Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 10

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.

The first half of this enthronement psalm begins by outwardly expressing the overflowing joy and fulfillment found in God. The worship begins within us as we experience and internalize the truth of God, which unashamedly spills out into active worship. Even to this day clapping is an action that spontaneously erupts when someone is overtaken by thanksgiving and satisfaction. Applause is given to the one who has performed. This is evidenced in those that stand witness of the one true God who is victorious over all things, for he has established his people and set them above rival nations. The second half of this psalm shows us the ease and means by which the Lord gains victory; he sits sovereignly over all the earth. The Lord God’s throne is not of this world as he rules with all power and authority from the heavenly divine.

(1 Chronicles 29:11-12; Isaiah 66:1; Matthew 5:34-35)

Contrasted here are two women, Woman Wisdom and Woman Folly (Foolish). As the comparison between the two builds, a stark difference is revealed as we see a life led with righteous wisdom verses a life anchored in darkness and deceit. Perhaps we can see two invitations within the text. On one hand, a well-prepared banquet fit for royalty, executed with intention, purpose and delicacy. On the other hand, an obnoxious host slovenly sits on the street enticing passersby to come and dine on the forbidden scraps that lead to death. One invitation is to follow the Lord, living a life that is honorable as it seeks after God and appreciates the application of his wisdom. The second invitation is a blatant refusal of the first, rejecting God and the source of anything good and pure, embracing a life that leads away from wisdom and to death.

(1 Corinthians 3:19-23; James 3:13-18)

God is visibly working through the lives of Samuel and his mother, Hannah. Because of Hannah’s faith and reliance upon the Lord, he opened her barren womb and brought forth a son. Because the Lord had blessed her greatly, she gave Samuel back to God by dedicating him to the priesthood as a small toddler. God’s will and plan is visible as he raises up Samuel to judge and replace the wicked ways of the current priest, Eli and his sons of disobedience. In chapter 3 we see the calling of Samuel. It is evident in this narrative that Eli’s sons had brought great judgement upon the family and Eli had become incompetent and incapable of leading the people of the Lord. If we look closely, although he is a priest, Eli is unable to recognize the voice and calling of the Lord in a timely manner. He has definitely fallen asleep at the wheel we would say. Only on the third instance does Eli recognize God is speaking and instead of leading Samuel to the Lord he simply has God call out a fourth time. Eli has been excluded at this point and the willing and faithful Samuel has now been established as the prophet and priest of the living God.

(Acts 17:28; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13)

Again, we see the people of God biting the hand that feeds them. Instead of recognizing that God is their true King, the King of kings and over every nation, they begin to grumble and desire to be just like the nations of the world. Through the mouth of Samuel, the Lord warns them of the realities concerning a human ruling over them as opposed to God. A human will seek in many ways to serve himself. He will dictate over you for his gain. He will make decisions based on his benefit and not necessarily the benefit of the people. The difference is that no king could ever rise up against the King. The divine King does not need to plunder from his own people for everything is already his. One thing we can glean from this narrative is that man is flawed at best. Although defeat may come as judgement, living under the rule of the Lord in obedience is the safest and most successful place to dwell. It is vital for us to set our eyes upon the Lord, never looking to the things of this world for guidance, for we are citizens of heaven and know the benefits of our Heavenly King.

(Psalm 50:10-11, 121:1-2; Philippians 3:19-20)

The Lord supplies for the people exactly what they requested. Saul was chosen and sent by the Lord to Samuel, although he represents precisely the attributes the people wanted in a king. The Israelites would have quickly appointed someone like Saul for their desires were external and of man, not guided by internal spiritual wisdom. So, naturally they would approve and applaud a leader who is wealthy, tall, and handsome. Our prayer as God’s people should be to constantly seek His ways, for they are above our ways. Sometimes getting what we want is allowed, even though the end result is the Lord teaching us a hard and valuable lesson.

(Isaiah 55:8-11; 1 John 2:15-17)

Saul is anointed by Samuel as king, however. The Lord their King will never leave nor forsake them, even though they may stray. Just as the prophets, the Lord will use Saul as an instrument to lead and judge his people as he sees fit. This is evident as Saul is prepared inwardly by the Holy Spirit of God. This sovereign act of God is a picture of his work alone in salvation. A new heart is implanted and the spiritual eyes are opened, creating a new man within. This process does not perfect the man, but rather initiates a lifelong journey of being led and conformed to the Lord.

(Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

Samuel finishes his time serving the Lord and his people well, for he has remained faithful unto God, useful for the Lord’s purposes and stands innocent before others. As Samuel feels his time coming to an end, he imparts a strong warning and heartfelt reminder, as did Joshua. Samuel is very concerned for Israel due to the history of their idolatry and he is not too comfortable with the fact they demanded a human king to lead them. Samuel calls for obedience, but also for accountability. The people must follow their God even though they have a king, which means holding their human leader accountable. We are commanded to pray for our leaders and those in authority, but we are primarily called to obey and follow our Heavenly King.

(Proverbs 21:1; Romans 13:1; Colossians 1:16-17; 1 Timothy 2:1-4)