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