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)