Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 4

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 psalm has been categorized as one of repentance. Therefore, it places an emphasis on praise, as well as the themes of judgement, redemption, and mercy. The psalmist, David, rightly sprinkles his praise and calls to praise throughout. For the healing and deliverance David has experienced in his life is proof that God has not forsaken him in his disobedience. Like all mankind, we are born with a sin-sickness, headed for judgement and separation from God. However, through His divine grace and mercy, his people are restored. This act of restoration and redemption that is worthy of praise can be viewed as both salvation and sanctification. God both saves his people in the eternal, but also shows divine interaction in this life as he judges and corrects his people through discipline. Although judgement and discipline are painful, the rod of the Father is wielded with faithful purpose and longsuffering. A child never praises the parent when being disciplined, but as the child matures there comes a great appreciation for the loving parental correction.

(Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 54:7-8; Hebrews 12:3-7)

When walking directly with the Lord there is a great confidence and peace. Life is full of difficult situations and decisions that may come with ridicule and potential backlash; however, if you have based your decision in the will of the Lord a great assurance will be on you. Not even the adopted children of God are perfect, but there is a promise that with God’s love comes correction and protection. In order to experience these divine joys of the Father, one should consistently bind his Word (commandments, truth, love, wisdom) to the very fiber of your being. This is done by way of spiritual disciplines, such as: praying, worshipping, reading/studying the Scriptures, serving others. The outpouring of one’s life is dictated upon the intake of the individual. What is soaked into a sponge is what comes out when squeezed. Fill yourself with the things of God and the outpour will be healing and refreshing. Fixate your time on things of this world and the outcome will be treacherous and disgraceful.

(2 Timothy 3:12-17; James 1:21; 1 John 5:2-4)

After the slaying of the Hivites (Ch. 34), which brought danger upon Jacob and his family, God moves them to Bethel, the very place that the Lord had made the covenant to his grandfather Abraham. Before they were allowed to travel there, God purges them of any uncleanliness. They were to put away any resemblance of false gods and pagan practices, as well as wash themselves and redress in clean clothes. This was a very visual act of consecration, making it clear that if anyone desires to enter “The House of God” (Bethel) they must be cleansed both inwardly and externally. Now that the Lord has prepared his people the continuation of the covenant is reaffirmed as we see the renaming of Jacob to Israel, but this time we see the foretelling of a kingly lineage to come.

(Matthew 23:25-28; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 10:22; 1 John 1:6-9)

Playing favorites is nothing new to this family. Just as Isaac and Rebekah had done with Jacob and Esau, Jacob inherited tendencies to create animosity between his wives and his many sons. By showing partiality to Joseph hatred and envy brewed and eventually perpetuated in the hearts and actions of the other brothers. Even though the Lord chose to specifically speak to Joseph through divine dreams, the family’s detestation of him blinded them. Their own hearts rendered them uncapable of seeing what the Lord was saying. If we are not careful our own judgement and jealousy can prevent us from understanding the will of God.

(Ephesians 4:26-27; James 3:16-18; 1 John 2:11)

Dream interpretation had become a very prevalent practice in ancient Egypt and was an integral part of their false religions and worship. By God working through Joseph via divine dreams from a young age and even the ability to interpret them, the Lord was preparing a vessel that would be able to gain influence within a great foreign empire and speak into the culture of their day. It is remarkable to see Joseph’s humble and obedient response to Pharaoh, denying that he had any ability and giving all the credit to God. Because of Joseph’s obedience God also uses the dreams and interpretations as a way to bless Joseph and by extension his family, Israel, and the many nations of the world during a great famine.

(Deuteronomy 28:1-6; Isaiah 1:19; Luke 11:28; James 1:22-25)

Joseph undoubtedly acknowledges the sovereignty of God that orchestrates the actions of mankind to bring about His good will and pleasure. For his brothers thought they were serving their own selfish desires by selling Joseph away into Egypt, but in fact it was the will of God for him to come to prominence and power in Egypt. Joseph would come to preserve many peoples and nations by the hand of God.

(Genesis 50:15-2; Acts 2:23; Romans 8:28)

Preservation is a key theme in these passages. The Lord reassures Israel (Jacob) that he is the God of his father, the God who has indisputably provided and sustained, the God who maintains his covenants. The proof of this can be seen in the continuance of protection and provision for Israel’s family. As they travel to Egypt to reunite with Joseph, there are counted a staggering 70 men/boys of promised lineage. God has surely begun to build a nation through Abraham as pledged. Joseph wisely instructs his father and family pre-interview with the Pharaoh in order to ensure that they, although under the wing of Egypt, live separate and apart in order to preserve the Hebrew way of life.

(Deuteronomy 6:20-24; Psalm 111:4-6; Jeremiah 30:10-11)