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

Today’s reading: Num 6:1–27, John 13:21–38, Ps 7:1–17

Today’s theme: Love each other

Jesus gives us a new and important commandant today, we should love each other. Notice love is a command, not a feeling or emotion. It is something that is very practical and connected to the will and the mind. It is the new commandment that Jesus gives to us and expects us to obey. Make the effort and choice to obey Jesus and love your brothers and sisters in the Lord today.

Numbers 6:1–27

Lessons from the Nazarrites

he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried. All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, not even the seeds or the skins. “All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the LORD, he shall be holy. He shall let the locks … Numbers 6:3–8 (ESV)

Any person (not just Levite men like the priests) could become a Nazarite, consecrating a period of time to being set aside for God.

The vow to refrain from wine and strong drink points to the virtue of a life of abstinence from alcohol and God’s desire for them to stand out from those around them.

In the New Testament, limitations regarding alcoholic consumption are among the qualifications for Elders (Pastors) and Deacons. Drunkenness is the negative comparison to being filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18; 1 Cor 6:10).

A special prayer

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26 (ESV)

What a wonderful prayer. We should pray for God’s abundant and gracious blessings which are expressed in fruitfulness over the lives of our fellow believers. We should also pray that our brothers and sisters remain in the special peace that is only available in Jesus (John 14:27).

John 13:21–38

Love each other

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34–35 (ESV)

We should love one another with the same selflessness, service and sacrifice displayed by Jesus. This is the mark of authentic discipleship and the loudest declaration to the surrounding world that we belong to God. This love is foundational to the church and true Christianity, we must have it and pursue it!

Psalm 7:1–17

God, the righteous judge

God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day. Psalm 7:11 (ESV)

God is not just a judge but is the righteous judge. He cannot turn a blind eye to sin. This is why we need the Gospel.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on John 13

Today’s reading: Num 5:1–31, John 13:1–20, Ps 6:1–10

Today’s theme: Our loving example

Jesus taught us a great lesson on love, service and humility by washing the disciples’ (including Judas’) feet. He calls us to walk in this type of supernatural love.

Numbers 5:1–31

Don’t break trust in God

“Speak to the people of Israel, When a man or woman commits any of the sins that people commit by breaking faith with the LORD, and that person realizes his guilt, Numbers 5:6 (ESV)

If we break faith with God it is itself a sin and leads unto more sin. It is like a type of adultery to turn our backs on the Lord and withdraw our trust from Him.

John 13:1–20

Our loving example

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, John 13:3 (ESV)

Jesus, knowing who He is, where He has come from and where He is going to, makes His humble act of service even more remarkable. Jesus even washed Judas’ feet. This displayed His love and gave us an example to follow.

Don’t have false security in activity

I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ John 13:18 (ESV)

Jesus chose Judas to be a disciple knowing all things. He knew that Judas would choose to betray Him regardless of all the love shown to him by Jesus. This shows that someone being called or chosen for ministry, or used for God’s purpose does not equate to or guarantee that that person has been elected to eternal salvation.

Psalm 6:1–10

Pray for the persecuted

All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment. Psalm 6:10 (ESV)

We can use this scripture as we pray for persecuted Christians.

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 13

Today’s reading: Num 3:40–4:49, John 12:20–50, Ps 5:1–12

Today’s theme: Be God centered

A simple lesson among many others today is that we should lead God centered lives as opposed to self centered lives. Take time to pause and consider this truth in line with the reading today.

Numbers 3:40–4:49

Jesus had a priestly ministry

from thirty years old up to fifty years old, all who can come on duty, to do the work in the tent of meeting. Numbers 4:3 (ESV)

Jesus also began his ministry at the age of 30 just like the Levite priests (this is repeated throughout the chapter).

The priesthood of all believers

According to the commandment of the LORD through Moses they were listed, each one with his task of serving or carrying. Thus they were listed by him, as the LORD commanded Moses. Numbers 4:49 (ESV)

We are priests now in God’s Kingdom and each of us have a burden to bear and tasks to perform.

John 12:20–50

From sacrifice comes fruit

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. John 12:24 (ESV)

Jesus is speaking of Himself as the seed through His sacrificial death on the cross and subsequent resurrection, we receive life. Another lesson to learn from this is that we should also make sacrifices for the benefit of others.

Be God centered, not self centered

Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:25 (ESV)

Jesus, using His own self sacrifice as the example, makes a call to discipleship and faith. Our culture tells us to love ourselves, have self esteem and to think highly of ourselves while pursuing the western dream of success. However, to live with that mentality is to fundamentally deny the sovereignty and rule of God in our lives. We are effectively elevating ourselves to God in our own minds. Instead Jesus calls us to make God the center of our lives rather than focusing on our own self interests.

Serve Jesus

If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:26 (ESV)

We can be rewarded with a lasting, eternal honour by serving Jesus rather than serving ourselves. We must die to the desires of our flesh.

The work of the cross

Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. John 12:31 (ESV)

So much happened at the cross, the world is judged, Satan is dethroned and salvation is made available to all who are drawn to it.

Accept the words of Jesus

If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. John 12:47 (ESV)

Jesus came to save the world but rejection of Jesus’ words brings judgement. Acceptance of His words brings life.

Psalm 5:1–12

God hates the wicked

For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. Psalm 5:4–6 (ESV)

This is a very important and serious passage, it lets us know about God’s relationship to wickedness and evil:
1. He does not delight in it;
2. It may not dwell in His presence;
3. God does not “love the sinner but hate the sin”. This passage states that God hates evildoers (not hates evil but the doers of evil) and will destroy liars (not lies but those who tell lies);
4. God abhours people who are blood thirsty. He groups them with those who are deceitful, deceit and murderous intent are both abhorrent.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on John 12