The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Guidance, Prosperity, and Redemption
Psalm 23; Genesis 30:25-43; Acts 3:17-26
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 4)
Introduction
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Guidance, Prosperity, and Redemption
Psalm 23; Genesis 30:25-43; Acts 3:17-26
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 4)
Introduction
Psalm 23, Genesis 30:25-43, and Acts 3:17-26 collectively narrate a spiritual journey that intertwines divine guidance, material prosperity, and the redemptive power of faith. Psalm 23, often known as 'The Lord is My Shepherd', provides a poetic depiction of God's nurturing and guiding presence in times of both peace and peril. Genesis 30:25-43 tells the story of Jacob's clever dealings and resultant prosperity while working for Laban, highlighting themes of wisdom, resilience, and divine favor in worldly success. In Acts 3:17-26, the narrative shifts to the apostle Peter's sermon following the healing of a lame man, where he calls for repentance and highlights Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of prophetic promises, underscoring the transformative power of faith and the redemption available through Christ. Together, these passages offer a rich tapestry of spiritual themes: the comforting presence of God, the intersection of faith and daily life, and the profound impact of Christ's message on the early Christian community.
Psalm 23 is one of the most cherished and widely known psalms, offering comfort and hope to countless believers through its depiction of the Lord as a shepherd. This brief but profound text, attributed to King David, employs the metaphor of a shepherd guiding and caring for his sheep to express God's protective and provident relationship with His people. As the psalmist walks through valleys and faces adversity, the assurance of God's presence, guidance, and bounty provides a powerful message of divine companionship and trust. Psalm 23's timeless appeal lies in its evocative imagery and the deep sense of security and peace it imparts to its readers, making it a frequent choice for religious services, personal reflection, and times of distress.1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
Expository Commentary
Verse 1: This verse introduces the central metaphor of the Psalm: God as a shepherd. The imagery of a shepherd in biblical times conveys a sense of guidance, provision, and care. The phrase "I shall not want" signifies contentment and assurance in God's provision, suggesting that with God, all essential needs are met.
Verse 2: This verse continues the pastoral imagery, depicting a scene of tranquility and abundance. "Green pastures" symbolize a place of nourishment and rest, while "still waters" represent peace and refreshment for the soul. The verse emphasizes God's role in leading one to places of spiritual sustenance and rest.
Verse 3: The phrase "he restores my soul" suggests a renewal or revitalization provided by God. The "right paths" are indicative of a life lived in righteousness and moral integrity, guided by God's will. The phrase "for his name's sake" implies that this guidance is part of God's character and commitment to His people.
Verse 4: Here, the tone shifts to facing adversity. "The darkest valley" (traditionally "the valley of the shadow of death") symbolizes the most profound and challenging trials in life. The absence of fear is attributed to God's presence. The "rod and staff" are tools of the shepherd, symbolizing protection and guidance, respectively, offering comfort in the midst of trials.
Verse 5: This verse changes the metaphor slightly, with God portrayed as a gracious host. The "table" signifies provision and abundance, even in the presence of adversaries. The act of anointing the head with oil is a sign of honor, blessing, and hospitality. "My cup overflows" suggests abundant blessings beyond basic needs.
Verse 6: The Psalm concludes with a statement of confidence and hope. "Goodness and mercy" are seen as constant companions in the life of the believer, a testament to God's enduring faithfulness. The final promise, "I shall dwell in the house of the Lord," expresses a desire for eternal fellowship with God, reflecting a deep sense of trust and commitment.
Psalm 23 elegantly combines imagery of pastoral care and divine hospitality to convey a message of trust, provision, protection, and eternal hope in God. It remains a profound source of comfort and assurance for believers, encapsulating key aspects of the human relationship with the divine.
