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

Today’s Reading: Exod 7:1–8:32, John 1:35–51, Song 1:8–14

Today’s theme: Jesus, King of Israel

We see the awesome power of God at work in Egypt today which should leave us standing in awe. We agree with the great confession of Nathaniel that Jesus is the promised Messiah King and the Son of God.

Exodus 7:1–8:32

God’s power is greater

For each man cast down his staff, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. Exodus 7:12 (ESV)

God’s power swallows up the enemy’s power.

The plauges

Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said. Exodus 8:19 (ESV)

As the plagues escalate, even the magicians know this is the work of God. Each of the ten plagues judged one of the false gods of Egypt. Unlike Ridley Scott’s recent film which asserts a naturalistic reason for most of the plagues, we know it was the supernatural work of God.

John 1:35–51

Jesus grew up in a rough neighbourhood

Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” John 1:46 (ESV)

This shows that Jesus did not grow up in some prestigious area, but was from the side of town where people say… Oh you live there (like Brixton).

The King of Israel

Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” John 1:49 (ESV)

This great affirmation that Jesus did not deny, proving quite clearly that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the rightful King and above all the Son of God making him equal to God. Jesus received these titles and worship. Jesus is the Son of God!

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

Additional resources

Ligonier devotions from John 1

Today’s reading: Exod 4:1–6:30, John 1:19–34, Song 1:5–7

Today’s theme: Jesus takes sin away

Our reading today helps us to know God more, revealing His attributes, personality and intentions seen most clearly in Jesus. He is the Lamb of God who takes away our sin so we can dwell with God.

Exodus 4:1–6:30

Sovereign over ability

Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” (Exodus 4:11–12, ESV)

God is sovereign over abilities and disabilities in all men. The devil does not afflict people with disability, God is the one who controls this,  so we look to Him.

God has made us and knows us, He knows the gifts and abilities He has given us. However, we still need His help every step of the way which is why it was right for Moses to appeal for help in the traditional way. He does this with His ritual protest and over stated humility.

Be courageous, say yes

But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” (Exodus 4:13, ESV)

Moses, probably gripped by fear, is point blank refusing to heed the Lord’s call here, a bit like Jonah. We need to train our hearts to be courageous and say yes to the Lord.

God’s personal name

I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them. (Exodus 6:3, ESV)

God making himself known by his unique personal name YHWH signifies God opening Himself up to true communication, availability and accessibility to Israel with whom He makes covenant based on this name (God’s names and titles reveal to us who He is).

This name which is explained at the burning bush (I am who I am) is a name that can only be known through experience and walking with God in faith. This is what the Lord invites Moses and the children of Israel to do.

John 1:19–34

The Lamb of God

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29, ESV)

This is what Jesus does, He takes away our sin.

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

Additional resources

My Name Is God Almighty