Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 26

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 verse of this psalm lays the foundation for the entire chapter; those who seek and draw close to the Lord will enjoy the cool shade which is cast by his sovereign providence. Regardless of the varying conditions of life, God always has his people’s best interest at heart, and therefore a sense of assurance and peace is delivered. This hymn can be seen as three sections: the first (vv.1-2) is a declaration that God is indeed a refuge for his people, the second (vv.3-13) details examples of God providing refuge, and the third (vv.14-16) is God responding to those who have sought refuge in him. There is great power and confidence to be had by those who possess earnest faith in the Lord and such strength should be present in our lives, in our prayers, and in our worship.

(Jeremiah 17:7; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 10:22, 11:1; 1 John 5:13-15)

These passages, as they seek to impart wisdom, warn the reader to exercise caution and restraint when in the presence of power and wealth. The attraction to power, envy, or even the comfort of material things can corrupt one’s will power and impact a believer’s integrity and sole dependence on the Lord. These practical warnings sound the alarm on various issues ranging from greed and deception, to addiction and gluttony, in addition to encouraging parental discipline which instills virtue and wisdom in the young.

(Proverbs 13:24, 22:15; Luke 12:15; 1 Corinthians 6:12; Philippians 3:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:22-23; Hebrews 13:5)

Jesus’s physical presence with the disciples is coming to an end, so the Messiah encourages them not to lose hope even though darkness is looming, for the Holy Spirit of God is indeed promised to them in his absence. Comfort comes in the truth that the Spirit will testify to and work on the behalf of their Lord and Rabbi, further aiding them in the continuing proclamation of salvation through Christ to the earth. Jesus assures his disciples that although he is going away, it is only for a time and that he will return victorious. Even though they will witness their best friend being tortured and killed, it is a necessary part of the bigger picture. Soon they will understand the reason for his death, see the power of his resurrection and witness the majesty of his triumphal return.

(Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:8, 4:31; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 2:4, 15:55-58; Philippians 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:3, 2:24)

The seventeenth chapter of John’s gospel account is one of the most beautiful portions of scripture. It is referred to as “the High Priestly Prayer,” because it is the recorded prayer of the High Priest petitioning the Father from the upper room in the presence of his disciples, interceding on behalf of only those given to him. These verses raise the argument for what is called Particular Redemption, often referred to as Definite or Limited Atonement, which speaks to the redemptive work of Christ on the cross being specifically accomplished for only His people and not the entire world. This prayer confirms that Christ’s work is accomplishing the purpose for which the Father has sent him, reflects the truth of the Father’s preservation of his people, and seeks divine unity for the flock as they are sent out into the world to glorify the Father as the Son has done. Another major takeaway from this chapter is found in verses 5 and 24, which state the pre-existence of Jesus as God and denies the teachings of other religions that espouse Jesus as a created being and a mere prophet.

(Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:3-6, 13; Philippians 1:6, 2:2; Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 4:14-15, 7:26; 1 Peter 1:4-5; Jude 1:24; Revelation 22:13)

Jesus’s appointed time is approaching rapidly and the reality of betrayal, rejection and suffering are in sight. When Judas arrives with his mercenaries, they are met with the unflinching Christ, fully aware that his impending arrest will set into motion the proceedings leading to his crucifixion. His entire life and years of teaching and preaching will culminate in the coming days as he lays his life down to accomplish all he was sent to fulfill. Jesus’s authoritative reply to the arresting party can be understood in the original language as “I am,” further proclaiming his identity as the Messiah, which causes them to recoil in his presence with awe. Part of the ridicule and mocking which Christ had to endure can be seen in the irony of the Great High Priest, who was appointed by God, being subjected to the questioning of the high priest, one merely appointed by the Roman prefect. After being betrayed, then denied by his closest disciple, Jesus finds himself being condemned even when no fault can be found in him.

(Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 53:3; Luke 10:16, 23:4, 14; John 1:10-11, 10:17-18, 19:4, 6; Ephesians 5:1-2; Hebrews 12:2)