Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 35

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.

One of the more commonly known hymns in the psalter, 103 captures king David as he recalls the many reasons he has to praise the Lord. Like most hymns of praise and thanksgiving, the unchanging and righteous character of God is the cause for such adulation. As king David lists empirical truths of God’s nature, he does so by emphasizing the redemptive relationship between God and his people. Through such relationship David had witnessed God’s forgiveness, healing, steadfast love, and unmerited mercy. The repeated phrase “Bless the Lord, O my soul!” is the response of anyone who has personally experienced the benefits of being an adopted child of God the Father. When the reality and work of salvation takes root within the heart of a person, they recognize the immense grace of the Father and in turn worship him with all of their heart, soul and mind. All we have is from him, so all we are is due him.

(1 Chronicles 29:10-15; Psalm 116:12; Micah 7:18; Matthew 22:37; Luke 15:21-22; John 1:12; Romans 8:15, 11:36; Galatians 4:6-7; Ephesians 1:5)

The title for this book, Ecclesiastes, can be translated as “the Preacher” (vv.1, 12) or one who gathers the congregation for instruction. In other words this book can be thought of as instruction from the Preacher (ekklessiastes) for the benefit of the congregation/church (ekklesia). King Solomon’s instruction here is a warning for his audience concerning the futility in finding anything worthwhile apart from God. Solomon refers to mankind’s pursuit of things like wisdom, fulfilment, happiness, and success as vanity. In other words, every human effort is driven by a sinful and prideful nature. Solomon himself regrettably wasted much of his life by pleasing himself instead of honoring God. The life of a man is empty and fleeting, everything he builds is temporal. However, that which is built upon the foundation of God and his word will stand forever. A life that honors the Lord will value his wisdom, be fulfilled in him, find joy with him, and success will be defined by his will and purpose.

(Job 28:28; Psalm 39:5-6, 144:4; Isaiah 40:6-8; John 15:5; Romans 8:20; 1 Corinthians 3:19; Philippians 4:13; 1 Peter 1:25)

Paul boldly but respectfully testifies before Herod Agrippa II. Agrippa was well versed in Jewish customs, as he was commissioned by Rome to preside over Judea and was given authority over the Jerusalem Temple affairs by Emperor Claudius. Just as he had done before, Paul displays his innocence by connecting Jesus of Nazareth to the God of the Jewish patriarchs. If Paul was guilty of anything it was persecuting the followers of Christ as a Pharisee. The amazing aspect of this preceding is that the accused (Paul) is not defending himself, but defending the gospel of Jesus Christ (apologia) by sharing his testimony. This is why Agrippa asks if Paul is trying to convert him during the address. Paul’s reply to the king portrays the very heart of his mission, that he desires all people to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, even those who oppose and ridicule him. Reacting to hate and violence with more hate is the way of the world. However, reacting to hate and ridicule with love and concern is the work of the Lord and a characteristic of a true follower of Christ.

(Matthew 5:44; Romans 9:1-3, 10:1; 1 Corinthians 9:22; Philippians 1:23-26; 1 Timothy 2:3-4)

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