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

Today’s reading: Num 3:1–39, John 12:1–19, Ps 3:1–4:8

Today’s theme: God is our shield

We are called to be God’s special guards like the Levities defending the faith once, for all time delivered to the Saints. In this we can rejoice that our God who puts joy in our hearts is our shield and reward too

Numbers 3:1–39

Guard the faith

They shall keep guard over him and over the whole congregation before the tent of meeting, as they minister at the tabernacle. Numbers 3:7 (ESV)

Throughout this chapter we read about the Levites duty to guard the tabernacle and kill offenders as well as carrying, dismantling and building it. As Christians we are a royal priesthood to God. We must defend the faith, killing all false teachings etc and minister in the body of Christ (Jude 3, Phil 1:27, 1 Peter 2:9).

John 12:1–19

Worship and justice

For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” John 12:8 (ESV)

We should never allow ourselves to exchange extravagant devotion and worship to Jesus with the pursuit of social justice. Instead one should not be done without the other.

Psalm 3:1–4:8

God is our shield

But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3:3 (ESV)

In the middle of hostility we can take comfort in remembering that God is our shield, protecting us from the enemy. We can also be glad that God is our treasure and great reward.

Joy from and in God

You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. Psalm 4:7 (ESV)

There is a lot of good to think over in this Psalm. Verse 3 reminds us that God has set us apart while verse 4 reminds us not to sin when we are angry.

This verse reminds us that our true joy is to be found in God. He puts more satisfaction and joy in our hearts than anything of this world. Jesus said He wanted our joy to be full.

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 12

Today’s reading: Num 1:47–2:34, John 11:28–57, Ps 2:1–12

Today’s theme: The King in the midst of His people

One of God’s great purposes is to be The King in the midst of His people. We see this in today’s reading and experience it today in the body of Christ and as believers through God the Holy Spirit. One day we will experience it in a richer way at the second coming when God Himself will dwell with His people.

Numbers 1:47–2:34

Approach God in holiness

But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the people of Israel. And the Levites shall keep guard over the tabernacle of the testimony.” Numbers 1:53 (ESV)

The Levites were not included in the main census as it was concerned with fighting men. The Levites had a special charge over the Tabernacle, to carry it, set it up and guard it. They guarded it from anyone approaching it wrongly. We should still approach God in holiness and reverent fear.

The King in the midst of His people

Thus did the people of Israel. According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so they camped by their standards, and so they set out, each one in his clan, according to his fathers’ house. Numbers 2:34 (ESV)

The camps formation had the tabernacle at the centre, God dwelt in the midst of his people as their King. Jesus came and tabernacled with us as the Word become flesh. He is now in the midst of the church leading His army through the wilderness.

John 11:28–57

An amazing supernatural miracle

The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11:44 (ESV)

Don’t read this lightly, this was an awesome miracle performed by Jesus. It points forward to a day when all who are in the graves will hear His voice. It also shines a light on the way we who are dead in sin are called into life by God.

One new man

and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. John 11:52 (ESV)

Jesus died to make one new people for God consisting of Jews and Gentiles all united by their faith in God through Jesus. One new man. The Church.

Psalm 2:1–12

Jesus in the Psalms

I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Psalm 2:7 (ESV)

This whole psalm points forward to Jesus, the incarnate son of God and the one true King. This points to both Jesus’ 1st and 2nd coming.

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 11

Today’s reading: Num 1:1–46, John 11:1–27, Ps 1:1–6

Today’s theme: Enjoy God’s Word

There are lots of good lessons today and each can be learned with joy if we remember to delight in (enjoy) God’s law and think over it all day long. Make today a checkpoint for yourself with the bible reading plan, ask yourself if you are enjoying God’s word, if not then ask God to work on the desires of your heart and show you what needs to change.

Numbers 1:1–46

Jesus’ family line

from Judah, Nahshon the son of Amminadab; Numbers 1:7 (ESV)

These two show up in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew.

Judah the tribe of leadership

those listed of the tribe of Judah were 74,600. Numbers 1:27 (ESV)

Judah’s numbers were the largest, making them the most significant and reflecting their role of leadership. This points forward to the fact that Jesus will come from this tribe.

John 11:1–27

Sickness, to the glory of God

But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” John 11:4 (ESV)

This sickness would be used to display Gods glory through Jesus.

The resurrection and the life

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25–26 (ESV)

Without Jesus, resurrection unto eternal life is not possible, He is the only way. We have a great hope for our final resurrection and eternal life in Jesus. Our eternal life starts now!

