Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 3

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.

Within this most celebrated Psalm is a great recognition of and a celebrated thanksgiving for the many benefits and joy experienced by God’s people. We are the Shepherd’s flock, so in His provision of calm flowing waters to drink, the bounty of sustaining grass and an overflowing fullness of spirit, we are able to taste and see that the Lord is good. Even in His discipline and correction we find great comfort in knowing that as our Heavenly Father he will use all things for our good. Everyone cries out to the Lord when in desperate need and affliction, but most dwell in their own comfort when there is prosperity. His sheep will constantly give Him the glory even in times of darkness, for we will remember the promise of being in His presence forever.

(John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57; James 1:2-4; Hebrews 12:5-8)

Solomon advises the reader to adopt God’s wisdom and law, consistently applying it to one’s daily life. Only someone who acknowledges God as the only and highest source of wisdom will see the value. The opposite is true; only fools despise wisdom and seek their own desires. Without the wisdom and protection of the Lord it is easy to fall into temptation (the hands of the prostitute), desiring the temporary love of a stranger over the sanctity of commitment and the covenant of marriage. If the source of wisdom is pure and true, then prosperity and righteousness are an outflow. However, a tainted and false source will sprout similar fruit.

(Deuteronomy 30:16; Psalm 1:2; John 14:15, 15:10; James 1:22-25; 1 John 3:24)

Instead of waiting on God to deliver his promise, Abram and Sarai (now Abraham and Sarah) took the matter into their own hands, complicating the situation by bringing Hagar and Ishmael into the mix. The result is a “child of flesh” as opposed to a “child of promise.” Even though we have seen some elements of doubt and mistakes made by Abraham and Sarah, God’s covenantal grace and mercy is clearly evident in the fulfillment of Isaac’s birth, as well as the protection of Hagar and Ishmael. However, God’s protection does not guarantee an escape from consequences brought on by disobedience and sin.

(Romans 9:6-9; Galatians 3:15-16, 4:22-31)

These verses paint such a powerful picture of the prophesied sacrifice of Jesus, the Son of God. If we take time to notice even the small details, the imagery is powerful. Abraham places the wood for the sacrifice on his son, just as God the Son took the “tree” (cross) upon his back. The same Abraham whom doubted God’s covenant prior, now seems to be unwavering in his faith that God would do as he promised. Although it seemed that Abraham was about to sacrifice his only son, he assured his young servants that he and Isaac would indeed return. Abraham must have realized the magnitude and assurance of God’s oath; in that if a lineage was pledged, the Lord would either provide an alternative sacrifice or perhaps resurrect Isaac if he had to follow through. What an example of trust and obedience in God by a father, and a magnificent display of divine providence and sacrificial love from the Heavenly Father. The Lord will provide.

(Isaiah 53:4-5; John 1:29; Hebrews 10:10-14, 11:17-19; 1 Peter 1:19)

Our storyline of promise picks up in this chapter as Sarah and Abraham have both died. After the death of his wife, Sarah, Abraham’s seed carries on through Keturah we are told. Scripture also gives us a detailed reminder of the 12 princes pledged to Ishmael (Gen. 17:20). Many of these offspring, like Ishmael by way of Hagar, become the forefathers of the Arab nations whom have warred against Israel throughout history. These sibling rivalries come into great focus as we see the prophecy in verse 23 play out as the Lord’s favor is on the younger twin. Esau (forefather of the Edomites) appears to be a man of instant gratification and by consistently feeding his physical desires over the spiritual, he finds himself willingly forfeiting his blessing of inheritance for a mere bowl of stewed lentils. Such a lust for temporal sustenance and a disregard for the spiritual is described as unholy.

(Genesis 36:1-8; Malachi 1:2-5; Hebrews 12:16-17)

This chapter is not lacking in family deception and drama. It is fairly easy to look at these characters and lay blame, but oftentimes even God’s people tend to act in selfish and manipulative ways, all while claiming to be working towards the will of the Lord. Isaac was ignoring God’s prophesied plan and desired what suited his pleasure. Instead of approaching her husband and family in truth, Rebekah deceitfully concocted a plan and implicated her son. Esau often played the victim, never taking responsibility for his own actions. He had disqualified himself several times over by disregarding his birthright, now seeking to break the vow of selling it to his brother, as well as marrying two Canaanite women (26:34-35) which brought much anguish to his family. Jacob, although the heir and chosen one of God, is not free from fault. He lived up to his name by being deceitfully cunning and even brought God into his lies (v. 20). Nonetheless, one truth that brings much comfort is the binding nature of the birthright blessing. Once the blessing of birthright is announced it cannot be reversed or removed. Just as the inherited blessing received by God’s adopted heirs through faith in Christ Jesus can never be removed or annulled.

(Romans 8:16-17, 38; Ephesians 1:5-14)

Daniel the deceiver gets a dose of his own medicine from his uncle. Due to the marital custom of veiling the bride, as well as the lack of electricity, Laban’s scheme went according to plan. Jacob was now indebted for another seven years of labor to pay off the additional dowry and now both daughters had been betrothed. Although this deceit brings yet another rivalry into the family, as the two wives/sisters compete to birth sons for Jacob, the twelve tribes of Jacob (soon to be Israel) are manifested. It is indeed a messy business, but God continues to sovereignly work through the faults of humanity to bring about his good will and pleasure.

(Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29; Philippians 2:13)