Genesis 30:25-43 narrates a pivotal episode in the life of Jacob, a significant patriarch in Biblical history. This passage describes the intricate and shrewd dealings between Jacob and his father-in-law, Laban, concerning the wages for Jacob's long service. The narrative highlights Jacob's desire to return to his homeland and his negotiation with Laban to acquire a portion of the flock as his payment. This section of Genesis showcases Jacob's clever breeding techniques, which lead to a significant increase in his wealth, marking a crucial turn in his life. The passage not only reflects the ancient pastoral practices and societal norms but also continues to explore the themes of family dynamics, divine providence, and personal cunning in the unfolding story of Jacob and his descendants.30 25 When Rachel had borne Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own home and country. 26 Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, and let me go; for you know very well the service I have given you.” 27 But Laban said to him, “If you will allow me to say so, I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you; 28 name your wages, and I will give it.” 29 Jacob said to him, “You yourself know how I have served you, and how your cattle have fared with me. 30 For you had little before I came, and it has increased abundantly; and the LORD has blessed you wherever I turned. But now when shall I provide for my own household also?” 31 He said, “What shall I give you?” Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything; if you will do this for me, I will again feed your flock and keep it: 32 let me pass through all your flock today, removing from it every speckled and spotted sheep and every black lamb, and the spotted and speckled among the goats; and such shall be my wages. 33 So my honesty will answer for me later, when you come to look into my wages with you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, shall be counted stolen.” 34 Laban said, “Good! Let it be as you have said.” 35 But that day Laban removed the male goats that were striped and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white on it, and every lamb that was black, and put them in charge of his sons; 36 and he set a distance of three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob was pasturing the rest of Laban’s flock.
37 Then Jacob took fresh rods of poplar and almond and plane, and peeled white streaks in them, exposing the white of the rods. 38 He set the rods that he had peeled in front of the flocks in the troughs, that is, the watering places, where the flocks came to drink. And since they bred when they came to drink, 39 the flocks bred in front of the rods, and so the flocks produced young that were striped, speckled, and spotted. 40 Jacob separated the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the striped and the completely black animals in the flock of Laban; and he put his own droves apart, and did not put them with Laban’s flock. 41 Whenever the stronger of the flock were breeding, Jacob laid the rods in the troughs before the eyes of the flock, that they might breed among the rods, 42 but for the feebler of the flock he did not lay them there; so the feebler were Laban’s, and the stronger Jacob’s. 43 Thus the man grew exceedingly rich, and had large flocks, and male and female slaves, and camels and donkeys.
Expository Commentary
Verses 25-26: After Rachel gives birth to Joseph, Jacob asks Laban to release him from service so he can return to his homeland. This request signals a shift in Jacob's life; he is ready to establish his own household and identity.
Verses 27-28: Laban, acknowledging that he has been blessed due to Jacob's presence, asks him to stay. Laban's recognition of Jacob's value and the divine blessing associated with him is significant. It shows an understanding that divine favor is at work.
Verse 29: Jacob points out his faithful service and the prosperity Laban has enjoyed because of him. This self-advocacy is important in the narrative, showcasing Jacob's awareness of his value and contributions.
Verse 30: Jacob mentions how Laban's possessions have increased and insists it's time for him to build his own wealth. This verse underscores the theme of personal growth and the pursuit of individual prosperity within the context of divine blessing.
Verses 31-33: Laban asks what he should give Jacob, and Jacob proposes a deal involving speckled and spotted sheep and goats, which are rarer. Jacob’s choice of the less common animals for his wages reveals his cunning and strategic thinking.
Verses 34-36: Laban agrees and separates the speckled and spotted animals, giving them to his sons, and puts a three-day journey between himself and Jacob. This action by Laban might be seen as an attempt to limit Jacob’s potential wealth.
Verses 37-39: Jacob uses selective breeding techniques by placing peeled branches in the watering troughs, influencing the appearance of the livestock. This unusual method, while not scientifically accurate, reflects ancient beliefs about animal husbandry and also points to Jacob’s resourcefulness and ingenuity.