Psalm 1:1–6

Enjoy God’s Word

but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2 (ESV)

We should enjoy (delight) in God’s word the Bible and think about it all day long.

A fruitful tree

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3 (ESV)

When a tree bears fruit it is not for it’s own benefit but for the benefit of others. Our lives will be a great blessing to others when we feed on the constant supply of God’s word.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on John 11

Today’s reading: Lev 26:1–27:34, John 10:22–42, Song 8:10–14

Today’s theme: Jesus, equal to God

Today’s theme looks at the conditional promises found in God’s word and His desire to preserve covenant relationship. However, the most important lesson is that Jesus declares Himself as both Messiah and as equal to God.

Leviticus  26:1–27:34

Conditional blessings

“If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, Leviticus 26:3 (ESV)

God’s blessings are conditional (notice the word “if”).

Covenant relationship

then I will walk contrary to you in fury, and I myself will discipline you sevenfold for your sins. Leviticus 26:28 (ESV)

Although the blessings are conditional, the relationship of God with His chosen people, is not. This is why the curses are spoken of as discipline for sin, they are not simply cut off – the same applies to us.

John 10:22–42

Jesus the Messiah

Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, John 10:25 (ESV)

Jesus has already made clear that He is the Messiah.

Eternal security

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28 (ESV)

We have eternal security in Jesus.

Jesus, equal to God

The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” John 10:33 (ESV)

Jesus said He and the Father are one, this makes Jesus equal to God.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on John 10

Today’s reading: Lev 23:1–25:55, John 10:1–21, Song 8:6–9

Today’s theme: Jesus, Lamb and Shepherd

Today we read about Jesus as our Passover Lamb and then we go on to read about Him as the Good Shepherd, who effectually calls and cares for His own elect sheep, saving us from the thief and giving us eternal security though the laying down of His own life for us.

Leviticus 23:1–25:55

Jesus, the Passover Lamb

In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight, is the LORD’s Passover. Leviticus 23:5 (ESV)

Jesus was the fulfilment of the Passover, being the true Passover Lamb.

Atoned by the work of Jesus

And you shall not do any work on that very day, for it is a Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God. Leviticus 23:28 (ESV)

We are atoned for, not by any work we can do, but by what Jesus did on the cross on the ultimate day of atonement.

The seriousness of sin

And speak to the people of Israel, saying, Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin. Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death. Leviticus 24:15–16 (ESV)

The consequences of sin are very real and God is a righteous judge, which is why we are called to walk in holiness. We so desperately need God’s mercy, grace and Holy Spirit.

God’s plan for business

You shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God, for I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 25:17 (ESV)

We should be honest in business.

God’s own land

“The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me. Leviticus 25:23 (ESV)

The land of Israel belongs to God in a special way.

Jesus, incarnate to redeem us

or his uncle or his cousin may redeem him, or a close relative from his clan may redeem him. Or if he grows rich he may redeem himself. Leviticus 25:49 (ESV)

Jesus became a man (the incarnation of God the Son) in order to redeem us, by becoming our relative in the family of humanity.

John 10:1–21

God’s effectual call

To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. John 10:3 (ESV)

God knows who His sheep are and He has called each of us personally, through the Gospel. God’s call is not a gentle whisper or general in anyway, it is firm, strong, powerful, personal and irresistible, or to summarise it; His call is effectual in making His chosen sheep alive and leading them forward.

The thief

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 (ESV)

Jesus mentions the thieves as those who came before Him (verse 8), these are likely false Messiahs and we still see them today, in false religions and in humanist politicians who are in a sense, false Messiahs.

They are all representatives of the true thief, satan. Jesus is the only one who truly cares for the sheep and seeks their greatest joy. We should trust Him as our good shepherd, believing that He has the best for us.

The Good Shepherd

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:14–15 (ESV)

Jesus intimately knows who His sheep are, they are His elect and He demonstrates His love for them by laying down His life for them. This is a two way relationship, we know Him intimately because He loves us and chose 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 10

Today’s reading: Lev 20:1–22:33, John 9:35–41, Song 8:1–5

Today’s theme: The Light

Jesus brings light and He is light. If you go back to John chapter 1, you will see that the theme is not the word, but the Light. God is Light and there is no darkness in Him, it is the light of God that brings life, warmth, revelation and judgement. It is God’s light of revelation in His law that gives a clear distinction and definition of sexual sin, as seen in today’s reading.

Today we should give God thanks for the light of His Word, God the Holy Spirit and even the true church, as we shine in this dark world to the glory of God.

