Verse of the Day (September 11, 2020) #BMSeminary – In their ascent to Jerusalem, pilgrims traveled dangerous roads and pathways. Their confidence along the way was focused on the destination point—not merely the “hills” (v. 1) where Jerusalem lay but more importantly the God of those hills and of that city. For this was the covenant God who had promised his people his care, provision, and protection as they walked faithfully with him. Indeed, their help came from the Lord, Yahweh, the God who made the heavens and the earth (v. 2). As they traveled uncertain paths, they knew his presence would never fail (vv. 3–4). Day and night, he would watch over them (vv. 5–6). As people traveled down the Jordan Valley southwards and then turned west to ascend the steep roadway to Jerusalem, the sun would be to their left side. The Lord, then, was likened to the shade on their right hand (v. 5), where comfort and protection was felt. God would keep them from danger as they traveled to and then from the city of God, and throughout all the days of their lives (vv. 7–8). We see, then, the covenant care and grace of God toward his people. As they follow faithfully in his ways, and do what he has called them to do, they can be assured of his watchful presence. The good news of God’s grace toward his people, then, involves not only their past—i.e., forgiveness of sin—but also their futures—i.e., trusting his watchful care of their lives daily as they walk by faith in his power, his promise, and his presence. For we have been united to Christ, whose invincible care for us will never fail—“from this time forth and forevermore” (v. 8; cf. Heb. 13:5–8). [Gospel Transformation Study Bible]
Verse of the Day (September 11, 2020) #BMSeminary – In their ascent to Jerusalem, pilgrims traveled dangerous roads and pathways. Their confidence along the way was focused on the destination point—not merely the “hills” (v. 1) where Jerusalem lay but more importantly the God of those hills and of that city. For this was the covenant God who had promised his people his care, provision, and protection as they walked faithfully with him. Indeed, their help came from the Lord, Yahweh, the God who made the heavens and the earth (v. 2). As they traveled uncertain paths, they knew his presence would never fail (vv. 3–4). Day and night, he would watch over them (vv. 5–6). As people traveled down the Jordan Valley southwards and then turned west to ascend the steep roadway to Jerusalem, the sun would be to their left side. The Lord, then, was likened to the shade on their right hand (v. 5), where comfort and protection was felt. God would keep them from danger as they traveled to and then from the city of God, and throughout all the days of their lives (vv. 7–8). We see, then, the covenant care and grace of God toward his people. As they follow faithfully in his ways, and do what he has called them to do, they can be assured of his watchful presence. The good news of God’s grace toward his people, then, involves not only their past—i.e., forgiveness of sin—but also their futures—i.e., trusting his watchful care of their lives daily as they walk by faith in his power, his promise, and his presence. For we have been united to Christ, whose invincible care for us will never fail—“from this time forth and forevermore” (v. 8; cf. Heb. 13:5–8). [Gospel Transformation Study Bible]
Baptist Ministerial Seminary 