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Day 50 – Thru the Bible
Today we continue Numbers and Psalms.
Numbers 31 and 32 – The war on the Midianites is referred to as “the Lord’s vengeance” (Numbers 31:3) since this would be their punishment for having seduced the Israelites to be unfaithful to the Lord by worshipping the false god Baal. This unfaithfulness was orchestrated by Baalam.
More importantly, this battle stands as a foretaste of the conquest of Canaan: not one Israelite was lost (Numbers 31:39), and the tribes of Reuben and Gad were allocated land (Numbers 32).
When Israel faces armies within the land, if they are tempted to be afraid, they could look to this past faithfulness of God—His giving them complete victory along with land even outside Canaan—and renew their trust in Him.
As believers, how does looking to the cross of Jesus renew our trust in God’s faithfulness? Hint: Romans 8:32.
Psalm 50 – Speaking on behalf of God, Asaph warns the Old Covenant church to repent of her perfunctory worship or else face judgment. The unrepentant will be proven in a covenant lawsuit to be the “wicked” rather than true disciples. Without negating the sacrificial system, God expresses His greater desire for worshipers who are grateful for salvation. He has no need for food or drink; He wants a heartfelt relationship with His children.
On Mount Sinai God prescribed the sacrificial system, because He knew the law was impossible to keep. The law has always driven sinners to the end of themselves and thus to the sacrifices as means of grace. Offerings which could never save did, however, prepare the way for the slaughter of the last Lamb. Jesus provides this final once-and-for-all sacrifice. The One perfect in beauty and righteousness will generate such beauty and righteousness in us as we seek Him.
How does this Psalm draw you to Jesus in 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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