Leviticus 20:1–22:33

Don’t sacrifice your children

“Say to the people of Israel, Any one of the people of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones. Leviticus 20:2 (ESV)

This still happens today and even in the sanitised West, we sacrifice our children by exposing them to the evil in the media and sacrificing them on the altar of our careers or convenience.

The penalty for adultery

“If a man commits adultery with the wife of his neighbor, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. Leviticus 20:10 (ESV)

This shows that in the case where the woman was caught in the act of adultery, the man was allowed to escape because the leaders were just trying to catch Jesus out and had themselves, fallen away from keeping the law in truth.

Homosexuality, a clear sin

If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. Leviticus 20:13 (ESV)

God always speaks of homosexuality in the strongest terms, we should not capitulate to the pressures of modernity and the fierce onslaught from the secular humanist elites, who seek to force their twisted view of scripture and the world on everyone, with tyrannical force and intolerance.

The high priest should not tear his clothes

“The priest who is chief among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil is poured and who has been consecrated to wear the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose nor tear his clothes. Leviticus 21:10 (ESV)

The high priest broke this law in the mock trial of Jesus.

Jesus, the perfect sacrifice

And when anyone offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to the LORD to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering from the herd or from the flock, to be accepted it must be perfect; there shall be no blemish in it. Leviticus 22:21 (ESV)

This (and all references like it) points forward to Jesus as our perfect sacrifice, without blemish, and to the Holiness of God.

John 9:35–41

Jesus receives worship

He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. John 9:38 (ESV)

Jesus as God incarnate, receives this worship.

The Light

Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” John 9:39 (ESV)

Jesus is the light of the world, by virtue of the light coming in darkness, those in spiritual blindness will see.

Light brings judgement, I cannot discern where I am or what I should do without light. Jesus by virtue of bringing the light of the Gospel, brings clear judgement to those who choose to reject the light and cleave to darkness.

The light coming on shows up those who claim to have sight, but really do not.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on John 9

Today’s reading: Lev 17:1–19:37, John 9:13–34, Song 7:10–13

Today’s theme: God’s order for society

Today we read about God’s plan for relationships, family, community and the wider society. In places where there is freedom today, the principles of the laws are founded on God’s order, however governments are moving further and further away from God’s design which will only lead to misery, judgement and the breakdown of society.

Leviticus 17:1–19:37

Idolatry is demonic

So they shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to goat demons, after whom they whore. This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations. Leviticus 17:7 (ESV)

The cults of the near east at this time were nothing short of witchcraft and Satanism, involving the direct worship of demons and Satan himself (under various pseudo names). Therefore the admonition against idolatry was a serious one, because when God’s people went astray, it was not a momentary flirting with sin, it was full-on adultery with God’s enemy.

Jesus gave his life / blood

For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. Leviticus 17:11 (ESV)

When Jesus shed His blood, He gave His life for us. It is by His blood that atonement is made for our sins.

God’s order for relationships

“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 18:2 (ESV)

God prepares to speak concerning sexual relationships by declaring that He is “the Lord your God”. It is in light of our relationship with and worship of God that we should have and pursue godly and pure relationships in marriage, family and community.

John the Baptist knew God’s good law

You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife; it is your brother’s nakedness. Leviticus 18:16 (ESV)

John the Baptist had to deal with this, with Herod.

The abomination of Homosexuality

You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. Leviticus 18:22 (ESV)

Homosexuality is an abomination before God.

God’s plan for the family

Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and you shall keep my Sabbaths: I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:3 (ESV)

Family is at the heart of society, this is why it is one of the first things that God addresses and the first thing that the devil attacks. Even today’s political agendas with same sex marriage etc. are an attack on the heart of society –  the family.

God’s plan for social care

And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:10 (ESV)

In all the wealth of the Western world, we should remember the poor. God’s model for society and social care is best.

Be frank and reasonable

“You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbour, lest you incur sin because of him. Leviticus 19:17 (ESV)

We are called to be open and honest.

The golden rule

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18 (ESV)

This is the great command revived and emphasised by Jesus as being a summary of the law, alongside the command to treasure God above all.

Honour the elderly

“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:32 (ESV)

It is the opposite in today’s society, were some cannot wait to get the elderly out of the way. We need God to change our hearts and minds.

John 9:13–34

Hold on to your testimony

He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” John 9:25 (ESV)

No one can take away your testimony of what Jesus has done for you.

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

Additional resources

Christian Concern – Our Concerns

Desiring God on Social Issues