The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Divine Revelation and Covenantal Calling
Psalm 19; Exodus 19:1-9a; 1 Peter 2:4-10
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 3)
Introduction
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Divine Revelation and Covenantal Calling
Psalm 19; Exodus 19:1-9a; 1 Peter 2:4-10
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 3)
Introduction
In this rich tapestry of scriptural wisdom, Psalm 19, Exodus 19:1-9a, and 1 Peter 2:4-10 converge to explore the themes of divine revelation and the covenantal calling of God's people. Psalm 19 eloquently declares the glory of God as revealed through the majesty of creation and the perfection of His law, reflecting on how the natural and moral orders testify to the Creator's wisdom and righteousness. In Exodus 19:1-9a, the narrative shifts to the historic moment at Mount Sinai, where God establishes His covenant with Israel, setting them apart as a holy nation and a kingdom of priests, predicated on their obedience and dedication to His commandments. This theme of chosenness and holy vocation is further deepened in 1 Peter 2:4-10, where the apostle Peter portrays the followers of Christ as a spiritual house and a royal priesthood, called out of darkness into God's marvelous light to proclaim His mighty acts. Together, these passages invite reflection on the ways God reveals Himself to humanity and calls us into a relationship marked by obedience, worship, and a distinct identity as His people.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 19
The Commandments Give Light to the Eyes
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 19
The Commandments Give Light to the Eyes
Psalm 19 is a profound reflection on the glory of God as revealed through His creation and His law. This Psalm, attributed to King David, is a celebration of the ways in which God communicates with humanity. The first part marvels at how the heavens proclaim the glory of God, illustrating the divine hand in the natural world. The second part shifts to a deep appreciation of the law of the Lord, emphasizing how the commandments provide guidance and enlightenment to the human heart and mind. This Psalm beautifully captures the dual revelation of God through creation and scripture, ultimately portraying God's commandments as a source of light and wisdom. The title "The Commandments Give Light to the Eyes" encapsulates the Psalm's central theme of finding divine insight and clarity through God's laws.1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; *
And the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech, *
And night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words; *
Their voice is not heard;
4 Yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world. *
In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
5 Which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, *
And like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them; *
And nothing is hid from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul; *
The decrees of the LORD are sure,
making wise the simple;
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart; *
The commandment of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever; *
The ordinances of the LORD are true
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold; *
Sweeter also than honey,
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; *
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect their errors? *
Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me. *
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you, *
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
O Divine Creator, whose glory fills the heavens and earth, we stand in awe of Your magnificent creation. As the sun and stars declare Your majesty, may our hearts be ever attuned to Your presence in the world around us.
Lord, we cherish Your commandments, which are more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. In Your wisdom, You have provided us with a guide to live by – a light for our path in a world often shrouded in darkness. Help us to understand and keep Your laws, for in them we find truth and clarity.
Illuminate our minds and hearts, O God, that we may see Your commandments as the source of true light. In following Your statutes, grant us the joy and peace that comes from walking in Your ways. May our lives reflect Your love and righteousness, just as the heavens display Your glory.
We thank You, O Lord, for the gift of Your word. May it be a lamp to our feet and a light to our eyes, guiding us in the path of eternal life. Through Your commandments, teach us to love You more deeply and to serve others with a pure heart.
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.”
Exodus 19:1-9a presents a pivotal moment in the journey of the Israelites. In these verses, the narrative unfolds three months after their exodus from Egypt, as they arrive in the wilderness of Sinai. Here, God calls Moses to ascend Mount Sinai and conveys a profound message. This passage marks a significant covenantal moment where God declares His intention to make the Israelites His "treasured possession," distinct from all other people, provided they obey His commandments and uphold their end of the covenant. This section not only underscores the special relationship between God and Israel but also sets the stage for the giving of the Ten Commandments, highlighting the theme of divine guidance and commitment.19 1 On the third new moon after the Israelites had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that very day, they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 They had journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain. 3 Then Moses went up to God; the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the Israelites: 4 You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, 6 but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him. 8 The people all answered as one: “Everything that the LORD has spoken we will do.” Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD. 9a Then the LORD said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, in order that the people may hear when I speak with you and so trust you ever after.”
Expository Commentary
Exodus 19:1-9a is a rich and complex passage, offering profound insights into the relationship between God and the Israelites. Let's break down these verses for a more detailed understanding:
Verse 1: This verse situates the narrative in time and place. It marks three months since the Israelites left Egypt, arriving at the wilderness of Sinai. This timing is significant as it represents a period of transition and preparation for a new phase in their relationship with God.
