Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 5

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 is considered to be one written with great contemplation regarding transgression and the human response. The psalmist’s (David) intent is to share with the reader his own experience with the consequences of sin, the draw of sin inclusive of resistance to God, and the response to God inclusive of resistance to sin. David crafts this psalm strategically to paint a poetic testimony for God’s people. There is a familiar ebb and flow in the structure of the psalm that forces us to see the cause and effect of iniquity, the results of responding incorrectly, and the divine benefits of God’s grace and forgiveness in the midst of trouble and anguish.

(Lamentations 3; Matthew 5:3-11; 1 John 1:7-10)

Solomon sounds a great trumpet of warning to his sons in this chapter regarding wisdom and instruction. A loving father dedicates his life to raising up children and instilling in them the knowledge and ability to overcome and be fruitful. Wisdom and insight naturally stem from those who have experience. Those who have walked the roads ahead are able to bring insight to those walking behind. In his great wisdom, Solomon recognizes that God is the great Father whom has been before all of us, therefore has every ability and right to extend to us His wisdom and instruction. Solomon pleads with his sons to gain such wisdom, but emphasizes the necessity to find and cling to insight; which seeks to fully comprehend such knowledge, as well as the motivation to implement it. Wisdom of sin may not be enough to resist temptation when it comes, but having insight into the sin and consequences may very well prevent a costly stumble.

(1 Kings 4:29; Matthew 7:24-27; 1 Corinthians 2:12-16; James 3:13-18)

The book of Exodus begins by extension of Genesis, pointing us to the continued growth and blessing of Abraham and his descendants. Jacob (Israel) and his family had grown so large and prominent within Egypt that the new Pharaoh is threatened by their existence and plans to oppress them into submission. When enslaving the Hebrews did not seem to work fast enough, the Pharoah mandated that every Hebrew boy was to be killed at birth. Regardless of the Egyptians’ devious efforts, the Lord’s sovereign hand of protection was upon the Hebrews and they remained healthy and strong, continuing to multiply greatly across the land.

(Job 42:2; Matthew 2:13-23; John 10:17-18)

The great God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the very God who preserved the Hebrews in the midst of the genocidal Egyptians. Through the same patriarchal lineage, by way of Levi, a baby boy is born and divinely protected. Just like Joseph, this baby boy was prepared by the Lord and given a great opportunity to be raised into a position of power within Egypt. God took the very hands of those who meant evil and used them for good. This young boy will grow into a man with great purpose, a zeal for justice and a profound leadership ability for God’s people.

(Deuteronomy 34:10-12; Acts 7:17-29)

God reveals an essential truth of his name to Moses as he calls out to him from the infamous burning bush. “I AM WHO I AM” speaks to God’s eternal existence and authority as the God who was, is and shall be through the ages. He is indeed the God of his forefathers and will be the God of all peoples throughout history. Moses willingly answers God’s call to him, even though we see God display great patience with him as he is chosen to be a limited mediator between the Lord and his people. Moses is a foreshadow of the greatest blessing that will eventually come through Christ, who fulfilled the law and is the ultimate mediator between God and man, making the entrance into the promised land (God’s presence) a reality for those with faith.

(Deuteronomy 5:1-5; Acts 7:37-38; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 3:1-6, 8:5-7)

Perhaps one of the most significant displays of Christ ahead of his coming is found in the institution of Passover. After speaking on behalf of the Lord and the Hebrew people, Moses demands that the Pharoah let them go out of captivity. Even after 9 plagues the hardened heart of Pharaoh refuses. The tenth and final plague highlights the sovereign justice of God and the provision in God’s sovereignty. The Egyptians had just tried to overcome the Israelites by killing each of their newborn males, yet God protected them and now turns their own efforts against them, killing each of their male heirs. The protection of the Hebrews during this tenth plague is provided through the sacrifice of a lamb, pointing the narrative to Christ, the ultimate lamb without blemish. Roughly some 1,400 to 1,500 years later Jesus Christ would be crucified during the annual remembrance and celebration of Passover, signifying the escape out of bondage and slavery to sin.

(Mark 14:1-2; John 18:28-40, 19:14-16; 1 Corinthians 5:7)

God had delivered his people out of Egypt and they had escaped the results of the 10 plagues. Therefore, it was vital for the Hebrew people to remember all that He had done by commemorating this salvation through annual celebrations: Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread. Passover celebrating the sacrifice accepted on their behalf, and immediately following is the 7 days of Unleavened Bread, commemorating their speedy departure from Egypt. Holding to tradition in terms of celebrating what God has done is a powerful reminder, as well as an opportunity to educate others and the younger generations about the gracious and merciful hand of God.

(Psalm 111, 145:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Philippians 4:4)