Today’s reading: Num 1:47–2:34, John 11:28–57, Ps 2:1–12

Today’s theme: The King in the midst of His people

One of God’s great purposes is to be The King in the midst of His people. We see this in today’s reading and experience it today in the body of Christ and as believers through God the Holy Spirit. One day we will experience it in a richer way at the second coming when God Himself will dwell with His people.

Numbers 1:47–2:34

Approach God in holiness

But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the people of Israel. And the Levites shall keep guard over the tabernacle of the testimony.” Numbers 1:53 (ESV)

The Levites were not included in the main census as it was concerned with fighting men. The Levites had a special charge over the Tabernacle, to carry it, set it up and guard it. They guarded it from anyone approaching it wrongly. We should still approach God in holiness and reverent fear.

The King in the midst of His people

Thus did the people of Israel. According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so they camped by their standards, and so they set out, each one in his clan, according to his fathers’ house. Numbers 2:34 (ESV)

The camps formation had the tabernacle at the centre, God dwelt in the midst of his people as their King. Jesus came and tabernacled with us as the Word become flesh. He is now in the midst of the church leading His army through the wilderness.

John 11:28–57

An amazing supernatural miracle

The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11:44 (ESV)

Don’t read this lightly, this was an awesome miracle performed by Jesus. It points forward to a day when all who are in the graves will hear His voice. It also shines a light on the way we who are dead in sin are called into life by God.

One new man

and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. John 11:52 (ESV)

Jesus died to make one new people for God consisting of Jews and Gentiles all united by their faith in God through Jesus. One new man. The Church.

Psalm 2:1–12

Jesus in the Psalms

I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Psalm 2:7 (ESV)

This whole psalm points forward to Jesus, the incarnate son of God and the one true King. This points to both Jesus’ 1st and 2nd coming.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on John 11

Today’s reading: Num 1:1–46, John 11:1–27, Ps 1:1–6

Today’s theme: Enjoy God’s Word

There are lots of good lessons today and each can be learned with joy if we remember to delight in (enjoy) God’s law and think over it all day long. Make today a checkpoint for yourself with the bible reading plan, ask yourself if you are enjoying God’s word, if not then ask God to work on the desires of your heart and show you what needs to change.

Numbers 1:1–46

Jesus’ family line

from Judah, Nahshon the son of Amminadab; Numbers 1:7 (ESV)

These two show up in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew.

Judah the tribe of leadership

those listed of the tribe of Judah were 74,600. Numbers 1:27 (ESV)

Judah’s numbers were the largest, making them the most significant and reflecting their role of leadership. This points forward to the fact that Jesus will come from this tribe.

John 11:1–27

Sickness, to the glory of God

But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” John 11:4 (ESV)

This sickness would be used to display Gods glory through Jesus.

The resurrection and the life

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25–26 (ESV)

Without Jesus, resurrection unto eternal life is not possible, He is the only way. We have a great hope for our final resurrection and eternal life in Jesus. Our eternal life starts now!

Psalm 1:1–6

Enjoy God’s Word

but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2 (ESV)

We should enjoy (delight) in God’s word the Bible and think about it all day long.

A fruitful tree

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3 (ESV)

When a tree bears fruit it is not for it’s own benefit but for the benefit of others. Our lives will be a great blessing to others when we feed on the constant supply of God’s word.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on John 11