Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 6

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.

The psalmist here builds an argument for the praise of the Lord. Surely there is an endless display of His righteousness, faithfulness and steadfast love that equips the saints for honest worship. Those who live by faith in God have experienced his counsel, his grace. But even the unrighteous have no excuse as it is evident that the universe is being harnessed by His majesty. A simple wave upon the sea brings destruction to man, yet the God of scripture effortlessly harnesses and commands the oceans, rivers and waterways of the world. If we take the time to think about the sheer magnificence and power of God our miniscule brains might just implode. This is what is meant regarding the fear of the Lord: to be in complete awe of Him, to understand His power and ability. Who are we mere humans that cannot swim the vastness of a single sea, yet the Lord manifests and controls it with words. May we recognize the Lord’s might with true praise. May we seek to retain our hope in such a God that is powerfully just and unwavering in His glory.

(1 Chronicles 29:11-14; Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:20; Hebrews 1:3)

These wise words of caution, although specifically speaking to adultery, paint a realistic picture of how horrifically enticing and destructive sin can be. Like the smell of a tasty morsel within the trap, it plays on weakness and draws the victim close, only to receive ruin and regret instead of reward. God created experiences like sex to produce joy, pleasure and fulfilment to mankind, but it does come with instruction and a warning label. When used outside of the Lord’s direction, what was intended to be a blessing quickly becomes a curse that brings destruction. When the ways of the Lord are adhered to, the immense emotions and connection within the confines of the marital covenant are sweet to the soul.

(Genesis 1:28, 2:24-25; Song of Solomon 7; 1 Corinthians 7:1-5; Hebrews 13:4)

This chapter documents one of the most well-known narratives concerning God’s supreme authority and protection over His people: the parting of the Red Sea. The Israelites had a front row seat to numerous miracles that had not only directly benefitted them, but judged their enemies. They were witness to the 10 plagues and were directly led by God with the pillars of smoke and fire. Yet when they saw the scorned Egyptian army charging towards them, fear replaced faith. They quickly forgot all of the instances of the Lord’s promise and protection. In his longsuffering and steadfast love, God assured the people through Moses’ speech and they crossed in faith. Let us seek the Lord daily, remaining in his Word and unceasing prayer, so that when times of trouble and angst arise, we are reminded of and enabled to cling to the hope we have in the refuge of Jesus Christ our Lord.

(Psalm 46:1, 119:1-11; 1 Corinthians 10:1-5; Hebrews 6:18-20, 11:29)

The Israelites have undoubtedly witnessed the protection and guidance from God, but here we see a great display of His providence. As the Lord brings them through the wilderness, He divinely sustains them with water and food. As humans do, the people grumble and complain in their lacking and want instead of approaching their God with petition. Once again, in His longsuffering and steadfast love, the Lord provides for them significantly. The supernatural occurrences of the Lord cannot always be explained scientifically, however. Some scholars believe that this white flake-like substance, referred to as manna (Hebrew for "what is it?") could have been something similar to trehalose. Trehalose is a crystal-like carbohydrate composed of two sugar molecules that is found in nature. It is amazing to think about this possibly being produced by the Lord through his creation as it brings great health benefits as well. This natural compound can support cognitive function, reduces oxidative stress (antioxidant) and can hydrate the skin and eyes. Not only does God provide sustenance in the desert, but he does so in an all-encompassing way as the Father would for his children that depend on him.

(Psalm 103:13-18, 111:4-5; Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:6-7, 11-13)

In a profound and dramatic fashion, God approaches and speaks to His people. Mere words can never properly convey the reality of the Lord’s presence. The entire mountain trembles, a great trumpet-like siren sounds, overwhelming fire and smoke engulf. Rightfully so the people respond with awe and fear. As they are reminded of their humble beginnings in Abraham, God shares with them their great purpose: to be His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. The Israelites must honor their God and seek to live according to this declaration. For they are to be intimately connected to God as belonging to him and portray the truth of God throughout the world while being unified as His representatives. So, we too, those of faith in Christ, are now his righteous possession and are commissioned to be his ambassadors.

(Deuteronomy 7:3-11; Isaiah 43:9-12; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21)

God gives his people an expression of himself; the law which they should live by. Through these ten commandments, also known as the Decalogue, God’s character and standard are expressed. Expectations for both interactions between God and man (vertical) and man’s interaction with each other (horizontal) are established. The Israelites are to maintain a pure and monogamous relationship with God, just as they are to love and respect one another. Obeying, living a life according to, the commandments are a form of worship unto the Lord, as it portrays our love and duty to the Author and Creator.

(1 Samuel 15:22-23; Matthew 22:34-40; John 14:15; Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 5:2-3)

The Golden Calf illustrates the perverseness of idolatry. Not only did the Israelites create false gods to replace their leader Moses, whom was their mediator to God, but they gave the glory and credit for their escape and delivery out of Egypt to these false gods (32:4, 23). How could they openly worship an inanimate object of their own creation when they knew full well that the God of their forefathers was true? This is indeed a serious offense and an affront to the Lord. Deeply troubled by their sin, Moses broke the stone tablets (for they had broken the first and most important commandment) and proceeds to bring justice to the camp. Three action steps are taken: 1) like all false gods the calf is destroyed exposing its fictional nature, 2) the whole congregation is made to internalize the reality of their sin by drinking the remanence of their fornication, 3) those who initiated and persisted in this act paid the ultimate wage, death. It is easy to judge these ancient peoples, but the reality is that we all can create our own idols in life, even while still attempting to worship the true God. Idols are not restricted to carven images and can be anything that takes up space in our lives where God should be.

(1 Samuel 12:19-25; Psalm 115:4-8; Jeremiah 2:11-13, 16:20; 1 Corinthians 8:4, 10:18-22)