The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Divine Service:
Calls to Justice, Obedience, and Humility
Psalm 98; Deuteronomy 32:44-47; Mark 10:42-45
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 6)
Introduction
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Divine Service:
Calls to Justice, Obedience, and Humility
Psalm 98; Deuteronomy 32:44-47; Mark 10:42-45
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 6)
Introduction
In the diverse and profound tapestry of scripture, Psalm 98, Deuteronomy 32:44-47, and Mark 10:42-45 each resonate with unique yet harmonious messages. Psalm 98 invites us to a jubilant celebration of God's justice and mighty salvation, urging the whole creation to join in a chorus of praise. Deuteronomy 32:44-47, meanwhile, anchors us in the solemnity of Moses' final exhortation to Israel, emphasizing the life-giving power of God's commandments and the importance of heartful obedience for true prosperity. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus teaches a lesson in servant leadership, contrasting the worldly desire for dominion with the divine call to selfless service and humility. Together, these passages offer a mosaic of divine wisdom, painting a picture of a God who is just, a law that is life, and a path of leadership that bends towards service and humility.
Psalm 98 is a vibrant and jubilant hymn that invites the entire creation to praise God for His marvelous deeds. This psalm, also known as a 'new song,' celebrates the Lord's victory and righteousness, portraying Him as a just and merciful ruler. It emphasizes the universality of God's rule, extending an invitation to all the earth to join in the joyful praise. With vivid imagery and poetic language, the psalmist calls upon the sea, the rivers, and the mountains to make a joyful noise before the Lord, illustrating a profound sense of God's salvation and kingship not only over Israel but over all the nations. Psalm 98 encourages the faithful to recognize and rejoice in God's justice and faithfulness, reflected in His wondrous works and the promise of His righteous judgment.1 O sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things.
His right hand and his holy arm
have gotten him victory.
2 The Lord has made known his victory;
he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the victory of our God.
4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody.
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD.
7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who live in it.
8 Let the floods clap their hands;
let the hills sing together for joy
9 at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.
Expository Commentary
Verse 1: This opening verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, calling for a 'new song' to celebrate the Lord's wondrous deeds. The "right hand and holy arm" symbolize God's strength and power in securing victory, perhaps referencing historical deliverance or spiritual salvation.
Verse 2: The psalmist declares that God's victory and righteousness are not just for Israel, but are displayed for all nations to see. This reflects a universal aspect of God’s salvation.
Verse 3: Here, the focus is on God's loyalty and faithfulness to Israel. The mention of "all the ends of the earth" implies that God's acts for Israel serve as a testimony to the entire world.
Verse 4: The psalmist invites the entire earth, not just Israel, to celebrate joyously. This inclusive call for praise suggests the universal relevance of God's rule.
Verse 5: Musical instruments, like the lyre, are encouraged in this act of worship, indicating a celebration with music and song.
Verse 6: Trumpets and horns, often used in royal and religious ceremonies, emphasize the majestic and kingly aspect of God, inviting a triumphant and regal tone in the praise.
Verse 7: The call to praise extends to the sea and its inhabitants, signifying the whole of creation, not just humanity, in recognizing God’s sovereignty.
Verse 8: In this picturesque language, natural elements like floods and hills are personified, clapping and singing in a collective celebration of God's rule.
Verse 9: The psalm concludes with the anticipation of God’s coming to judge the earth. This judgment is characterized by righteousness and fairness, bringing the theme of God’s justice to a climactic end.
In essence, Psalm 98 is a vivid and all-encompassing hymn of praise, acknowledging God's power, justice, and universal sovereignty, while calling all of creation to join in jubilant worship.
Deuteronomy 32:44-47 is a segment of the Old Testament that encapsulates the closing moments of Moses' life and his final instructions to the Israelites. This passage, often referred to as part of the "Song of Moses," serves as a powerful and poignant conclusion to Moses' leadership. In these verses, Moses, together with Joshua, delivers a message to the assembly of Israel, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's law for their prosperity and well-being. The passage is a heartfelt appeal to the Israelites to regard the teachings not as mere words, but as their very life, underlining the significance of the covenant between God and His people. This section of scripture is crucial as it not only represents a transition in leadership from Moses to Joshua but also serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of Moses' guidance and the enduring importance of faithfulness to God's commandments.32 44 Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua son of Nun. 45 When Moses had finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them: “Take to heart all the words that I am giving in witness against you today; give them as a command to your children, so that they may diligently observe all the words of this law. 47 This is no trifling matter for you, but rather your very life; through it you may live long in the land that you are crossing over the Jordan to possess.”
