Today’s reading: Num 11:1–12:16, John 18:1–24, Ps 11:1–12:8

Today’s theme: Unbelief, answered!

Today we learn about how God responds to our doubts, unbelief and prayers said in the flesh.

Numbers 11:1–12:16

Unbelief, answered!

And the LORD said to Moses, “Is the LORD’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not.” Numbers 11:23 (ESV)

In this chapter we see unbelief and discontentment among the people, and doubts from Moses himself.

God shows His ability and power by practically answering Moses’ needs as a leader and answering the evil request of the people, which we see later leads to their judgement and discipline.

We should all proclaim the word

But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” Numbers 11:29 (ESV)

Paul echoes this in 1 Cor 14:39-40.

Answered prayers can be judgement

Then a wind from the LORD sprang up, and it brought quail from the sea and let them fall beside the camp, about a day’s journey on this side and a day’s journey on the other side, around the camp, and about two cubits above the ground. Numbers 11:31 (ESV)

The Spirit was given within the court of the tabernacle, in the clean and holy place, however, the quails fell outside the camp in the area associated with uncleanness and death.

The gift of the Spirit drew men towards God as opposed to the quails which led them away from God.

God may answer our fleshly prayers in judgement which is why we need to pray with clean hearts and by the leading of God’s Spirit. See James 4:3.

Flee sedition

With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” Numbers 12:8 (ESV)

Sedition should have no place in our minds or in the church.

John 18:1–24

The Sovereignty of God

Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” John 18:4 (ESV)

Jesus was in full control of the situation, he knew what would happen… it was not a surprise or a disaster, it was all a part of God’s plan.

A public, not private faith

Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” John 18:20–21 (ESV)

We must remember that our faith is a public faith and a public message, it is not a privately held opinion or worldview. The Gospel, by its nature and claims, is a public story for the whole world to know.

Psalm 11:1–12:8

Biblical creation is our foundation

if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3 (ESV)

This is a key verse when we consider the book of Genesis and the 6-day creation account. If we remove it the foundation of the entire bible and the gospel is removed.

Speak the truth

Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. Psalm 12:2 (ESV)

We should not flatter but speak the truth in love. Eph 4:15

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 18

Today’s reading: Num 10:1–36, John 17:1–26, Ps 10:1–18

Today’s theme: The High Priestly prayer of Jesus

Today we read Jesus’ prayer for His elect and chosen people, the church. It reminds us of the security and assurance we have in Jesus.

Numbers 10:1–36

Two silver trumpets

“Make two silver trumpets. Of hammered work you shall make them, and you shall use them for summoning the congregation and for breaking camp. Numbers 10:2 (ESV)

These two silver trumpets point forward to and are mentioned in the NT, these are the trumpets that will be used to raise the saints from the dead and gather us to the Lord (The Rapture / 2nd Coming). See Matt 24:31, 1 Cor 15:52, also see Rev 8:6 where they are used in Judgement.

John 17:1–26

The High Priestly prayer of Jesus

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, John 17:20 (ESV)

It is so good to know that Jesus’ High Priestly prayer was said for and applies to all Christians of all time, including us. Some of the things covered include our eternal security and election in Jesus, our unity as believers, our endurance under persecution and our sanctification and growth in the truth of God’s Word.

Psalm 10:1–18

The nature of Atheism

In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.” Psalm 10:4 (ESV)

We must recognise Atheism for what it is; wickedness and pride.

God is King

The LORD is king forever and ever; the nations perish from his land. Psalm 10:16 (ESV)

Just like at the end of our reading in Numbers, we can see that the Lord is King and will always be King. He is the sovereign ruler of the universe.

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 17

Today’s reading: Num 8:1–9:23, John 16:5–33, Ps 9:8–20

Today’s theme: The work of the Holy Spirit

Today we read about the wondrous work of the Holy Spirit in bringing conviction of sin, regeneration (salvation) and in teaching and leading the believer. Give God thanks for God the Holy Spirit.

Numbers 8:1–9:23

Set aside for God

“Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the people of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine. Numbers 8:14 (ESV)

Like the Levites, God has called us out to be set aside from the world, so that we can serve Him in His kingdom, for His glory and our joy. (2 Cor 6:17, 1 Peter 2:9 and Rev 1:16).

God is gracious

“Speak to the people of Israel, saying, If any one of you or of your descendants is unclean through touching a dead body, or is on a long journey, he shall still keep the Passover to the LORD. In the second month on the fourteenth day at twilight they shall keep it. They shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Numbers 9:10–11 (ESV)

God is gracious in that He gives the unclean an opportunity, a month later, to observe the passover. This shows how essential the passover was.

