Today’s reading: Num 14:1–45, John 19:17–42, Ps 14:1–15:5

Today’s theme: The finished work

Today we read the account of Jesus’ crucifixion, suffering and death. This was itself a finished work for the redemption of all God’s elect people, from all nations, tribes, tongues and times, in accordance with God’s plan. As sad as this story is, we know it is not the end of the story and that God was in control through it all, brining His purpose for salvation to pass.

Numbers 14:1–45

God’s glory as a shield

Then all the congregation said to stone them with stones. But the glory of the LORD appeared at the tent of meeting to all the people of Israel. Numbers 14:10 (ESV)

God’s glory was like a shield to faithful Joshua and Caleb. As we stand in faith declaring the truth, God’s glory will be our rear guard. Isa 58:8

Pray the Word

Please pardon the iniquity of this people, according to the greatness of your steadfast love, just as you have forgiven this people, from Egypt until now.” Numbers 14:19 (ESV)

Moses appealed to God’s word (17-18) and to God’s character when interceding for the people. We should use God’s word when we pray also.

Caleb, an example

But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it. Numbers 14:24 (ESV)

Caleb is a great example for all of us, as God’s servants.

John 19:17–42

Jesus crucified

There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. John 19:18 (ESV)

This is a verse to stop and think about. Jesus suffered greatly because of His love for His Father and for humanity. To put these few words in perspective, hear the following from D A Carson…

“Stripped naked and beaten to pulpy weakness (cf. notes on v. 1), the victim could hang in the hot sun for hours, even days. To breathe, it was necessary to push with the legs and pull with the arms to keep the chest cavity open and functioning. Terrible muscle spasm wracked the entire body; but since collapse meant asphyxiation, the strain went on and on.” Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel according to John (p. 610).

God’s plan

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” John 19:28 (ESV)

Jesus was in complete control of His death, it was all a part of God’s plan.

A finished work

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 (ESV)

Jesus’ work on the cross is finished and fully completed. Roman Catholics are wrong in saying that He is crucified again at every communion, or that works must be done to make up for what Jesus has not done.

Psalm 14:1–15:5

Fools!

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good. Psalm 14:1 (ESV)

Atheism is the height of foolishness, the logical mind knows everything could not have come from nothing. Common sense tells us there is a God who created and sustains the Universe.

Sin is universal

They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. Psalm 14:3 (ESV)

Paul addresses this in Romans when he makes plain the universality of sin.

Called to sanctification

who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. Psalm 15:5 (ESV)

We are very much called to sanctification, holy living, walking in faith, love  and self-sacrifice. We cannot think of God’s grace aside from this.

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

Additional resources

CARM on Atheism

Today’s reading: Num 13:1–33, John 18:25–19:16, Ps 13:1–6

Today’s theme: Purpose over position

True faith in God can only be built on a relationship with God, which itself can only grow through experiences and with trusting in God’s word. Like Caleb we should have bold faith in God because of His relationship with us. A lesson we learn from Jesus is that we should prize purpose over position.

Numbers 13:1–33

Lets go up.. NOW!

But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” Numbers 13:30 (ESV)

Caleb’s name means bold, he had bold faith and trust in God and in God’s promises. Through faith he issued a threefold challenge to (1) immediately go up to the land as he had just done, (2) possess the land in line with God’s promise and (3) believe they are well able to through God’s power and presence among them.

For today’s conquest and the advancing of God’s kingdom, we should have direct and bold faith like Caleb and declare that we are able to take all that God has promised and not be afraid to fight.

Don’t be cowardly

So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. Numbers 13:32 (ESV)

As opposed to faith, these men displayed cowardice, dishonesty and no faith in God and His promises. A lesson for us is that if we do not put our trust in God, we will walk in sin and even cause others to sin. Romans 14:23

John 18:25–19:16

Purpose over position

Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. John 18:37–38 (ESV)

Jesus has already made clear that His kingdom is beyond this world and that He is indeed a king, but not in the way the Jewish leaders or the Romans would have perceived Him to be, as the Messiah. Jesus focuses not on the positions men so easily gravitate towards, but focuses on Purpose.

His purpose for coming into the world was to bare witness to the truth and to call those who are on the side of truth, to Himself… moving away from position to purpose. This truth makes Pilate very uncomfortable.

As followers of Jesus let us seek purpose and not position.

Jesus was flogged

Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. John 19:1 (ESV)

Do not read this too quickly, think about what Jesus went through for us.

The Son of God

The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” John 19:7 (ESV)

Further evidence that is clearly understood from Jesus’ time until now is that Jesus was not just a prophet, but the Son of God.

God is Sovereign

Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” John 19:11 (ESV)

Jesus affirms God’s sovereign rule even at the crucifixion. God rules over all political and military powers of the earth. Jesus is the true king.

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 19

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