The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Renewal, Promise, and Peace:
Embracing Divine Assurance
Psalm 80; Isaiah 65:17-25; John 14:18-31
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 5)
Introduction
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Renewal, Promise, and Peace:
Embracing Divine Assurance
Psalm 80; Isaiah 65:17-25; John 14:18-31
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 5)
Introduction
In this harmonious collection of biblical passages, we delve into the depths of spiritual renewal, divine promises, and the tranquility that comes from faith. Psalm 80 passionately appeals to God for restoration and guidance, reflecting a yearning for renewed connection and divine intervention amidst turmoil. Isaiah 65:17-25 shifts the focus to a hopeful future, where God's promise of a new heaven and a new earth heralds an era of peace and joy, void of suffering and despair. This promise of transformation resonates with the themes of reconciliation and divine providence. In John 14:18-31, the narrative takes a more intimate turn with Jesus reassuring His disciples of His continuing presence and the coming of the Holy Spirit. This passage comforts believers with the promise of peace and the Holy Spirit's guidance, underlining the unbreakable bond between God and His followers. Together, these scriptures weave a tapestry of hope, reminding us of God's constant presence and the transformative power of His love and promises.
Psalm 80 is a heartfelt supplication for divine restoration and salvation. Characterized by its recurring plea, 'Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved,' this psalm uniquely blends lamentation with hope, as the psalmist pleads with God to rescue Israel from its plight. The imagery of Israel as a vine, meticulously brought out of Egypt and planted by God, only to be ravaged and scorned by neighbors, poignantly reflects the nation's distress and divine abandonment. Yet, amid despair, the psalm resonates with faith in God's ability to save and renew. The psalmist's fervent prayers for restoration are not just a cry for help, but also a profound expression of unwavering trust in God's mercy and power to revive His people.1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
2 before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might,
and come to save us!
3 Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
4 O LORD God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tears,
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
6 You make us the scorn of our neighbors;
our enemies laugh among themselves.
7 Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
8 You brought a vine out of Egypt;
you drove out the nations and planted it.
9 You cleared the ground for it;
it took deep root and filled the land.
10 The mountains were covered with its shade,
the mighty cedars with its branches;
11 it sent out its branches to the sea,
and its shoots to the River.
12 Why then have you broken down its walls,
so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?
13 The boar from the forest ravages it,
and all that move in the field feed on it.
14 Turn again, O God of hosts;
look down from heaven, and see;
have regard for this vine,
15 the stock that your right hand planted.
16 They have burned it with fire, they have cut it down;
may they perish at the rebuke of your countenance.
17 But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand,
the one whom you made strong for yourself.
18 Then we will never turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call on your name.
19 Restore us, O LORD God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
Expository Commentary
Verses 1-2: These verses introduce the psalm with a plea to the Shepherd of Israel, a title that signifies God's leadership and care. The reference to Joseph, Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh symbolizes the whole of Israel, focusing on the Northern Kingdom. The call for God to "stir up your might" is a plea for divine intervention.
Verse 3: "Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved." This refrain, repeated in verses 7 and 19, is the heart of the psalm. It's a cry for restoration and salvation, believing that God’s favor, symbolized by His shining face, is essential for their deliverance.
Verses 4-6: Here, the psalmist describes the people's distress, emphasizing that their suffering is a result of God's anger. The bread of tears and ample tears to drink are metaphors for intense suffering and despair.
Verses 8-11: The imagery of Israel as a vine is profound. God is described as having brought a vine out of Egypt (symbolizing the Exodus), planting it, and caring for it. This vine (Israel) grew and flourished under God's protection, a reference to the kingdom's expansion.
Verses 12-13: However, the wall protecting the vine has been broken down, allowing all who pass by to plunder it. This section metaphorically describes the invasions and troubles faced by Israel, left vulnerable to its enemies.
Verses 14-16: The psalmist pleads for God's return and protection. The reference to the vine, the son whom God made strong for himself, may allude to the Davidic dynasty or Israel as God's chosen people. The plea emphasizes their dependence on God for life and safety.
Verses 17-18: This passage shifts to a more individualistic plea. The "man at your right hand" could refer to the king or a collective representation of Israel. The son of man made strong by God reflects a desire for renewed strength and leadership under divine guidance.
Verse 19: The psalm concludes by repeating the refrain from verses 3 and 7. This final plea underscores the central theme of the psalm - a longing for restoration and salvation by the grace of God.
In summary, this psalm blends lament with hope, combining expressions of deep distress with unwavering faith in God’s power to save and restore. It reflects Israel’s understanding of their covenant relationship with God, acknowledging their plight while firmly believing in divine salvation.
In Isaiah 65:17-25, a profoundly hopeful and transformative vision is presented, where the prophet Isaiah speaks on behalf of God, offering a glimpse of a new creation. This passage marks a significant shift from the themes of judgment and despair in earlier chapters to a message of redemption and renewal. The text is rich with imagery of a new heaven and a new earth, where the pains and struggles of the current world are replaced by peace, joy, and longevity. It emphasizes a harmonious existence not only among humans but also between humans and nature. This segment is particularly notable for its vivid portrayal of a world where the lion and the lamb coexist peacefully, symbolizing a complete reconciliation of natural orders and a profound transformation of life as it was known. This prophetic vision is a cornerstone in the Christian eschatological understanding of God’s promise for a renewed and perfected world.65 17 For I am about to create new heavens
and a new earth;
the former things shall not be remembered
or come to mind.
