The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Monday, April 8, 2024
Faithful Amidst Flames
Psalm 135; Daniel 3:1-30; 1 John 2:3-11
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 2)
Introduction
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Monday, April 8, 2024
Faithful Amidst Flames
Psalm 135; Daniel 3:1-30; 1 John 2:3-11
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 2)
Introduction
Psalm 135; Daniel 3:1-30; 1 John 2:3-11 collectively explore the profound themes of unwavering faith, divine loyalty, and the illumination of love through obedience. Psalm 135 praises the uniqueness and supremacy of God, exalting His deeds and sovereignty. In Daniel 3:1-30, the narrative shifts to the fiery furnace, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego face a life-threatening test of their faith, refusing to worship an idol and miraculously saved by God's protective hand. 1 John 2:3-11 complements these messages, emphasizing that true knowledge of God is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments, particularly the command to love one another. This profound alignment of texts invites the reader into a deep contemplation of how trust in God, even amidst life's fiery trials, is illuminated by a steadfast commitment to His commandments and the love they embody.
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 Praise the LORD!
Praise the name of the LORD;
give praise, O servants of the LORD,
2 you that stand in the house of the LORD,
in the courts of the house of our God.
3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
sing to his name, for he is gracious.
4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself,
Israel as his own possession.
5 For I know that the LORD is great;
our LORD is above all gods.
6 Whatever the LORD pleases he does,
in heaven and on earth,
in the seas and all deeps.
7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth;
he makes lightnings for the rain
and brings out the wind from his storehouses.
8 He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
both human beings and animals;
9 he sent signs and wonders
into your midst, O Egypt,
against Pharaoh and all his servants.
10 He struck down many nations
and killed mighty kings—
11 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
and Og, king of Bashan,
and all the kingdoms of Canaan—
12 and gave their land as a heritage,
a heritage to his people Israel.
13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever,
your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.
14 For the LORD will vindicate his people,
and have compassion on his servants.
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
16 They have mouths, but they do not speak;
they have eyes, but they do not see;
17 they have ears, but they do not hear,
and there is no breath in their mouths.
18 Those who make them
and all who trust them
shall become like them.
19 O house of Israel, bless the LORD!
O house of Aaron, bless the LORD!
20 O house of Levi, bless the LORD!
You that fear the LORD, bless the LORD!
21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion,
he who resides in Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD!
Expository Commentary
Verses 1-4 — Call to Praise God: These verses serve as an opening exhortation, calling all servants of the Lord, particularly those in the temple, to praise God. It underscores God's special choice of Jacob (Israel) and the intimacy of this relationship. The call to praise is not just a duty but a privilege stemming from God's gracious election.
Verses 5-7 — God's Sovereignty over Creation: This section declares the supremacy of God over all gods and His control over the universe. It describes His power in creating weather phenomena, emphasizing that natural events are not random but governed by a divine hand.
Verses 8-12 — Historical Acts of Deliverance: Here, the psalmist recounts God's mighty acts in the history of Israel, such as the smiting of the firstborn of Egypt and the defeat of mighty kings. These acts are reminders of God's faithfulness and His ability to save His people from their adversaries.
Verses 13-14 — God's Eternal Name and Justice: These verses reflect on God's eternal nature and His commitment to justice. The psalmist assures that God will vindicate His people and have compassion on them, emphasizing that God’s justice is not fleeting but enduring.
Verses 15-18 — The Folly of Idolatry: This portion of the Psalm contrasts the living God with lifeless idols made by human hands. It's a critique of idolatry, pointing out the absurdity of worshipping created things instead of the Creator, and it also implies that those who make and trust in idols will be as lifeless as the idols themselves.
Verses 19-21 — Renewed Call to Praise: The Psalm concludes by urging various groups—the house of Israel, the house of Aaron, the house of Levi, and those who fear the Lord—to bless God. This inclusive call highlights that all who revere God, regardless of their specific role or lineage, are invited to join in the worship of the One true God.
