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Day 41 – Thru the Bible
Today we continue Numbers and Psalms.
Numbers 5 – Because a holy God was dwelling among the Israelites, their camp required purification. Therefore, Numbers 5 and 6 deal with the handling of various actual or potential issues of uncleanness.
The church is called to be holy, as a reminder that “nothing unclean will ever enter” the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:27). Even this process, however, is a means of grace from God designed to purify His people and to encourage all to cling more tightly to Christ since our clean state is found in Him alone.
Since we are unable to be purified by our own efforts, how are we purified to enter the new Jerusalem? Hint: Revelation 1:5; 21:27.
Numbers 6 – This chapter ends with the Aaronic blessing. That the Creator dwells among them makes Israel’s lot, even in the wilderness, enviable among the nations (Numbers 24:5). God’s desire to bless His people, despite their sinfulness, is one of the major themes of Numbers.
How do we see the ultimate expression of God’s desire to bless us in the giving of His Son to bear the curse of God’s wrath upon our sin? Hint: Galatians 3:13–14.
How do we see that in reconciling us with God and bringing us near to Him, Jesus Himself is our peace? Hint: Ephesians 2:14–22.
Number 7 – The lengthy, repetitive description of the offerings of the 12 tribes throughout 12 days for the dedication of the altar serves to underscore two points. First, the altar was the focus of worship, where God was encountered through the blood of sacrifice. Second, every tribe of Israel had a vested interest in the worship of God and was responsible to support the ministry. Even these gifts, however, were out of God’s gracious provision, as He enabled the Israelites to “plunder Egypt” upon their deliverance (Exodus 12:35–36).
How has the grace signified by the altar been fulfilled in the New Covenant? Hint: Hebrews 10:19–22.
How do we remember and celebrate what’s been done for us? Hint: Romans 6:3; 1 Corinthians 11:26.
Psalm 41 – Here David voices every person’s need for redeeming grace. All are physically “poor” (v. 1). If that realization does not dawn on us through the “sickbed” (v. 3), it will certainly come whenever we face death (v. 2).
Jesus went about healing in His day to provide a foretaste for what life in His future kingdom would look like (Luke 4:17–19; James 5:15).
How does this realization drive us toward Jesus Who provides ultimate healing on the day of resurrection? Hint: 1 Corinthians 15:52.
As image-bearers of a Trinitarian God, we were made to live in community. But sin has fragmented relationships.
How does Jesus, as One who has suffered, come to the aid of the brokenhearted? Hint: Hebrews 2:17-18.
Jesus also redeems our emotions. Because God was pleased with His Son, He is pleased with those who are united to Him (Matthew 3:17; 17:5).
How does this Psalm help you see Jesus more clearly?
What other thoughts or questions does today’s reading bring up?
Some of these notes are from the ESV Gospel Transformation Bible study notes. We highly recommend this study Bible.
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