18 But be glad and rejoice forever
in what I am creating;
for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy,
and its people as a delight.
19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
and delight in my people;
no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it,
or the cry of distress.
20 No more shall there be in it
an infant that lives but a few days,
or an old person who does not live out a lifetime;
for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth,
and one who falls short of a hundred
will be considered accursed.
21 They shall build houses and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22 They shall not build and another inhabit;
they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 They shall not labor in vain,
or bear children for calamity;
for they shall be offspring blessed by the LORD—
and their descendants as well.
24 Before they call I will answer,
while they are yet speaking I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together,
the lion shall eat straw like the ox;
but the serpent—its food shall be dust!
They shall not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain,
says the LORD.
21 They shall build houses and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22 They shall not build and another inhabit;
they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 They shall not labor in vain,
or bear children for calamity;
for they shall be offspring blessed by the LORD—
and their descendants as well.
24 Before they call I will answer,
while they are yet speaking I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together,
the lion shall eat straw like the ox;
but the serpent—its food shall be dust!
They shall not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain,
says the LORD.
Expository Commentary
Verse 17: This verse sets the stage for a transformative vision. The “new heavens and a new earth” signify a complete renewal, far beyond mere repair or restoration. It suggests a divine act that transcends human memory and experience, inviting believers to look forward to a future where past sorrows and failures are irrelevant.
Verses 18-19: These verses emphasize joy and delight, both in human and divine terms. Jerusalem, often a focal point of struggle and sorrow in the Bible, is reimagined as a place of happiness and divine satisfaction. The elimination of weeping and distress underscores a dramatic shift from pain to peace.
Verse 20: This verse speaks to a radical change in human lifespan and experience. It portrays a world where premature death and unfulfilled lifespans are anomalies. Longevity becomes the norm, and early death is an exception, signaling a reversal of the current human condition.
Verses 21-22: Here, the focus is on stability, security, and the fruits of one's labor. The imagery of building, planting, and enjoying the results speaks to a life free from exploitation and insecurity. The comparison to the long life of a tree further emphasizes longevity and enduring prosperity.
Verse 23: This verse assures that the efforts and offspring of God's people will be blessed and protected. It contrasts sharply with earlier themes of exile and suffering in Isaiah, promising a future where work and family life are sources of blessing rather than pain or futility.
Verses 24-25: The concluding verses depict a profound intimacy between God and humanity, where communication is almost preemptive in its closeness. The harmonious existence of natural predators and their prey symbolizes a complete restoration of peace, even in the natural world. The mention of the serpent eating dust harks back to the curse in Genesis, suggesting a final dealing with evil and discord. The imagery of God's holy mountain as a place of universal peace brings the vision to a powerful and hopeful close.
This passage in Isaiah thus offers a compelling vision of God's redemptive plan, full of hope, renewal, and a complete transformation of the current order of things.
In the passage John 14:18-31, we encounter a profound and comforting discourse from Jesus to His disciples during the Last Supper. This segment, often referred to as part of the Farewell Discourse, delves into themes of love, obedience, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the peace that Christ offers. Here, Jesus assures His followers that, although He will physically leave them, they will not be abandoned. He speaks of sending the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to guide and teach them in His absence. Furthermore, Jesus imparts His peace to the disciples, a peace that is unlike what the world gives, preparing them for the trials ahead. This passage is pivotal in understanding the relationship between Jesus, His followers, and the Holy Spirit, highlighting the interconnectedness of faith, love, and divine presence.14 18 “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way.
Expository Commentary
Verse 18: Here, Jesus promises His disciples that they will not be abandoned after His departure. The metaphor of not leaving them "orphaned" is powerful, as it speaks of His ongoing care and presence with them, even in His physical absence.
Verse 19: Jesus refers to His imminent death and resurrection. The world, which doesn't understand His mission, will perceive His death as the end. However, for the disciples, who have faith, His resurrection will be a powerful testimony of eternal life and their participation in it.
Verse 20: This verse emphasizes the deep and mystical union between Jesus, the Father, and believers. This is a central tenet of Christian faith, where the believers are united in Christ and Christ in them.
Verse 21: Obedience to Jesus' teachings is seen as a sign of true love for Him. This obedience brings a deeper relationship with God and a special revelation of Jesus to the believer.
Verse 22-24: Here, the distinction between the world and believers is highlighted. Jesus' revelation is not a public spectacle but a personal, intimate experience for those who love and obey Him.
Verse 25-26: Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit as the Advocate. This is a key theological point where the role of the Holy Spirit is to guide, teach, and remind the disciples of Jesus' teachings.
Verse 27: This verse is one of great comfort. Jesus offers a peace that is unlike worldly peace - it's deeper and not dependent on external circumstances.
Verse 28: Here, Jesus explains the reason for His departure as a return to the Father, which is a cause for joy, not sorrow, as it signifies the completion of His mission on earth.
Verse 29-30: Jesus predicts the events of His crucifixion and resurrection, intending to strengthen the faith of His disciples. He acknowledges the coming conflict with the "ruler of this world" (often interpreted as Satan) but declares His ultimate victory.
Verse 31: Jesus ends the discourse with a call to action, rooted in obedience to God. His actions, including His crucifixion, are a demonstration of His love for the Father and serve as a model for the disciples.
This passage is rich with theological depth, offering insights into the nature of Jesus, His relationship with the Father, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the life of faith and obedience for believers.
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
