Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 16

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.

David opens this psalm with a declaration of what scripture says pleases God; to diligently/eagerly seek Him. Although he is exiled, suffering in the desert, the psalmist proclaims that his body would rather have God than water. Just a drop of water may satisfy the thirst of an earthly body, but this psalm reminds us that Jesus is the eternal flowing river that nourishes the soul for eternity. As if being in the wilderness wasn’t hard enough, the psalmist is also experiencing dangerous opposition that seeks to destroy him. But where there is providence in the Lord, there is also protection. One of the greatest assurances in all of scripture is that if we seek Him (faith and obedience), He will hold on to us (v.8), and will never let go.

(John 4:13-14, 7:37-38, 10:28; Romans 8:38; Hebrews 11:6)

This chapter raises several themes regarding the various narratives. Zacchaeus shows us that no individual is unredeemable and those seeking after the Lord will indeed find restoration and reward in him. The Parable from Jesus teaches us the importance of stewardship, as the book of Proverbs reminds us; taking initiative and ownership is a godly quality that is blessed, while laziness and fear is foolish and brings destruction. From here we see the triumphal entry of the Messiah into Jerusalem, where he weeps over the future destruction of the temple and the sin of the people. As we study through Nehemiah, these themes are reflected in the character of our chapter’s namesake. Nehemiah leads the people successfully, even in the midst of mass opposition, because he follows the aforementioned principles. Nehemiah consistently seeks after God for both spiritual and physical restoration, he leads by example with courageous stewardship, all of which is motivated by his weeping heart for the Jewish people and the House of God.

(Nehemiah 1:4, 6; Psalm 24:1-6; Matthew 25:14-30)

In spite of all the attempts to confuse, divide, and demotivate the Jewish people, the wall progresses. Sanballat and Tobiah (both regional leaders), along with others in the area, sowed so much discord and doubt among the people there became a common phrase in the area famously mocking their attempts to rebuild the wall (v.10). Nehemiah fights back against the opposition with his faith and his leadership ability (v.9). The enemy may mock their building skills, but Nehemiah reminds the people that the Lord is on their side (v.14). The enemy may seek to steal, kill and destroy, however the Lord preserves his people and his plan is never thwarted. Nehemiah understands the dynamic of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. Yes, Nehemiah and the people are on a mission for the Lord and He will bring it to completion. However, Nehemiah knows that God has called him to action, to steward opportunities to the best of his ability and to use his skill for the Lord’s purpose. This is evident as Nehemiah consistently prays for the Lord’s blessing and then decisively and strategically organizes the people so that they are prepared, doing everything within his power to ensure their mission is successful.

(Exodus 35:10, 31-35; Job 42:2; Isaiah 14:27; 1 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Peter 4:10, 5:3)

After the wall was completed, Nehemiah had all of the exiles whom returned counted and recorded (census). Documenting the genealogy of the people was in every way re-establishing the Jewish people in their promised land. This was a corporate declaration stating that these are God’s covenant people and this land is part of that covenant relationship. The entire nation gathers together and as Ezra reads the Scriptures (Book of the Law of Moses) from an elevated stage, the people fall under the conviction of the Lord and worship him. A great movement of God is taking place in Jerusalem as the leadership and the people come together in obedience and submission to Him, reinstituting their corporate worship celebrations and feasts. There is great power in God’s word, as well as the obedience to it that flows from the hearts of his people.

(Joshua 1:8; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalm 128:1; Luke 11:28; John 14:21)

The Word of the Lord is piercing the very hearts of the Jewish people, as we see their worship and obedience ultimately leads to conviction and repentance. The people have begun to rebuild their city, they have rededicated themselves to Yahweh, and now they understand the need to acknowledge their past sins in order to move forward. The public reading of the scriptures remind them of not only the longsuffering and steadfast love of God, but also the unfaithfulness of their forefathers and the judgement that came by way of their disobedience. The people, although they returned and are inhabiting their own land, are still under the thumb of a foreign power. None the less, they are convinced that the only way to progress is to turn from their disobedience and turn towards obedience to God (repentance).

(Ezekiel 18:21; Hosea 6:1; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; 1 John 1:9)

What a beautiful and powerful display of faith by a nation of people. All of the Jewish exiles who have returned to the land, now gather together in unison to declare, sign and seal an oath to their God. As a collective people and a nation, they have solemnly vowed to honor the Lord with their lives, to live according to the Law given them through Moses. This corporate display of commitment and accountability stands in contrast to the many years of apostasy which marked Israel’s past. The time had come for many to take ownership in regards to the sin that had been plaguing their nation, thereby bringing repentance and obedience back into a practical way of life. Only a people who seek after God and implement his word in their lives will see a fruitful relationship with their Creator. Nehemiah and the people were not only professing faith in their God, they were putting their faith into action.

(Micah 6:8; Philippians 4:9; Colossians 3:17; James 1:22; 1 John 3:18)

Through a series of events during the last days of Jesus’s earthly life, we witness the power of covenantal grace and redemption versus the darkness of temptation and sin. On one hand we see the Lamb of God preparing to atone for the sins of the world. On the other hand, we notice the weak, depraved and sin-sick state of humanity. Judas Iscariot and Simon Peter were present to experience the miracles of Jesus Christ first-hand, yet both betray their close friend, Rabbi, and Lord. God’s grace is evident in Peter who weeps over his sin and repents. Scripture tells us that it was Satan who influenced Judas (v.3), who ultimately felt guilt but never encountered a changed heart of repentance. Here Luke shines a spotlight on the Savior. The verses go into detail about who the Savior is, how the Savior saves, and just as important, why humanity needs a Savior. All of man-kind has sinned and are in need of grace, which comes through faith in Jesus, the new covenant (v.20). When we profess faith in Christ and we are redeemed into that covenant relationship, we are in fact being set apart and unto Him.

(Romans 3:21-26; Ephesians 2:1-10; 6:10-20; 2 Timothy 2:21; Hebrews 10:10; 1 Peter 2:9)