God, our guide

At the command of the LORD the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the LORD they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. Numbers 9:18 (ESV)

This was pointing forward to the Holy Spirit guiding us. We shouldn’t make any big moves without God’s guidance.

John 16:5–33

The work of the Holy Spirit

And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: John 16:8 (ESV)

Thank God for the Holy Spirit’s work in the world to convict sinners of sin. Without the drawing of the Holy Spirit, none of us could be saved or truly understand sin, righteousness or judgement.

John 16 tells us that none can be saved without the work of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit, our teacher

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13 (ESV)

Even though we have God’s word in the bible, without the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit, we will never really know God’s truth and revelation through Jesus, as we ought to. God’s Holy Spirit is our guide and teacher.

Pray and receive full joy

Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24 (ESV)

Prayer and making requests to God in Jesus’ name, will make our joy full. You will not enjoy your Christian life without prayer.

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 16

Today’s reading: Num 7:48–89, John 15:1–16:4, Ps 9:1–7

Today’s theme: Abide in Jesus

As mentioned below, to abide in Jesus means to stay, remain, last, persist, continue and to live in Jesus.

Numbers 7:48–89

God’s order

This was the dedication offering for the altar on the day when it was anointed, from the chiefs of Israel: twelve silver plates, twelve silver basins, twelve golden dishes, Numbers 7:84 (ESV)

This reminds us that the number 12 is representative of order and government in the Bible.

Consecration, revelation and relationship

And when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim; and it spoke to him. Numbers 7:89 (ESV)

In response to the 12 days of consecration and offerings, alongside Moses finishing the work of building the tabernacle in obedience, we see God’s self disclosure and revelation of Himself in the new relationship with His people, through Moses as the mediator.

Jesus has fulfilled all of God’s requirements and now makes intimate relationship with God, available to us too. If we do not consecrate our lives to the Lord, it will hinder our communication and relationship with Him.

John 15:1–16:4

Abide in Jesus

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:4 (ESV)

To abide means to stay, remain, last, persist, continue and to live in Jesus. There can be no fruitfulness if we do not stay connected to Jesus, because He is the one with life in Himself. Without His life running trough us by the Holy Spirit, we will have no fruit. We have been called to perseverance and to fruitfulness.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on John 15

Today’s reading: Num 7:1–47, John 14:1–31, Ps 8:1–9

Today’s theme: The exclusive gospel

There are varied lessons in today’s reading including the exclusive nature of the gospel which means in summary that Jesus is the only way.

Numbers 7:1–47

Show unified support

And the LORD said to Moses, “They shall offer their offerings, one chief each day, for the dedication of the altar.” Numbers 7:11 (ESV)

This is a very repetitive part of scripture and it may seem hard to find application. However some important points are illustrated. The leaders all showed equal support for the priesthood and ministry, meaning worship was for and supported by every tribe.

The giving of the gifts is recorded directly after the priestly prayer of blessing we read yesterday as though it is in response to it. This outpouring of generosity in response to God’s blessing will lead to further blessing.

We are all equally called to respond to God’s grace to us by giving our very lives and our money in support of the ministry for God’s glory and our joy.

John 14:1–31

The exclusive gospel

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (ESV)

Jesus’ answer to Thomas is the sum of the exclusive claim of Jesus and the gospel. Jesus is the only way to God because He is the truth (Gods ultimate self revelation) and the life (He has life in Himself and so makes us alive).

This is the solid ground to stand on when sharing the gospel with those from other religions, explaining that no other way will ever work or be sufficient…only Jesus.

Boldly ask

If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. John 14:14 (ESV)

We can boldly ask Jesus in prayer and He will do it. He will do the greater works through and for us.

Evidence of love

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, John 14:15–16 (ESV)

Keeping Jesus’ commands is proof that we really love Him. We keep His commands because we love Him. The desire to keep His commands springs from our love for Him.

The Helper

even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:17 (ESV)

Muslims say this is Mohammed… this is impossible. He was not alive for another 600 years and Jesus said the Helper was already with the disciples and would dwell inside them.

Psalm 8:1–9

Scripture, fulfilled

Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. Psalm 8:2 (ESV)

Fulfilled in Matthew 21:16 when Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

What is man

what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8:4 (ESV)

When we consider the vastness of God’s creation, His power and glory we recognise our insignificance in light of Him. The great question is why has God been so gracious to man? The answer can only be His love demonstrated most clearly by Jesus becoming a man to save us.

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 14