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Day 42 – Thru the Bible
Today we continue Numbers and Psalms.
Numbers 8 – The Levites (priests) themselves were part of the offerings given for the tabernacle service.
How does their ministry point us to God’s provision of Jesus as the worship leader of the church? Hint: Hebrews 8:1–2
How does Jesus provide all the gifts for holy life and ministry? Ephesians 4:7–16.
Numbers 9 – Keeping the Passover before setting out from Sinai serves to situate afresh the wilderness march within the gracious context of the exodus deliverance out of Egypt, which the Passover commemorates. As something of a continuation of the exodus journey, the Lord once more guides His people with a cloud by day and fire by night.
In the New Testament, how do the apostles remind us that our journey in sanctification through the wilderness of this age is by the ongoing grace of God? Hint: Romans 6:6–7; Galatians 3:3; 1 Corinthians 10:1–2, 11; 15:10; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 1:29)
Number 10 – The trumpet blasts for both worship and war, along with the battle order of the tribes, once more portray the people of God in the wilderness as an army marching out for warfare. While their enemies are strong, it is the Lord Himself, symbolized by the ark, who goes before Israel, scattering His and their enemies. God provides whatever victory comes.
Like Israel, how do we too have the promise of Jesus’ triumphant presence along with the assurance that He will subdue all of His and our enemies? Hint: Matthew 28:16–20 Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 15:25.
Thankfully, the primary way Jesus subdues His enemies is by His saving grace (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 2:1–10). For when we were His enemies He suffered to win us back (Romans 5:6–11).
What will be the fate of those who remain His enemies? Hint: 2 Thess. 1:5–10.
Psalm 42 – The sons of Korah refer to God with three names rich in redemptive significance: God, salvation, and rock. Because this God is living, the psalmist hopes that his thirst for satisfaction in worship will be quenched – he seeks true joy. The particular aspect of “salvation” that the psalmist pines for is the very presence of God. And the psalmist mourns for a “rock” to give stability to his life.
How does Jesus bring us joy? Hint: John 15:11; 17:13.
How does Jesus promise His presence? Hint: Matthew 28:20.
How is Jesus our Rock? Hint: Matthew 7:24, 21:42; Ephesians 2:13–22.
If we suffer from spiritual depression, we can find relief in the Savior anticipated in this psalm. We must call our souls to build their confidence on the living Rock who stabilizes, protects, and provides the only true basis for joy.
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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