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In the Wilderness, but Glory is Ahead

Today's Reading: Numbers 26, Psalm 69, Isaiah 16, and 1 Peter 4.

Gospel Summary: Although we deserve to die in the wilderness of this world because of our sins against a holy God, he has graciously chosen to place our punishment on his only Son Jesus instead. Now by faith we have the promised and secure hope of entering glory where King Jesus will reign in righteousness. As we suffer in this world, we must not forget the suffering Christ endured on the cross for our salvation. We can persevere with Jesus as our King with the certain hope of heaven in view and this will propel us to love even our enemies, because Christ has so loved us. We can also recall that King Jesus will judge with righteousness so that any mistreatment we endure from unbelievers will either be judged at the Last Day or has already been judged at the cross for all who come in faith to Christ.

Prayer: Thank you Father. In your marvelous grace you have saved me from the judgment I deserved for my sins. Instead of condemning me, Christ born my condemnation on the cross so that I could know your favor, O God. Help me to press on even when this life is full of suffering because I know Jesus pressed on up Golgotha's ugly hill to bear my ugly sin and shame. Help me also to keep my eyes fixed on the certain hope of heaven so that I don't become too comfortable with life in this wilderness world. Teach me to love others with the same love you showed me on the cross, even if they ridicule me for it. Help me to daily submit to your righteous rule in my life King Jesus and to remember that one future Day that rule will be fully exposed for all to see. Keep me ever watchful, prayerful, hopeful, faithful, loving, and overflowing with the joy of the Gospel. All for the glory of your name Jesus. Amen.

Key Verse: "Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them. For God will save Zion and build up the cities of Judah, and people shall dwell there and possess it; the offspring of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall dwell in it." -Psalm 69:34-36

Hymn: "I Need Thee, Precious Saviour" by Frederick Whitfield

I need Thee, precious Saviour!
Oh, Thou art all to me;
Before the throne forever,
I stand complete in Thee.
Tho' Satan loud accuses,
Yet I can ever see,
The blood of Christ most precious,
The sinner's perfect plea.

I need Thee, precious Saviour!
For I am very poor;
A stranger and a pilgrim,
I have no earthly store.
I need Thy love, Lord Jesus,
To cheer me on my way,
To guide my doubting footsteps,
To be my strength and stay.

I need Thee, precious Saviour!
I need a friend like Thee:
A friend to soothe and comfort,
A friend to care for me;
I need Thy heart, Lord Jesus,
To feel each anxious care;
To bear my ev'ry burden,
And all my sorrow share.

I need Thee, precious Saviour!
I need Thee day by day,
To fill me with Thy fullness,
To lead me on my way:
I need Thy Holy Spirit
To teach me what I am--
To show me more of Jesus,
To point me to the Lamb.

I need Thee, precious Saviour!
And hope to see Thee soon,
Encircled with the rainbow,
And seated on Thy throne.
There, with Thy blood-bought people,
My joy shall ever be,
To sing Thy praise, Lord Jesus,
And ever gaze on Thee.

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