Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 15

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.

What is the foundation of our welfare? Is it ourselves, successes, influence, power, money, or is it God? This psalm consists of two sections divided by the pivotal proclamation (v.7) of God being the ultimate and sole source of confidence and strength. The first section speaks to the internal and relational confidence one has in God when faith is rooted in the word and truth. The second section seeks to motivate and move others to find and experience the same confidence the psalmist sings about. God is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end, the creator of all things, the author and finisher; therefore, we should logically and rationally look to him as the root of our well-being. Everything apart from God is a created, inanimate object unworthy and uncapable of producing or providing hope and salvation.

(Proverbs 14:26; Isaiah 40:28-29; Jeremiah 17:7-8; Romans 15:13; Hebrews 12:2; Revelation 1:8)

One of the biggest delusions in the world is that there can be found wisdom and truth apart from God. Many seek and scour the universe to find answers and security, yet in vain their efforts fail to provide sustaining substance; because they look to the created yet reject the Creator. The knowledge of God is within each of us, but those who suppress and deny that truth will always be removed from the only source of enrichment. Without the gift of faith that provides the wisdom of God, we are left to our own devices, which are overwhelmingly destructive and severely limited at best.

(Proverbs 21:30; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Romans 1:18-25; 1 Corinthians 3:18-21)

The exiles whom had returned to their homeland, gather together in Jerusalem so that they may begin to rebuild the temple. First, the altar must be erected so that the people may glorify God and consecrate the building site, as well as themselves. The previous chapter lists the many who would be the hands and feet of the reconstruction, but here two key players are named, both foreshadowing Jesus Christ. Jeshua, or Joshua (of the same origin as the name Jesus or Yeshua) is the high priest. Zerubbabel was the grandson of Jehoiachin (the king that was spared by Evil-merodach at the end of 2 Kings), a descendant from the line of David. The fact that he was in charge of rebuilding the temple fulfils the prophecy of 2 Samuel 7:12-13 and God’s promise that the throne of David shall not be broken, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

(1 Kings 9:5; Isaiah 9:7; Jeremiah 33:17; Psalm 89:34-37; Hebrews 4:14-16)

The Lord’s sovereign hand is evident as the rebuilding of the temple is divinely orchestrated, funded and defies opposition. Only God could work in the heart and mind of the enemy to bring about favor to his people. What was then the mightiest empire in the world sought with diligence to empower, protect and fund the rebuilding of God’s chosen people, their capitol city and temple. King Darius, successor of King Cyrus, seeks to validate the truth concerning the initial approval and funding of the temple when asked by then governor of the region, Tattenai (Ezra 5). Such documentation is located after a vigilant search and Darius upholds the mandates of King Cyrus, extending the protection and funding of the reconstruction. God had previously used the Assyrians and Babylonians as a tool of divine judgement against the Jewish people, but now we see God is working on their behalf to bring restoration. God desires to redeem and restore his people, but there must be faith and obedience.

(Deuteronomy 28:1-2; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 3:19-20; 1 Peter 5:6-10)

After hearing about the desperate condition of his people in Jerusalem, Nehemiah’s heart is troubled. Out of this profound concern he cries out to the Lord with a beautifully modelled prayer. First, we see Nehemiah acknowledge the sovereignty of the Lord by seeking him immediately through sacrificial prayer and fasting. For the sake of seeking the Lord’s guidance, Nehemiah denies his flesh and submits his mind, body and soul (v.4). Second, Nehemiah gives God the glory he is due, confessing the majesty and eternal character of God (v.5). Next, we see Nehemiah petition the Lord with a repentant heart. He confesses the sins of not only himself, but his house and the entire community (v.6,7). Finally, Nehemiah uses scripture (writings of Moses) to appeal in truth to the Lord (v.8,9) which highlights the sincere faith and trust he has in who God is and what he is capable of (v.10,11). If you were to measure this prayer with that of Jesus’s model prayer in the gospels they would align perfectly.

(Deuteronomy 4:29; 2 Chronicles 15:2; Matthew 6:5-18; Luke 11:1-4; Hebrews 11:6)

The sorrow in Nehemiah’s heart was so deep, it became notably visible to those around him. By serving as Artaxerxes’ cupbearer, Nehemiah had garnered tremendous trust and favor with the king, for the king’s life was literally in his hands. Throughout scripture where he is mentioned, Nehemiah exhibits great skill in communication and leadership, lending to his successes as an instrument of God. When questioned by Artaxerxes, Nehemiah consults with the Lord and is prepared to answer the king directly and confidently. Nehemiah does not speak without first reflecting in prayer and through much contemplation. Ultimately he is afforded and granted permission to be an integral part of the second wave of exiles returning to the promised land. Nehemiah plays his part by cautiously selecting his team and strategically crafting a plan in order to minimize the enemy’s opposition as they are tasked with fortifying the City of David.

(Proverbs 16:3,9; Acts 5:38-39; 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Timothy 3:12)

Every name and location listed in this chapter speaks to the intentional planning of Nehemiah, and how he organized and motivated the people to take ownership and work in unison. Through strategic delegation, exemplary leadership and faithful obedience unto the Lord, Nehemiah and the people were able to complete the wall in an astonishing 52 days. It was custom in that time for people to live within the outer city walls of Jerusalem. So as each family came together to build their multi-generational homes, they were essentially building their delegated section of the entire city wall, proving the saying, “many hands make light work.”

(Exodus 18:17-26; Numbers 11:17; Proverbs 21:5, 22:29)