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Day 48 – Thru the Bible
Today we continue Numbers and Psalms.
Numbers 25 – Shittim was the final campsite before the Israelites crossed the Jordan, and Baal was the main Canaanite fertility god. Israel was constantly tempted to worship Baal.
Though a sad contrast to God’s gracious dealings only moments earlier, the people’s sin in the face of divine blessing is a pattern repeated throughout Scripture and in our own lives.
It is precisely because of the human propensity to sin that the gospel comes to us as truly good news—we are saved by the obedience of Jesus on our behalf (not our own obedience – which is constantly failing), utterly by grace through faith alone (Romans 3:21–24; 5:19–21)! Because of Jesus’ atoning death and righteous fulfillment of the law, our failures in the ongoing battle with sin are not able to thwart God’s resolve to bless us.
How’s does this truth draw you closer to Jesus?
Numbers 26 – The second census, while also numbering those “able to go to war”, is not conducted primarily for the purpose of battle, but rather for the sake of the land inheritance. The hope is so sure that the conquest is already assumed.
This census also reveals that, while the first wilderness generation had died off in judgment, God was faithful to raise up a new generation, with most of the tribes showing an increase in their numbers. Even in the wilderness of their rebellion, as when under Egyptian oppression, God’s people had experienced His blessing of fruitfulness (Genesis 1:28; Exodus 1:7–20).
Because of the emphasis upon God’s sure promise evidenced in this land distribution, we naturally think here of the blessedness of inheriting the new earth (Matthew 5:5; Revelation 21:1–4) and the joys of being numbered among the people of God (Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15).
Knowing that our names are registered in heaven only through the saving death of Jesus (Revelation 21:27), how does that move your heart to respond?
Numbers 27 – Under traditional rules, daughters did not inherit from their father. The father would provide a monetary gift for them when they were married, but his land and other possessions were divided among his sons. If he had no sons, his estate would pass to his nearest male relative.
What is the value we see here as God “breaks” tradition and elevates these women and those who would follow them?
Reminded of his impending death, Moses’ compassionate and selfless plea is for the Lord to provide another leader so that the people would not be left “as sheep that have no shepherd”.
Though having immediate reference to Joshua, how do we see this prayer ultimately answered in Jesus? Hint: Matthew 9:36.
As the Good Shepherd, how does Jesus rescue us? Hint: John 10:11.
Psalm 48 – The people assembled for worship reflect on how God has displayed His steadfast love (grace) in delivering and preserving them as His people. He called them so that His praise might reach to the ends of the earth, that is, so that the Gentiles would come to know Him.
How does this truth move you to worship?
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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