Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 28

Below is a short summary or synopsis of the Bible reading for the day. Use it as a helpful tool to think through the Scripture. There are also some cross references to study other passages of Scripture to highlight or better understand that passage.

This Royal or Enthronement Psalm emphasizes the magnificent beauty, immense grandeur and sovereign authority of the Lord as the King over his universe. Everything about God shouts of his glory. There is no power on earth, above the earth, or below the earth that is not controlled by the Lord. All are subject to his dominion and will. Even the raging floods of a tsunami, the thunderous movement of a hurricane yield and give glory to God. The chaos and temporary turbulence of the world are incomparable to the righteous and eternal ways of the Lord. Although the earth may be in a fallen state, tumultuous and dangerous, the plan of redemption through King Jesus will both rectify and restore all of creation as He sits eternally on his throne. Those who are bound in Christ lift endless praise for the King of kings is from everlasting to everlasting.

(1 Chronicles 29:11; Job 37:22; Psalm104:1-2; Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 4:35; Matthew 28:18; Luke 1:32-33; Romans 8:18; Ephesians 1:11; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:8)

The beginning of this wisdom literature by Solomon specifically makes mention of “the men of Hezekiah.” These men would have been officials who were employed under one of the most God-fearing kings of Judah. These men would have assisted Hezekiah with seeking out the ancient writings of their forefathers and using them to implement reform throughout Judah. Proverbs 25-29, while written by Solomon, were arranged or compiled by Hezekiah’s scribes/scholars. These phrases emphasize the importance of humility in leadership, the necessity of proper conflict resolution, the dangers of lacking self-control, and the benefits of showing kindness towards others, even enemies.

(2 Kings 18:5; 2 Chronicles 29:2; Matthew 5:25, 44, 18:15; Luke 14:8-11; Romans 12:14; Ephesians 4:26; Philippians 2:3; Colossians 4:6; 2 Timothy 1:7; 2 Peter 1:5-8)

Recognizing Jesus’s royal identity as Lord is a key theme stringing these passages together. The centurion, upon hearing of Jesus’s miraculous works, acknowledges his supreme stature and responds with great humility and faith; sending out friends to communicate his unworthiness which is a natural response to God’s grace. The widow, her deceased son and all of those present experienced Jesus’s divine nature as one sent from God, having the ability to raise the dead. John the Baptist tasks his students with confirming Jesus’s identity as the prophesied Messiah for many were talking about his extraordinary healings. The woman who washes Jesus’s feet at the Pharisee’s home clearly acknowledged his divine nature and also responded with great humility and reverence by weeping and kissing his feet. The Pharisee and his guests observed Jesus forgiving the woman’s sins and began to inquire who he could be, as such speech would be understood as a claim of divinity.

(Matthew 16:16, 28:18; Mark 4:41;  Luke 5:24; John 11:27; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3, 12:28-29)

As Jesus’s ministry grows momentum, his miraculous works not only draw awareness and a multitude of onlookers, but his group of disciples grow as many are healed and surrender their lives in allegiance to him. Take notice of the several characters listed in these narratives and how their desperate situations drive their need and acknowledgement of Jesus. Whether it is the disciples running to Jesus in fear of the storm, the man with a demon crying out, the afflicted woman stretching out to touch his garment, or Jairus falling at his feet, there is a beautiful culmination that highlights humanity’s vital need of salvation that is only found in Jesus. The first step towards a Savior is recognizing our own inability and desperation, fully comprehending that there is no other with the ability or authority to save.

(Psalm 31:14-15, 34:6, 63:1; Joel 1:14; Matthew 11:28, 28:18; John 14:6, 27; Acts 4:12; Philippians 4:6-7, 19; 1 Timothy 2:5)

Jesus is investing heavily into his disciples knowing that his time with them is very limited. As the twelve are charged and commissioned to go out, to preach and heal in His name, they are instructed to do so with minimal to no resources, ensuring they solely rely on the Lord to work and provide. Tension is beginning to build with the introduction of Herod’s curiosity in Jesus, post executing John the Baptist; as well as the continuation of Jesus foretelling of his impending suffering and the similar calling to surrender regarding all who would follow after him. Only the three within the inner circle (Peter, James and John) were allowed to witness first-hand the revelation of Jesus’s identity, yet this transfiguration indeed gives hope and confidence to the reader in spite of all that is about to take place concerning the prophesied rejection and suffering of the Christ.

(Psalm 34:10, 37:5; Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 6:31-33, 16:24-25; Mark 10:21-22; Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Galatians 6:6-10)

As Jesus sends out more disciples into the world that is ripe with the need to hear the gospel, he warns them that not everyone will be ready or even willing to accept such news. Not to worry though, Jesus further instructs them, for it is the power of the Lord that works unto salvation, revealing the truth to those whom he wills as he wills. It is not up to man to save others, but merely proclaim the truth of the Lord, allowing God to bring forth the increase. The parable of the Good Samaritan and the narrative concerning Martha and Mary illuminate the need to prioritize love for God and others. A true heart after God would first prioritize sacrificial love for the Lord, and secondly a selfless love for others. The priest and Levite do not properly display love for God, as they neglect concern for others; however, the Samaritan displays his love for God as he cares for the injured stranger. Same goes for the sisters. Martha’s anxiety clouds her ability to serve both Jesus and Mary, where as Mary recognizes her opportunity to sit at Jesus’s feet and prioritizes her attention towards him first.

(Isaiah 1:17; Matthew 9:37, 25:35-40; John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 3:6; Galatians 6:2; Philippians 2:3; 1 John 3:11-18; 1 Peter 4:8)

The two parables here mentioned are intended to educate the disciples of Christ on the importance of total submission and humility towards God, in addition to putting the needs of others above self. Taking a back seat is not only a literal act of humility and kindness, but even a modern phrase which emphasizes a concern for others by displaying a denial of self and sacrificial act that benefits another. This is a vital lesson for anyone who is to follow after Jesus. Verse 26 does not encourage hate, but says that in order to have Christ at the center of one’s life the love for all other things must fail in comparison to affection for him. Jesus’ analogical use of salt emphasizes the dangers of a disciple becoming useless for the kingdom if he does not deny self and seek Christ as a priority.

(Matthew 6:33, 19:29; Romans 15:1-3; 1 Corinthians 10:24; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 4:6; Philippians 3:7-8)