The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Faith, Power, and the Worldly Illusion
Psalm 135; Daniel 6:1-28; 1 John 2:12-17
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 2)
Introduction
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Faith, Power, and the Worldly Illusion
Psalm 135; Daniel 6:1-28; 1 John 2:12-17
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 2)
Introduction
Psalm 135, Daniel 6:1-28, and 1 John 2:12-17 collectively weave a rich tapestry of spiritual insights, each distinct in its context yet harmoniously echoing the central themes of faith, divine power, and the transient nature of worldly allure. Psalm 135 praises the sovereignty and might of God, celebrating His wondrous deeds and eternal dominion, thereby setting a tone of devout worship and awe. In contrast, the narrative of Daniel in the lion's den (Daniel 6:1-28) dramatically exemplifies unwavering faith in the face of mortal danger and political intrigue, illustrating how steadfast trust in God can triumph over the most daunting of earthly challenges. Meanwhile, 1 John 2:12-17 offers a profound reflection on the fleeting pleasures and temptations of the world, urging believers to focus on the eternal love of God rather than the transient allure of material possessions and worldly desires. Together, these scriptures invite us to a deeper understanding of our relationship with God, challenging us to place our trust in His eternal power and to discern the often deceptive nature of worldly attractions.
Psalm 135 is a vibrant hymn of praise that invites worshippers 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 worshiping 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.
Daniel 6:1-28 presents one of the most iconic stories from the Hebrew Bible, commonly known as "Daniel in the Lion's Den." In this chapter, Daniel, a Jew serving in the high echelons of the Babylonian empire, faces envy and conspiracy from other high officials. These officials manipulate King Darius into issuing an edict that inadvertently targets Daniel's devout practice of praying to the God of Israel. Despite his faithfulness to God, Daniel is arrested for violating the edict and thrown into a den of lions, a sentence meant for certain death. This passage not only showcases Daniel's unwavering faith but also illustrates a miraculous display of divine protection, as God sends an angel to shut the mouths of the lions. The story culminates with Daniel emerging unscathed, leading to King Darius's acknowledgment of the power of Daniel's God and the subsequent elevation of Daniel in the kingdom. This chapter serves as a profound testament to faith, divine deliverance, and the triumph of righteousness over deceit and malice.6 1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred twenty satraps, stationed throughout the whole kingdom, 2 and over them three presidents, including Daniel; to these the satraps gave account, so that the king might suffer no loss. 3 Soon Daniel distinguished himself above all the other presidents and satraps because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king planned to appoint him over the whole kingdom. 4 So the presidents and the satraps tried to find grounds for complaint against Daniel in connection with the kingdom. But they could find no grounds for complaint or any corruption, because he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption could be found in him. 5 The men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”
6 So the presidents and satraps conspired and came to the king and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever! 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an interdict, that whoever prays to anyone, divine or human, for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the interdict and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the document and interdict.
10 Although Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he continued to go to his house, which had windows in its upper room open toward Jerusalem, and to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously. 11 The conspirators came and found Daniel praying and seeking mercy before his God. 12 Then they approached the king and said concerning the interdict, “O king! Did you not sign an interdict, that anyone who prays to anyone, divine or human, within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions?” The king answered, “The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 13 Then they responded to the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the interdict you have signed, but he is saying his prayers three times a day.”
14 When the king heard the charge, he was very much distressed. He was determined to save Daniel, and until the sun went down he made every effort to rescue him. 15 Then the conspirators came to the king and said to him, “Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no interdict or ordinance that the king establishes can be changed.”
16 Then the king gave the command, and Daniel was brought and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you faithfully serve, deliver you!” 17 A stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, so that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no food was brought to him, and sleep fled from him.
19 Then, at break of day, the king got up and hurried to the den of lions. 20 When he came near the den where Daniel was, he cried out anxiously to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you faithfully serve been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Daniel then said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no wrong.” 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. 24 The king gave a command, and those who had accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they, their children, and their wives. Before they reached the bottom of the den the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces.
25 Then King Darius wrote to all peoples and nations of every language throughout the whole world: “May you have abundant prosperity! 26 I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel:
For he is the living God,
enduring forever.
His kingdom shall never be destroyed,
and his dominion has no end.
27 He delivers and rescues,
he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth;
for he has saved Daniel
from the power of the lions.”
28 So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Expository Commentary
Verses 1-3 — Establishment of Daniel's High Position: These verses introduce Daniel's exceptional qualities and his subsequent promotion by King Darius. Daniel's talent and integrity set him apart, indicating God's favor and the reason for his rise in a foreign land. His promotion also sows the seeds of jealousy among other officials, which becomes a central theme.
