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Day 51 – Thru the Bible
Today we near the end of Numbers and continue in Psalms.
Numbers 33 – Recounting the journey functions as Israel’s testimony to the faithfulness of God, who led them as their Shepherd throughout the 40 years of the wilderness era—a fitting acknowledgment on the brink of entering the Promised Land. This backward glance at God’s dealings in history served to bolster Israel’s embrace of what God was about to do.
Where do we see this 40 years in the wilderness represented in Jesus’ life? Hint: Matthew 4:1-2.
Numbers 34 – In His amazing love, God gives His people something of a literary tour of the Promised Land, cleared of all wickedness and profanation, with visually “tangible” features by which to stir their hearts for life beyond the wilderness.
Where in the New Testament, in much the same way, does God gives us a symbolic survey of our inheritance (also cleared of all wickedness and profanation)? Hint: Revelation 21:8–22:5.
How does this glimpse of the new heaven and earth stir our hearts to seek those things above, where Jesus is (see Colossians 3:1), as we persevere through this wilderness age?
Where is our true citizenship? Hint: Philippians 3:20.
Psalm 51 – That David’s personal confession of adultery and murder (see 2 Samuel 11 – 12) could be turned into a divinely inspired congregational hymn proves that “whoever comes” to Jesus will never be “cast out” (John 6:37). After Nathan’s rebuke, David went straight to the Lord, who had revealed Himself as “merciful” and “abounding in steadfast love” (Exodus 34:6). David’s Psalm is no proposal for rehabilitation, only a plea for cleansing (Titus 3:5).
Only God can qualify a sinner to stand in His presence. As a Priest, God cleanses the confessing sinner. As a Judge, He blots out his guilty record. As the Creator, He remakes his heart.
The gore of the sacrificial system hinted to David that supplying these needed graces would cost God personally. Only Jesus’ innocent blood could ultimately erase human guilt (Hebrews 9:14, 22). Only Jesus’ perfect record of “righteousness” can substitute for iniquities. And only Jesus’ Spirit can regenerate wills (Titus 3:8).
Jesus’ is the only sacrifice God has permanently delighted in (Hebrews 10:5–10). Salvation is a gift granted by God’s “good pleasure,” never in response to merit (Philippians 2:13). Joyful obedience—never pride—is the response to grace.
How does this Psalm reveal the good news of the Gospel of God’s grace to you?
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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