In summary, Psalm 135 is a rich tapestry of praise, historical recollection, and theological reflection. It invites readers to not only recognize God’s mighty acts in history but also to respond in heartfelt worship, while drawing a stark line between the worship of the true God and the emptiness of idolatry.
In Daniel 3:1-30, we encounter a dramatic narrative centered around faith, idolatry, and divine deliverance. This passage tells the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Jewish men living in exile under the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Defying the king's decree to worship a golden statue, they are cast into a fiery furnace as punishment for their steadfast faith in God. However, their unyielding devotion is rewarded as they are miraculously preserved from harm, leading to a profound recognition of their God by Nebuchadnezzar. This chapter not only highlights the power of faith and the deliverance that comes from God, but also serves as a testament to the enduring strength of conviction in the face of overwhelming adversity.3 1 King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue whose height was sixty cubits and whose width was six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent for the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to assemble and come to the dedication of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 So the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, assembled for the dedication of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. When they were standing before the statue that Nebuchadnezzar had set up, 4 the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, you are to fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 Whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire.” 7 Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
8 Accordingly, at this time certain Chaldeans came forward and denounced the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree, that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, shall fall down and worship the golden statue, 11 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These pay no heed to you, O king. They do not serve your gods and they do not worship the golden statue that you have set up.”
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought in; so they brought those men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the golden statue that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble to fall down and worship the statue that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire, and who is the god that will deliver you out of my hands?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. 17 If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up.”
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was so filled with rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face was distorted. He ordered the furnace heated up seven times more than was customary, 20 and ordered some of the strongest guards in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to throw them into the furnace of blazing fire. 21 So the men were bound, still wearing their tunics, their trousers, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the furnace of blazing fire. 22 Because the king’s command was urgent and the furnace was so overheated, the raging flames killed the men who lifted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 But the three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down, bound, into the furnace of blazing fire.
24 They walked around in the midst of the flames, singing hymns to God and blessing the LORD. 25 Then Azariah stood still in the fire and prayed aloud:
26 “Blessed are you, O LORD, God of our ancestors,
and worthy of praise; and glorious is your name forever!
27 For you are just in all you have done;
all your works are true and your ways right,
and all your judgments are true.
28 You have executed true judgments in all you have brought
27 For you are just in all you have done;
all your works are true and your ways right,
and all your judgments are true.
28 You have executed true judgments in all you have brought
upon us and upon Jerusalem, the holy city of our ancestors;
by a true judgment you have brought all this upon us because
by a true judgment you have brought all this upon us because
of our sins.
29 For we have sinned and broken your law in turning away
29 For we have sinned and broken your law in turning away
from you; in all matters we have sinned grievously.
30 We have not obeyed your commandments,
we have not kept them or done what you have
30 We have not obeyed your commandments,
we have not kept them or done what you have
commanded us for our own good.
Expository Commentary
Verses 1-7 — The Golden Statue and Decree: King Nebuchadnezzar builds a massive golden statue and demands that all people bow and worship it when music is played. This act represents the king's absolute power and the idolatry prevalent in his kingdom. This scene sets the stage for a conflict between the king’s decree and the Hebrews' monotheistic beliefs, emphasizing the tension between political power and religious faith.
Verses 8-12 — Accusation Against the Jews: Certain Chaldeans, likely motivated by envy, point out that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are not obeying the king's command. This shows the dangers that the Jewish exiles faced, living under a foreign ruler while maintaining their distinct faith.
Verses 13-15 — Nebuchadnezzar’s Fury and Ultimatum: The king, furious at the disobedience, gives them another chance to comply, threatening them with the fiery furnace. This highlights Nebuchadnezzar's pride and the seriousness of defying royal edicts.
Verses 16-18 — The Defiant Faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: The three men express their unwavering faith in God, declaring that He is able to save them but even if He does not, they will not serve Nebuchadnezzar’s gods. This powerful declaration exemplifies absolute faith and trust in God, regardless of the outcome.
Verses 19-23 — The Fiery Furnace: Nebuchadnezzar, enraged, orders the furnace heated seven times more than usual and has the three men thrown in. This illustrates the extent of the king's wrath and the apparent hopelessness of the situation for the faithful servants.
