Today’s reading: Num 33:50–34:29, 1 Cor 15:35–58, Ps 29:1–11
Today’s theme: Our coming resurrection
We learn many lessons about the reality, nature, hope and sanctifying power of our coming resurrection which will happen for all believers when the King returns.
Numbers 33:50–34:29
Kill sin and cast it out
then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you and destroy all their figured stones and destroy all their metal images and demolish all their high places. Numbers 33:52 (ESV)
God calls on Israel to not only drive the people out of the land but to destroy their idols as well. The main reason these people needed to be driven from the land was because of their idolatry.
Idolatry brings demonic bondage to the idol worshipper. God wanted these false gods/demons cast out of the land so that the trap and alluring temptation of idolatry would be removed from his people. It would allow them to worship the true God without distraction.
We can apply this to our lives by killing sin wherever it is found in us and casting it out, see Galatians 3:5-6.
Deal firmly with sin (including your own)
But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell. Numbers 33:55 (ESV)
When we do not firmly deal with sin in our lives, the compromise we make will become like torment for us. We can not serve two masters (Matthew 6:24).
God’s abundant provision
Moses commanded the people of Israel, saying, “This is the land that you shall inherit by lot, which the LORD has commanded to give to the nine tribes and to the half-tribe. Numbers 34:13 (ESV)
God made abundant provision for Israel. Although they possess much of the land they never possess all of it. Not even in the times of David and Solomon. This points to God’s abundant provision for us in hearing and answering our prayers beyond what we requested, and providing abundantly more than we need or use. See Ephesians 3:20, Romans 8:32 and James 1:5.
Jesus said He has come that we should have an abundant life (John 10:10).
1 Corinthians 15:35–58
Our coming resurrection
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:44 (ESV)
Our future resurrection is not just an idea, it is a reality! We will be raised to life, our new bodies will be empowered by the life giving Spirit of Jesus who was the first to rise from the dead eternally. We will never die again but will become immortal. This is a great hope and we should believe and look forward to it with firm and solid faith.
We won’t just float around as disembodied spirits, no, we will have life. Physical yet spiritual life that will never end. John mentions that this hope will keep us walking in purity in 1 John 3:3.
The Lord’s return
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:52 (ESV)
Those of us who are alive when Jesus returns will have our bodies transformed from mere human bodies to our new resurrected bodies that are immortal. We will then join the Lord along with the saints who will be raised when the Lord returns.
An interesting note is that when we die our spirits go to be with the Lord straight away. When He returns we will all receive the new, eternal resurrection bodies we have longed for.
The sanctifying power of the resurrection
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
Our belief in the resurrection and the rewards that will be given to us in Heaven should spur us on and make us firm in our faith. We should be encouraged in our work for the Lord.
We have assurance that the sacrifices and work done for God and His kingdom are not done in vain and will be richly rewarded. So let’s abound in our work for the Lord and not grow weary in doing well. See Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:13 and Hebrews 12:3.
Psalm 29:1–11
The voice of the Lord
The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters. Psalm 29:3 (ESV)
Jesus is the voice of the Lord, see John 1:1.
King over the storm
The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever. Psalm 29:10 (ESV)
Jesus sits as king, enthroned over every storm and flood. God is sovereign over everything and is still in control in the midst of the storms of life.
Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.