Verse 2: The Israelites set up camp near Mount Sinai. This location is symbolic, as Sinai becomes the site where Moses receives the Ten Commandments. It's a physical place of revelation and a metaphor for divine-human encounter.
Verse 3: Moses ascends Mount Sinai, acting as a mediator between God and the people. This ascent is symbolic of Moses entering God's presence, highlighting his role as a prophet and leader.
Verse 4: God reminds Moses of how He delivered the Israelites from Egypt, "on eagles' wings." This metaphor signifies strength, care, and divine intervention, emphasizing that their freedom was an act of God's grace, not human achievement.
Verse 5: Here, God sets forth a conditional promise. If the Israelites obey God and keep His covenant, they will be a "treasured possession" among all peoples. This introduces the concept of a chosen people, but with a responsibility to adhere to God's laws.
Verse 6: This verse further elaborates on their chosen status: a "kingdom of priests" and a "holy nation." These terms indicate a collective calling for the Israelites to serve God and exemplify holiness, suggesting a role that extends beyond themselves to a wider mission.
Verse 7: Moses communicates God's words to the Israelite elders, demonstrating the participatory nature of this covenant. It's not just a divine decree; it involves the people's acceptance and commitment.
Verse 8: The people's response is unanimous and affirmative. They commit to doing everything that the Lord has spoken. This verse reflects their willingness to enter into a covenantal relationship with God.
Verse 9a: God tells Moses that He will come to him in a dense cloud, ensuring the people hear when God speaks with Moses. This serves to authenticate Moses' role as God's chosen leader and prophet.
In summary, Exodus 19:1-9a is a foundational text that sets the stage for the giving of the Law. It highlights themes of divine election, covenant responsibilities, and the unique relationship between God and the Israelites. The passage underscores the sacredness of the covenant and the seriousness of the Israelites' commitment to God's commandments.
In 1 Peter 2:4-10, the apostle Peter addresses early Christians, emphasizing the significance of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of their faith. This passage uses vivid metaphors to describe believers as 'living stones' being built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the foundational stone rejected by mortals but chosen and precious in God's sight. Peter encourages the faithful to embrace their identity as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God's own people. This rich imagery serves to remind Christians of their purpose to proclaim the mighty acts of God, who called them out of darkness into his marvelous light. Here, the themes of rejection, chosenness, and the transformation from darkness to light are interwoven to offer a powerful message of hope and identity in Christ.2 4 Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and 5 like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in scripture:
“See, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
7 To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the very head of the corner,”
8 and
“A stone that makes them stumble,
and a rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
10 Once you were not a people,
but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy.
Expository Commentary
1 Peter 2:4-10 is a rich and multifaceted passage that offers deep insights into Christian identity and mission. Here's an expository commentary breaking down these verses:
Verse 4: This verse presents Jesus as the "living stone," emphasizing both His rejection by humans and His exaltation by God. The term "living stone" suggests something dynamic and foundational, contrasting with the dead and static nature of idols or earthly powers.
Verse 5: Believers are likened to living stones, indicating their active role in God’s spiritual house. The church is not a physical building, but a collective of believers. The concept of a "holy priesthood" democratizes the act of worship and ministry, allowing all believers to offer "spiritual sacrifices," which contrasts with the physical sacrifices of the Old Testament. This underscores the shift from the old covenant to the new in Christ.
Verse 6: Peter quotes from Isaiah 28:16, affirming Jesus as the prophesied cornerstone in Zion (symbolic of God’s spiritual kingdom). The cornerstone is foundational; without it, the structure falls. Belief in Christ ensures stability and honor, contrasting with the shame of those who reject Him.
Verse 7: This verse continues the building metaphor. For believers, Jesus is precious, but for non-believers, He is the rejected stone that ironically becomes the cornerstone. This is a reference to Psalm 118:22, illustrating how God’s plan differs radically from human expectations.
Verse 8: Citing Isaiah 8:14, this verse shows that Jesus is not only a foundation for faith but also a point of stumbling for those who reject Him. The stumbling is linked to disobedience to God's word. The phrase "as they were destined to do" can be challenging; it may refer to the inevitable consequence of disbelief rather than predestination to unbelief.
Verse 9: This verse shifts focus to the identity and mission of believers. Echoing language from Exodus 19:5-6, it elevates Christians to a status previously attributed to Israel. This identity is not for privilege, but for purpose: to proclaim God's deeds.
Verse 10: The contrast here is stark—believers were once outside of God's covenant community, but now, through Christ, they belong to God and have received His mercy. This speaks to the transformative power of the Gospel.
Overall, 1 Peter 2:4-10 is a powerful and uplifting passage that speaks to the identity, purpose, and transformation of the Christian community in relation to Jesus Christ, the cornerstone.
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
