Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 29

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 enthronement psalm calls for the praise of God by emphasizing his role as King and Creator. As the great King his absolute control reigns over the entire earth and all other authorities fall under his dominion. As Creator, God reserves the right to judge his creation, either shepherding his people with providence or withholding his glory from those who reject Him. Meribah and Massah were locations tied to the disobedience of the Jewish people as they wandered the desert, serving as a warning to any who would defy the ways and commandments of the sovereign God. A bended knee in worship is due Him and woe to those who rebel and quarrel, for they will never experience the fullness of his presence.

(Exodus 17:7; Numbers 20:13; Proverbs 28:14; Zechariah 7:12; Hebrews 3:7-11, 4:7)

Again the direct words of Solomon waste no time and quickly address the destructive nature of the unwise. Labeled as a fool, these individuals are defined here as one who does not value wisdom at all, lazy and deceitful. Any knowledge or opportunity offered them would be a waste of resource because they in fact lack the conviction and foresight. Like a dog going back to his vomit speaks to the repetitive nature of the fool’s error, unwilling and unable to learn from their former mistakes. This can be said of the unrighteous, those who lack the wisdom and correction of the Lord, as they are consistently attracted to their sin, returning to it time and time again, are without the conviction and power of God to resist and flee the filth. Ironically enough, these fools often consider themselves to be most wise, yet the lack of movement under their feet expose them. While there are initial warnings for the fools found unsuccessful and lazy, at the end of this section comes a warning for those bearing hate and deceit. Any that seek to stir up strife and division, especially stemming from intentional wickedness, are indeed fools for they do such things unto their demise (v.27).

(Esther 7:9-10; Psalm 7:15-16; Proverbs 16:28; James 3:3-6; 2 Peter 2:20-22)

Within the framework of salvation, there is a necessary posture of humility, one that is rooted in the self-acknowledgement of a broken sinful nature, deplete of any righteousness, lacking any ability (v.19). From such position the needy cry out to the Savior pleading for grace and mercy (v.6,13,38). Without having said humility the individual is left in a pious self-righteousness which only has the power to condemn (v.14). The parable of the persistent widow, the dual prayers of the Pharisee and tax collector, the reliance of the little children, the unwillingness of the rich man, and the healing of the blind beggar all speak to the blessings of the humble and the judgement of the prideful. Strategically included among these narratives concerning the surrender of man and reliance on God, is the Savior himself; foretelling of his sacrificial death and resurrection which exemplifies the humility and redemptive nature of the Christ.

(Psalm 14:1-3; Proverbs 3:34; Matthew 18:1-6; Mark 10:26-27, 45; Romans 3:10; Philippians 2:3-8)

By singling out Zacchaeus Jesus is making a bold statement to those around him; the Messiah came to save the broken and sinful. As a chief tax-collector, Zacchaeus would have been despised among the Jewish people; a Jew himself who betrayed and extorted his own people for riches. Yet Zacchaeus, when confronted by Jesus, was radically changed, bearing testament to his salvation by offering to give away his riches in order to follow after Christ. Upon entering Jerusalem, as a sign of submission to royalty, the multitude tossed there cloaks in the street before Jesus, publicly acknowledging him as the Messiah and King. Seeing such admiration and praise being given to Jesus infuriated the religious leaders, yet they allowed the sanctuary of the Lord to become a den of thieves, impeding the worship of God. Only Jesus is perfect enough to weep over the sin and destruction of a city and cleanse it with a just and righteous anger.

(Psalm 9:8; Luke 4:18, 5:32; John 2:13-17; Acts 17:31; Romans 12:19, 14:13; 1 Timothy 1:15; James 1:19-20; 1 John 1:9)

There is an intense focus on Jesus’ authority, which is found in his identity as the Messiah and his nature as the Son of God, for he is the sent one of God and is himself God. By quoting Psalm 110 and 118, and with the use of parables, Jesus clearly responds to the questioning of the Sadducees, however. Due to their lack of faith and hardness of heart, the chief priests and scribes are unable to understand or acknowledge the truth of Jesus. The Messiah then warns the people about the very religious leaders who claim to have authority over them, but are indeed false leaders. 

(Psalm 118:22; Mark 12:10-11; John 5:36, 8:42; Acts 4:11; Ephesians 1:20-22; Colossians 2:10; 1 Peter 2:4-7)

Jesus famously spoke of the widow’s two “mites,” in effort to emphasize the sacrificial heart behind joyful giving. God loves a cheerful giver, placing more weight on the effort than the gift, the heart-posture over the price. Others gave a much larger donation/tithe, yet they did not give out of sacrifice or reverence, but they gave of their abundance. The rest of the chapter foretells of much destruction and tribulation for Christ followers, as Jesus addresses the end days and signs of the coming Kingdom. It is vital for those who follow after Jesus to understand that suffering will be a part of faith and that many will try to deceive them, yet there is much hope to be found in the coming Son of God.

(Genesis 4:1-7; Matthew 24:30-31; John 14:1-3; 2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Hebrews 9:28)

As the Passover draws near, Jesus prepares his disciples for what is to come, the suffering and persecution of the Lamb that is to be slain. Within the next several hours, the Messiah will use the Passover feast in order to institute the Lord’s Supper, teaching them the meaning, how his body and blood will be broken and spilled as a payment for sin. All that Jesus had warned them about was beginning to take place; the betrayal, rejection, his arrest, mocking and beating. All these things must take place in order that the plan and will of God be fulfilled in Christ. In his humanity Jesus cries out to the Father concerning his impending sacrifice, however. Also as himself God, Jesus remains submissive to the Father’s will and overcomes with divine strength; for Jesus knows that he will soon have victory and be at his Father’s right hand in glory.

(Psalm 75:8; Isaiah 53:12; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 26:17-30; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Hebrews 10:12; 1 Peter 3:22)