Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 8

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 is the first of several palms that mention the Sons of Korah, who were of the Levite lineage. Their father, Korah, was Moses’ first cousin and led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, seeking to upend them and gain control of the royal priesthood. God judged Korah severely for his insurrection and was swallowed up into the earth (Num.16:31-33). However, his sons were spared as they took heed of Moses’ warning and abandoned their rebellious father, eventually becoming singers and gatekeepers of the Tabernacle (1 Chron.9:17-21). Here in the psalter, David is experiencing a deep depression as he is most likely living in exile and therefore unable to worship and commune in the sanctuary of the Lord. Throughout the entire psalter David portrays his profound desire for attending worship and deep dependence on God. So, as David waits for days on end within a fortified cave he is plagued with a great inner battle. On one hand he is homesick, for he is apart from the people he leads and the house of the Lord he serves. On the other hand, he questions his own angst and sorrow, because he is certain that the Lord has, is and will always be his salvation. Perhaps we have all experienced this type of personal confliction. We know the Lord will never leave us or forsake us, yet our flesh seems to doubt this in our suffering. A great question to ask ourselves is: Would we feel a deep depression if prohibited from attending our church assemblies? How deeply do we desire to worship the Lord and gather with his people?

(Deuteronomy 31:6-8; Colossians 2:6-7; Hebrews 13:5-6)

The seduction of sin is a deadly invitation. Solomon speaks to witnessing many men walking past the adulteress, putting themselves in harm’s way, tempting and feeding the fleshly desire within. On every corner sin lies in wait to deceive and devour. Christians that are not walking in the wisdom and discipline of the Lord become more susceptible and comfortable with sin and are to be greatly pitied. For they cannot enjoy their sin due to the conviction of God, and they cannot enjoy the things of the Lord for their unrepentant and intentional transgression grieves God. May we take note of Solomon’s practical advice; constantly remember and cherish the wisdom of the Lord and consistently put them into practice, guarding oneself from temptation and seduction of the enemy.

(Genesis 4:7; John 10:10; Romans 7:21-25; Hebrews 10:26-27)

This narrative of Moses’ death and burial communicates the essence of God’s divine justice and judgement as it is intertwined with his grace and mercy. The physicality and health of Moses was not the reason for his death; therefore, he did not die of natural causes, but according to the will of the Lord. During their time at Meribah, Moses disobeyed the Lord and struck the rock with his staff, failing to uphold and portray the holiness of God before the people. For this reason, Moses was not allowed to lead the Israelites into the land of promise; just as all of the generations of disobedience had died in the wilderness (Joshua 5:6). Disobedience comes with judgement and real consequences. Although Moses had sinned and fallen short, the Lord accompanies Moses to view the expanse of the blessing, reminding him of His covenantal love, then personally buries him. Moses had a special relationship with God, as he knew the Lord “face-to-face.” What a beautiful picture of God’s grace and mercy seen in the Lord taking on the loving responsibility of laying Moses’ earthly body to rest, ushering him into his eternal glory.

(Numbers 20:11-12; Joshua 5:6; Psalm 103:10-13; Romans 6:23)

After the death of Moses, God reassures Joshua that he will use him as an instrument to continue his mission in carrying out his covenant promises. There is great symbolism as the Israelites travel from the wilderness, crossing the Jordan, into the promised land of blessing. Here the gospel is beautifully pictured as a transitioning from slavery to freedom, a transformation from being lost to arriving at home. The Israelite people were wandering in disobedience through the wilderness (dead in trespasses and sin), then they crossed the river Jordan (the place of Jesus’ baptism representing faith/salvation), and gain access to the dwelling place of grace (God’s presence/eternal life).

(Galatians 3:26-29; Romans 6:18,22; 1 Corinthians 7:21-22; Galatians 5:1)

The Israelites new leader, Joshua, wisely sent two spies into Jericho to do some reconnaissance ahead of their entry into the land God had promised them, which was currently inhabited. The spies were able to find out that God’s mighty hand of protection over his people was well known throughout the land. In contrast to their many false gods, the God of the Israelites did not only reign with the power and authority from above, but he also interacted with them personally on earth, proving his supremacy. This powerful reality put a great fear in the hearts of those whom were in opposition. Two responses to the truth of God’s presence can be seen here. There were those who experienced the reality and fear of the Lord, yet remained in opposition of him. Then there was Rahab, a woman who acknowledged God and pleaded for his protection. We are all faced with this same situation. God’s existence has been revealed, now what is our response to him? Do we shudder in fear like the demons, knowing he exists but refuse to submit? Or do we recognize the Lord and our need to submit our lives to him in faith and obedience in order to receive salvation?

(John 1:14-18; Romans 1:19-21; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:19,25)

Setting up stones as memorials and alters was a common practice, only here these specific stones served to remind the coming generations of God’s miraculous display of providence and faithfulness. A member from each tribe chosen to select a stone is not only symbolic in number as being complete, but would have given each lineage a chance to participate in memorializing this historic occasion. Throughout their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness there had been several instances in which the people had quickly forgotten the divine hand of God that was upon them. These stones would serve as a visible tool of remembrance. By leading the people through the parted waters of the Jordan, Joshua is clearly commissioned and affirmed by God as his chosen instrument, just as his predecessor Moses had been at the Red Sea. This magnificent display would have also greatly reassured the people that God has chosen and favored Joshua to lead them into their inheritance.

(Genesis 28:18-22; Joshua 24:26-27; 1 Samuel 7:12)

As the Israelite nation comes closer to seeing the Lord’s fulfillment of promise, the people are ceremonially set apart as His chosen people. Circumcision is completed on the male heirs in obedience to secure their part of the covenant and Passover is observed, giving glory to their God and worshipping him for their continued deliverance. The disobedient generations whom had come out of Egypt had died over the last 40 years of wondering and now a new generation of promise are being prepared, enjoying the first fruits of the land and are poised for their future as the rightful inhabitants of Canaan. Joshua experiences what is referred to as a Christophany: a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ. This is no ordinary man and no angel of the Lord, but the commander of the army of the Lord. For no man nor angel accepts worship that is given only unto God.

(Gen.17:10-11; Colossians 2:18; Revelation 19:9-10, 22:9)