Verses 24-25 — The Miracle in the Furnace: The king is astonished to see four men unharmed in the flames, the fourth resembling "a son of the gods." This miraculous intervention is a central moment, showcasing God's power to protect and deliver His faithful ones in the midst of trials.
Verses 26-27 — The Deliverance: Nebuchadnezzar calls them out of the furnace. They emerge unscathed, without even the smell of fire on them. This miraculous event serves as a powerful testimony to the other officials and to Nebuchadnezzar himself.
Verses 28-30 — Nebuchadnezzar’s Proclamation and Promotion of the Three Jews: The king praises their God and makes a decree that anyone who speaks against their God will be punished. He also promotes Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. This ending signifies a recognition of the true God's supremacy, even by a pagan king, and shows how faithfulness can lead to exaltation even in adverse circumstances.
This passage is a profound narrative on faith, deliverance, and divine sovereignty, demonstrating how steadfast trust in God can lead to miraculous outcomes and can influence even the mightiest earthly powers.
In 1 John 2:3-11, the apostle John delves into the foundational Christian principles of obedience and love, emphasizing their integral role in the life of a believer. This passage is a profound exploration of how true knowledge of God is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments, especially the command to love one another. John contrasts the light of God's truth with the darkness of sin and hatred, illustrating that living in God’s light inherently means loving others, as hatred is akin to walking in darkness. Through this, the passage provides a clear moral directive and spiritual insight, urging believers to reflect God's love in their daily interactions and underscoring the inseparable connection between obedience to God and genuine love for fellow human beings.2 3 Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments. 4 Whoever says, “I have come to know him,” but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist; 5 but whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in him: 6 whoever says, “I abide in him,” ought to walk just as he walked.
7 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word that you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new commandment that is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9 Whoever says, “I am in the light,” while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. 10 Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But whoever hates another believer is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because the darkness has brought on blindness.
Expository Commentary
Verses 3-4 — Assurance of Knowing God Through Obedience: These verses establish a foundational Christian concept: the assurance of knowing God is evidenced by obeying His commandments. The apostle John emphasizes that mere verbal profession of faith is insufficient; true knowledge of God is demonstrated through action. When John mentions that anyone who says, “I know him,” but disobeys God's commandments is a liar, he challenges the believers to examine the authenticity of their faith through their adherence to God's will.
Verse 5 — Love of God Perfected: Verse 5 introduces the concept of the love of God being made "perfect" in those who keep His word. This perfection refers to maturity and completeness in one's relationship with God. The term ‘perfected’ implies a process, suggesting that as believers continually obey God’s commands, their understanding and embodiment of God’s love deepens.
Verse 6 — Walking as Jesus Walked: This verse calls for Christians to model their lives after Jesus Christ. To "walk" in this context means to live or conduct one’s life. John is stating that the true test of a person's claim to abide in Christ is reflected in whether their life mirrors that of Jesus, particularly in terms of obedience and love.
Verses 7-8 — The Old Commandment Made New: Here, John refers to the commandment of loving one another, which is both old (as it was part of the teachings of Jesus and rooted in the Old Testament) and new (because it was given a new depth and meaning in the life and teachings of Jesus). The newness is also in the context of its realization in the believers' lives through the light of Christ dispelling darkness.
Verses 9-11 — Contrast Between Light and Darkness: These final verses draw a stark contrast between living in the light (with love) and living in darkness (with hatred). John starkly states that anyone who hates a brother or sister is in darkness. This metaphor of light and darkness is powerful: light represents knowledge, love, and openness, while darkness symbolizes ignorance, hate, and blindness. John stresses that love is not just a moral duty but a state of being that defines one’s spiritual existence.
In summary, 1 John 2:3-11 centers on the interrelation of obedience to God and love for others as essential demonstrations of true knowledge of God. John underscores that it is not enough to claim to know God or to have faith; such claims must be substantiated by a life of obedience, particularly characterized by love, which reflects the nature of God Himself.
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
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
