Today’s reading: Num 16:1–50, John 21:1–25, Ps 17:1–15

Today’s theme: Stand in the gap

Today we learn about the need and efficacy of intercessory prayer. As we heed the call to prayer we must remember to turn aside to eat and fellowship with the incomprehensible Jesus.

Numbers 16:1–50

The sin of sedition

Therefore it is against the LORD that you and all your company have gathered together. What is Aaron that you grumble against him?” Numbers 16:11 (ESV)

Rebellion will often try to disguise itself in some altruistic form, claiming the good or rights of the people. In fact it is self centered, perceived gain that is at it’s heart.

In this case Korah and his company claimed that all God’s people are holy and so any can serve in the priesthood. We see this sort of rebellion against church leadership today and although we do believe in the priesthood of all believers we must not give way to anarchy and sedition. The church has a structure and positions which must be respected, each member serving and doing it’s part.

This seditious rebellion is mentioned again in Jude 11. Sedition towards God’s appointed leaders is rebellion against God Himself.

Intercessory prayer

And they fell on their faces and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be angry with all the congregation?” Numbers 16:22 (ESV)

Israel is again saved by the intercession of Moses. He first acknowledges God as Sovereign Creator with the rights of life and death over all His creatures. He then appeals to God’s mercy and grace.

Separation and sanctification

And he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart, please, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be swept away with all their sins.” Numbers 16:26 (ESV)

Moses warns the people to separate themselves from these rebellious and wicked men or suffer the contamination and destruction the men have brought on themselves.

This theme of separation and sanctification is picked up many times in the New Testament. We are told as God’s people to have nothing to do with those causing division and walking in rebellion.

See 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, Galatians 5:9, 2 Timothy 3:5, Titus 3:10 and also 2 Corinthians 6:17.

Stand in the gap

And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped. Numbers 16:48 (ESV)

Jesus is our high priest and like Aaron He stays the plague of death by his intercession for us, He stands between the dead and the living. This also points to the importance of intercessory prayer. We can stop something in its tracks and stand in the gap.

John 21:1–25

Come and eat with Jesus

Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. John 21:12 (ESV)

Jesus remained in the place of service to His disciples even after his resurrection. Jesus wants us to come and eat with Him, He has prepared breakfast we should come and eat. Notice Jesus’ public ministry in John begins at a feast and ends at one.

The incomprehensible Jesus

Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25 (ESV)

DA Carson comments well on this verse saying… “The Jesus to whom he bears witness is not only the obedient Son and the risen Lord, He is the incarnate Word, the one through whom the universe was created. If all His deeds were described, the world would be a very small and inadequate library indeed. Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel according to John (p. 686).

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 21