Verses 40-41: Jacob selectively breeds the stronger animals for himself, ensuring that his flock is robust. This further illustrates Jacob's cleverness and his ability to leverage his situation for personal gain.
Verse 42: Weak animals were not bred in Jacob's method, which went to Laban. This selective breeding resulted in a stark contrast between the quality of Jacob's and Laban's flocks.
Verse 43: The passage concludes by stating that Jacob became exceedingly prosperous, owning large flocks, servants, camels, and donkeys. This prosperity is a testament to Jacob’s cleverness and possibly divine favor, setting the stage for his pivotal role in the Biblical narrative.
In summary, Genesis 30:25-43 presents a complex interplay of personal cunning, ethical considerations, and divine intervention. It illustrates Jacob's transition from a dependent family member to a wealthy, independent patriarch, a critical development in the broader story of the Israelite people.
Acts 3:17-26 presents a compelling segment of the early Christian narrative, where Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, addresses the people of Israel. In this passage, Peter speaks with compassion and boldness, acknowledging the ignorance of his listeners in their actions towards Jesus, yet emphasizing God's fulfillment of prophetic promises through Christ's suffering. He calls for repentance and conversion, assuring them of God's grace and the blessings that await them if they turn back to God. This portion of Scripture not only highlights the transformative power of understanding and accepting Jesus as the Messiah but also emphasizes the continuity of the Christian message with the Jewish heritage. Peter's words serve as a bridge between Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in Jesus, inviting all to embrace the salvation offered through Him.3 17 “And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah appointed for you, that is, Jesus, 21 who must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his holy prophets. 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you from your own people a prophet like me. You must listen to whatever he tells you. 23 And it will be that everyone who does not listen to that prophet will be utterly rooted out of the people.’ 24 And all the prophets, as many as have spoken, from Samuel and those after him, also predicted these days. 25 You are the descendants of the prophets and of the covenant that God gave to your ancestors, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your descendants all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you, to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”
Expository Commentary
Verse 17: Peter addresses the crowd with empathy, acknowledging that their actions against Jesus were done out of ignorance, including the actions of their leaders. This shows an understanding of human fallibility and sets the stage for offering forgiveness and a call to repentance.
Verse 18: Peter connects the suffering of Jesus to the fulfillment of prophecies. This underscores the continuity between the Jewish faith and the Christian message, showing that Jesus’ life and death were part of God’s plan as revealed in the Hebrew scriptures.
Verse 19: Here, Peter offers a direct call to action: repent and turn to God. The promise is clear - such a turning away from sin will lead to forgiveness, symbolized by the wiping out of sins. It's an invitation to a fresh start and a renewed relationship with God.
Verse 20: This verse speaks of the benefits of repentance - ‘times of refreshing’ from the Lord. It also reiterates the Christian belief that Jesus is the promised Messiah, emphasizing that he is God's chosen one for the people.
Verse 21: Peter explains the ascension of Jesus (‘Heaven must receive him’) and looks forward to a future time of restoration as prophesied. This verse points to an eschatological hope in the Christian faith, where everything will be restored as per God's plan.
Verses 22-23: Peter quotes from Deuteronomy 18, where Moses speaks of a prophet God will raise. This is used to assert Jesus' authority as the one prophesied about, and the serious consequences of not listening to him are underscored.
Verse 24: Here, Peter insists that not only Moses but all prophets (from Samuel onwards) spoke of the days of Jesus. This reinforces the idea that Jesus’ coming is the fulfillment of a long line of prophecy, situating him firmly within the Jewish tradition.
Verses 25-26: Peter concludes by reminding the listeners of their special relationship with God, being descendants of the prophets and Abraham. The covenant with Abraham is invoked to highlight that through Jesus, the blessing to all families on earth is being fulfilled. Jesus' mission began with the people of Israel, offering them the first opportunity for repentance and blessing.
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
