radical shift from the Old Testament Law to the concept of justification by faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes God's grace, the universality of sin and salvation, and the role of faith as the means to righteousness. This passage is foundational to understanding the Christian doctrine of salvation.
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
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
