Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 9

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 breaks into worship as he proclaims God to be the greatest of fortresses and speaks of him in a continuous tense; meaning that God has been (past), is currently (present) and also will be (future) an ongoing protector and provider. Three components of this are seen in his praise: 1) All power and authority are God’s to wield and protect his people within his creation, 2) God has consistently revealed his relational character as the God who personally dwells and interacts amongst his people, and 3) he has faithfully proven his reliability as God. For the God of Jacob has sovereignly established his people, instituted and kept covenants with his people, and has shown himself time and time again through his great works. He is our refuge because he is the only one who is able to be, the one who has promised to be and the only one we can consistently rely on. God the Father is expressed to us in scripture as our Abba, our daddy and provider. God the Son came in person from the Father to accomplish the necessary work to save us. God the Spirit now dwells within us, seals us in our faith, comforts us and guides us in our daily lives. God is indeed our refuge and strength, from beginning to end.

(Isaiah 44:6, 48:12-13; Revelation 1:8, 21:6, 22:13)

Wisdom is pictured as a woman’s voice calling out to the reader within this psalm. She is crying out to warn those who neglect her, to explain her origin as an attribute of God, and to show the value in, as well as benefits of having wisdom. True wisdom is an eternal attribute that extends from God and therefore has existed from eternity past with God, and is exemplified in Christ. To seek and find wisdom is to seek and find God. As we seek the Lord our Creator, we must naturally abandon our own understanding, embracing humility as the created. Seeking and finding wisdom is not the end in its pursuit. True Godly wisdom moves beyond ideals and demands implementation. One who finds wisdom, by definition, will understand the importance and necessity of putting such into practice in their daily life.

(Psalm 104:24; 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30; Ephesians 1:8-9, 17; James 1:5-8)

There is no man-made fortress that can thwart the will of the Lord. The success of Joshua and the Israelite people in Jericho is clearly brought about by the divine work of God. Doubtful the decibels of the trumpets and shouting voices would have been loud enough to collapse the walls of a great city. Out of obedience Joshua and the people acted upon the instruction of the Lord with faith that He would deliver as promised. Obedience to God’s instruction brings the intended outcome and blessings of God, however. Failing to adhere to the Lord’s direction welcomes discipline and consequences. Jericho fell as the Lord directed, but their victory is short-lived as the next chapter reveals how the sin and disobedience of even one man can bring about judgement on the people as a whole.

(Deuteronomy 5:33; 1 Samuel 15:22; Luke 11:28; James 1:25)

As the book of Joshua comes to a close, the people of Israel had taken possession of the promised land and divided it into an inheritance for the 12 tribes. Before his death Joshua makes his legacy statement, “choose this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” It was absolutely vital that the Israelite people recognize all that the Lord had sovereignly done for them. Israel had a front row seat to both the blessing that comes from obedience and the judgement that is brought on by disobedience. Not only did the Lord institute, provide and protect the Israelites; but he judged many pagan nations right before their very eyes, handing them over in defeat. Joshua knew that over the years the people had a tendency to become idolatrous and he was gravely concerned for them. His final words to the people essentially drew a line in the sand. Do not let your mouths speak of the Lord and yet your hearts be found far from him. Understand the seriousness of faith and obedience. Commit your lives unto the God of our forefathers who established and kept our people, for He deserves the glory and praise. Seek to remain the children of promise and do not allow yourselves to become the children of flesh/wrath. This is the battle cry of the Gospel. Pick up your cross and follow me.

(Luke 9:23-26; Galatians 4:28-31; Ephesians 2:1-5)

This book is rightfully named, as it speaks to the time in history where God raises up judges or deliverers to lead and save a disobedient and idolatrous Israel from their enemies. Joshua’s concern for Israel had unfortunately become a reality and two consequences had come upon the people. First off, many never followed through with the Lord’s directive for conquering the land he had given them, so they were forced to deal with the reality of living mingled with ungodly nations. The opposing nations became a great burden for God’s people and their pagan lifestyles were allowed to creep in and pervert their God-given mandate of living set apart. Because of this unwise compromise there arose a generation who did not know the God of their forefathers and a great travesty was approaching the people of Israel. The protective hand of God was being removed.

(Job 34:20-27; Lamentations 2:1-5; Hebrews 10:26-31)

A strong and powerful man is easily brought down by his weakness toward sin. Samson, while mighty in stature, had a severe vulnerability for lust and an unhealthy desire for women. Even though his downfall was made obvious through the open deceit and wickedness of Delilah, Samson was blinded by his fleshly desires. Delilah did not even try to hide her intentions for overcoming Samson, yet her seductive ways were powerful over him. Eventually Samson traded the strength of the Lord for sin and it overtook him. For Samson’s strength did not lie in the hair exactly, but what the hair represented: a Nazarite vow unto the Lord. Samson had pledged himself to live set apart, solely dedicated unto the Lord. This pledge was ultimately traded for earthly pleasures; similar to Esau exchanging his inheritance for a bowl of lentil stew.

(Numbers 6:5; Judges 13:3-5; Judges 14:1-3; Romans 8:5-8)

The story of Ruth and Boaz is perhaps one of the greatest Old Testament pictures of Jesus Christ and redemption. Ruth, a widow, was in desperate need along with her mother-in-law Naomi during a time of famine. Both Ruth and Boaz are pictured to be people of godly character. Ruth, although a foreigner, submits to the Lord and graciously stays with Naomi to care after her. Her proposal to Boaz was a respectful and sincere gesture that did not involve any immoral or premarital relations. Boaz consistently adheres to the Israelite customs and displays great moral aptitude as he immediately responds with reverence towards Ruth and cares for her needs. This portrayal of redemption highlights several truths. First, God’s redemptive plan is not reserved for Jews only, but is impartial; including Gentiles, women, slaves, etc. Second, God’s sovereign plan often involves persons seemingly of no importance or pedigree, but chooses them nonetheless to accomplish his will. We see this truth in the fact that Ruth, a Moabite woman, is redeemed by Boaz and brought into the very lineage of Christ, the great-grandmother of King David.

(Matthew 1:5-6; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Galatians 3:28-29)