Today’s reading: Exod 24:1–25:40, John 4:43–54, Song 3:3–5

Today’s theme: The heavenly pattern

We see today that the blood of the covenant and the very specific design and purpose of the Tabernacle, pointed towards God the Son, who came to tabernacle and dwell with us in a tent of flesh, to make reconciliation between God and His people. We also learn a very important lesson about heartfelt generosity, true faith and fidelity.

Exodus 24:1–25:40

The blood of the covenant

And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.” Exodus 24:8 (ESV)

This points towards the blood of Jesus, shed for the new covenant.

Be generous

“Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me. Exodus 25:2 (ESV)

Our hearts should be open and generous in giving to the Lord, don’t just give 10% like a begrudged tax! We should genuinely be moved in our hearts to give.

The tabernacle points to Jesus

And see that you make them after the pattern for them, which is being shown you on the mountain. Exodus 25:40 (ESV)

Hebrews 8:5 tells us that the very pattern and design of the tabernacle pointed towards Jesus and the true tabernacle in heaven.

John 4:43–54

The lowest quality of faith

So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” John 4:48 (ESV)

This is the lowest quality of faith, we should always take God at His word.

Song of Solomon 3:3–5

There is a time for intimate love

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases. Song of Solomon 3:5 (ESV)

We must boldly tell our children that they should not be in an intimate and sexual relationship until they are married.

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

Additional resources

TGC on John 4

Today’s reading: Exod 21:1–23:33, John 4:27–42, Song 3:1–2

Today’s theme: Human Trafficking

For many years, European imperialists would grossly distort the bible to justify slavery when in fact, the bible specifically speaks against the type of slavery which defined the Atlantic Slave Trade (1508 – 1838), where men were stolen from their homes and sold like cattle.

God says that this type of human trafficking is worthy of death and is a great sin.

The types of slavery found in bible times were nothing like this abusive and perverted form of slavery.

This destroys the argument that Christianity is the “white man’s” religion or that the bible is a tool for control and tyranny.

Today as Christians, we must take a stand against human trafficking, in all its modern forms.

Human Trafficking

“Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death. Exodus 21:16 (ESV)

The stealing of men from Africa, for sale in the European and American slave trade, was an abomination before God.

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

Additional resources

TGC on Human Trafficking 

 

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