Today’s reading: Exod 19:1–20:26, John 4:1–26, Song 2:14–17

Today’s theme: Living Waters

Today we hear about the living water that Jesus makes available to all those who put their trust in Him, the living waters of both eternal life and God the Holy Spirit.

Exodus 19:1–20:26

God’s treasured possession

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; Exodus 19:5 (ESV)

This is beautiful. As we look from God’s perspective, we can see the dual reality of God’s ownership and care for all the earth and His particular special care for Israel.

This also gives us a glimpse of how God relates to His elect people, the bride of Christ, and how in light of this, we should think and feel about the Lord. He should be our most precious treasure.

The most important command

“You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3 (ESV)

The first, greatest and most important commandment. God should be the only God in our lives. God rightly has His glory uppermost in His affections, to Him belongs all glory.

Six literal days

For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Exodus 20:11 (ESV)

Many say that the days of creation, in Genesis, are just poetical and represent ages… really?… Well this scripture which is directly from the Lord, clarifies that  God created the world in six literal days.

John 4:1–26

Living water

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13–14 (ESV)

This is a declaration by Jesus that He is the promised Messiah (“I will”). The living, rushing water that satisfies eternally are the joint gifts of the Holy Spirit and eternal life, which Jesus offers to all who would come and drink.

Song of Solomon 2:14–17

Those little foxes

Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.” Song of Solomon 2:15 (ESV)

Small compromises that slowly destroy your life.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on John 4

Today’s reading: Exod 16:1–18:27, John 3:22–36, Song 2:8–13

Today’s theme: Prepared to lead

God was preparing Joshua to lead by exposing him to the power and authority of His Word. We see the perfect example of leadership in Jesus who secures eternal salvation for all those who trust in Him through His own servant like leadership. He offers himself as the payment for our sins. The servant like leadership of Jesus is only possible through and motivated by God’s love.

Exodus 16:1–18:27

Prepared to lead

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” Exodus 17:14 (ESV)

The Lord was preparing Joshua to lead. Without God’s Word, leadership will always be lacking.

God’s mighty acts

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.” (Exodus 18:11, ESV)

The testimony of the Lord’s mighty acts increased and defined Jethro’s faith in Him.

John 3:22–36

Have eternal life

The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.(John 3:35–36, ESV)

We have (not will get one day but have it now) eternal life if we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ . This eternal security finds its roots in the Father’s love for the Son.

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

Additional resources

Albert Mohler on Leadership part 1 and 2

Today’s reading: Exod 14:1–15:27, John 3:1–21, Song 2:4–7

Today’s theme: The Gospel summarised

Today’s reading includes one of the most famous verses in the Bible, John 3:16. The passage this verse belongs to is one of the best summaries of the gospel found in the New Testament.

Exodus 14:1–15:27

Stand firm

And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. Exodus 14:13 (ESV)

We know that God fights our battles. All we need to do is stand firm on our faith like we are encouraged to in Ephesians 6.

There is no one like the Lord

“Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? Exodus 15:11 (ESV)

Hallelujah, there is no one like the Lord!

John 3:1–21

The Holy Spirit’s work of regeneration

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (ESV)

We cannot control or manipulate the saving work of the Holy Spirit which brings regeneration in the heart causing us to be born again.

Jesus, lifted up on the cross

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14–15 (ESV)

This is talking about being lifted up on the cross, not lifted up in praise.

The Gospel, summarised

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (ESV)

This verse down to verse 21 is a great summary of the gospel message.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on John 3

The Gospel Coalition on John 3

Today’s reading: Exod 11:1–13:22, John 2:13–25, Song 2:1–3

Today’s theme: The blood of Jesus

Today we see the blood of the Passover and rejoice that it points forward to the blood Jesus shed for His people to save us and reconcile us to God.

Exodus 11:1–13:22

God’s elect people

But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’ (Exodus 11:7, ESV)

God makes clear distinctions between his elect and the rest of the world.

Saved by the blood

The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. (Exodus 12:13, ESV)

This points forward to the blood of Jesus which, when applied to our lives as disciples, causes God’s anger and judgement for sin to pass over us.

John 2:13–25

The one story

The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. (John 2:13, ESV)

Amazing how well linked this Bible reading plan is. We read all about the Passover today in the Old Testament passage and now this is how the New Testament passage opens. The Bible contains one overarching story and message. Central to this is Jesus as the fulfilment of the Passover lamb to bring reconciliation to God and the hope of salvation to man.

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

Additional resources

 The Gospel Coalition on Exodus 12

Today’s reading: Exod 9:1–10:29, John 2:1–12, Song 1:15–17

Today’s theme: King over every ruler

The miracles God performs through us, His people should always point back to Him and ignite the flame of faith in Him to those who see His miracle working power.

Exodus 9:1–10:29

God’s fame

But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16 (ESV)

God showing his Sovereign rule and authority, He even uses evil rulers to accomplish His purposes and spread His fame.

John 2:1–12

The purpose of miracles

This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. John 2:11 (ESV)

Miracles should always point to faith in Jesus.

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

Additional resources

Obedient Son, Ultimate Purifier, All-Providing Bridegroom