Today’s reading: Num 11:1–12:16, John 18:1–24, Ps 11:1–12:8

Today’s theme: Unbelief, answered!

Today we learn about how God responds to our doubts, unbelief and prayers said in the flesh.

Numbers 11:1–12:16

Unbelief, answered!

And the LORD said to Moses, “Is the LORD’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not.” Numbers 11:23 (ESV)

In this chapter we see unbelief and discontentment among the people, and doubts from Moses himself.

God shows His ability and power by practically answering Moses’ needs as a leader and answering the evil request of the people, which we see later leads to their judgement and discipline.

We should all proclaim the word

But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” Numbers 11:29 (ESV)

Paul echoes this in 1 Cor 14:39-40.

Answered prayers can be judgement

Then a wind from the LORD sprang up, and it brought quail from the sea and let them fall beside the camp, about a day’s journey on this side and a day’s journey on the other side, around the camp, and about two cubits above the ground. Numbers 11:31 (ESV)

The Spirit was given within the court of the tabernacle, in the clean and holy place, however, the quails fell outside the camp in the area associated with uncleanness and death.

The gift of the Spirit drew men towards God as opposed to the quails which led them away from God.

God may answer our fleshly prayers in judgement which is why we need to pray with clean hearts and by the leading of God’s Spirit. See James 4:3.

Flee sedition

With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” Numbers 12:8 (ESV)

Sedition should have no place in our minds or in the church.

John 18:1–24

The Sovereignty of God

Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” John 18:4 (ESV)

Jesus was in full control of the situation, he knew what would happen… it was not a surprise or a disaster, it was all a part of God’s plan.

A public, not private faith

Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” John 18:20–21 (ESV)

We must remember that our faith is a public faith and a public message, it is not a privately held opinion or worldview. The Gospel, by its nature and claims, is a public story for the whole world to know.

Psalm 11:1–12:8

Biblical creation is our foundation

if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3 (ESV)

This is a key verse when we consider the book of Genesis and the 6-day creation account. If we remove it the foundation of the entire bible and the gospel is removed.

Speak the truth

Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. Psalm 12:2 (ESV)

We should not flatter but speak the truth in love. Eph 4:15

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on John 18