Verses 4-5 — Conspiracy Against Daniel: The other high officials, unable to find fault in Daniel's conduct or governance, decide to target his religious practices. This reflects the theme of envy and the clash between faithfulness to God and secular laws.
Verses 6-9 — The Decree of King Darius: The officials deceive Darius into signing an irrevocable edict that ultimately targets Daniel. Darius’s unwitting complicity highlights the manipulation and misuse of power and the law for personal vendettas.
Verses 10-11 — Daniel's Defiance and Faithfulness: Despite knowing the consequences, Daniel continues his practice of praying to God. His unwavering faith, even in the face of death, is a powerful testament to his character and commitment to God.
Verses 12-15 — Daniel's Arrest: The officials catch Daniel praying and bring him to Darius, who is distressed upon realizing the trap but bound by his own edict. This section emphasizes the conflict between personal relationships and the inflexibility of the law.
Verses 16-18 — Daniel in the Lion's Den: Daniel is thrown into the lion's den, and Darius expresses hope in Daniel's God for his protection. The king's response is significant, showing his respect for Daniel’s faith even though he does not share it.
Verses 19-23 — Daniel's Deliverance: Miraculously, Daniel is unharmed, attributing his safety to God who sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths. This miraculous deliverance is a key element, showcasing God’s power and protection of those who are faithful.
Verses 24 — Punishment of the Conspirators: In a dramatic turn of justice, the conspirators are thrown into the lion's den, meeting the fate they had intended for Daniel. This reversal highlights the theme of divine justice.
Verses 25-27 — King Darius's Decree and Praise for God: King Darius acknowledges the power of Daniel's God, issuing a decree that glorifies Him. This is significant as it shows a pagan king proclaiming the sovereignty of the God of Israel.
Verse 28 — Daniel's Prosperity: The chapter concludes with a note on Daniel's continued prosperity. This serves as a testament to God's faithfulness to those who remain faithful under trial.
Each section of this chapter underscores various themes such as integrity, faith under pressure, the sovereignty of God, and divine justice, making it a profound and multifaceted narrative within the Book of Daniel.
In this passage from the First Letter of John, the apostle addresses various groups within the Christian community—children, fathers, and young men—acknowledging their spiritual growth and triumphs in faith. John emphasizes the importance of abiding in the eternal, rather than being allured by the transient nature of the world and its desires. He warns against the love of the world and the things in it, which are in opposition to the love of the Father. This passage powerfully contrasts the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and achievements with the enduring nature of divine love and truth. It serves as a poignant reminder to the faithful of the need to focus on spiritual growth and the eternal promises of God, rather than being distracted by the temporary and often misleading allurements of the material world.2 12 I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven on account of his name.
13 I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young people,
because you have conquered the evil one.
14 I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young people,
because you are strong
and the word of God abides in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; 16 for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.
Expository Commentary
Verse 12: John begins with a term of endearment, "little children," reflecting the deep pastoral care he has for his readers. This verse emphasizes the fundamental Christian belief in forgiveness through Christ. The phrase "on account of his name" underscores the power and authority of Jesus in the Christian faith, indicating that forgiveness of sins is directly linked to Christ's sacrificial act.
Verse 13: John addresses two distinct groups here: fathers and young men. To the fathers, he acknowledges their mature faith and deep knowledge of Christ, "him who is from the beginning," suggesting a spiritual depth and understanding that comes with experience. To the young men, he commends their strength and victory over evil, likely referring to their resilience in the face of temptation and moral challenges.
Verse 14: Here, John repeats his address but adds further detail. For the children, knowing the Father is a fundamental aspect of their faith identity. He re-emphasizes the fathers' knowledge of Christ, and for the young men, he notes not just their strength, but also the abiding presence of God's word in them, enhancing the commendation of their spiritual vitality and resistance to evil.
Verse 15: John shifts to a warning against the love of the world. This love is contrasted with the love of the Father; they are presented as mutually exclusive. The "world" in this context refers to a system of values, desires, and practices in opposition to God's ways.
Verse 16: This verse categorizes the worldly things that believers are to avoid: the lust of the flesh (physical desires), the lust of the eyes (covetousness and materialism), and the pride of life (vanity and arrogance). John clarifies that these do not originate from God but are rooted in the world's values.
Verse 17: The passage concludes with a stark contrast between the temporary nature of the world and its desires and the eternal promise for those who follow God's will. This verse serves as an encouragement to remain steadfast in faith, emphasizing the transient nature of earthly pleasures compared to the everlasting life offered through obedience to God.
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