Expository Commentary
Verse 44: This verse introduces the setting where Moses, along with Joshua, addresses the people. It's significant because Joshua is his appointed successor, indicating a transfer of leadership. The "song" refers to the preceding verses in Deuteronomy 32, a poetic summary of Israel's journey and God's faithfulness. The recitation of this song serves as a reminder of God's laws and their importance in the lives of the Israelites.
Verse 45: This verse emphasizes that Moses communicated the entirety of God's message to the people. The completion signifies the thoroughness and importance of the message. The audience is "all Israel," indicating the collective responsibility of the nation to adhere to God's laws.
Verse 46: Moses urges the Israelites to internalize the teachings. The phrase "Take to heart" suggests a deeper understanding and commitment beyond mere obedience. Moses emphasizes the importance of passing these teachings to their children, ensuring the continuation of faith and obedience to God's law.
Verse 47: Moses underscores the significance of God's law, equating it with their very life. This illustrates the belief that spiritual well-being and obedience to God are foundational to their existence. The reference to "long endure on the land" is both a promise and a condition. It implies that their prosperity and longevity in the Promised Land are contingent upon their adherence to God's law.
Overall, these verses in Deuteronomy highlight the gravity of God's commandments, the need for their perpetuation among generations, and the intimate connection between obedience to God and the well-being of the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Moses' speech serves as a final testament to his leadership and a foundational guide for the Israelites' future.
Mark 10:42-45 presents a profound teaching of Jesus Christ on the true nature of leadership and servanthood. In these verses, Jesus addresses the misconceptions held by His disciples about power and greatness, contrasting the worldly view of authority with the Kingdom values of service and humility. As His disciples argue over positions of honor, Jesus calls them to a radical redefinition of leadership. He teaches that true greatness is not in exercising dominion over others, but in being a servant to all. In doing so, Jesus not only sets a standard for His followers but also embodies this ideal in His own life and mission, ultimately exemplified in His sacrificial death. These verses challenge contemporary notions of power and invite believers to embrace a counter-cultural model of leadership marked by self-giving love and service.10 42 So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 43 But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Expository Commentary
Verse 42: Jesus begins by drawing a contrast between the worldly understanding of leadership and the divine perspective. He points to the Gentile rulers, who are known for their domineering and oppressive leadership styles. The phrase "lord it over" implies a misuse of power and authority for self-aggrandizement. Jesus is setting the stage to teach a radically different concept of leadership.
Verse 43: Jesus introduces a key Kingdom principle: true greatness is redefined as servanthood. This is a direct challenge to the prevailing societal norms where greatness was associated with power and status. By stating "whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant," Jesus is advocating for a leadership based on humility and service rather than authority and coercion.
Verse 44: Jesus takes the concept of servanthood even further by using the word "slave," which connotes a total commitment to the service of others. This is in stark contrast to the desire for personal glory or recognition. The phrase "slave of all" emphasizes the extent and depth of service expected from His followers. It is a call to put the needs of others before one's own, embodying selflessness.
Verse 45: Here, Jesus presents Himself as the ultimate example of the teaching He just presented. He identifies Himself as the "Son of Man," a title with messianic implications, emphasizing His mission. The phrase "not to be served but to serve" reflects His earthly ministry, where He consistently put others' needs before His own. The culmination of Jesus’ servanthood is expressed in His willingness to give His life "a ransom for many." This highlights the redemptive purpose of Jesus’ death. It is the highest form of service, offering His life for the salvation of humanity. The term "ransom" is deeply significant, implying a price paid for freedom, underscoring the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission.
In summary, Mark 10:42-45 encapsulates a fundamental teaching of Jesus on leadership and service. By juxtaposing the secular understanding of power with the Kingdom concept of servanthood, Jesus challenges His followers to rethink what it means to be great and to lead. In doing so, He not only provides a new paradigm for leadership but also exemplifies it through His life and sacrificial death. These verses remain a compelling call for believers to embody servant leadership in their lives.
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
