~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Genesis 3:1-4:26 ~ Matthew 2:13-3:6
Psalm 2:1-12 ~ Proverbs 1:7-9
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Old Testament - Today in Genesis chapters 3 and 4 we read about The Fall and Cain, Abel, and Seth. Chapter 3 is one of the foundational chapters of the Bible to understand. From this chapter our history goes forward with sin passed on to every man and woman through the seed of Adam. This sets the stage for God's pursuit of men and women in Genesis, followed by the Exodus from Egypt, the Laws, the judges, the kings, the prophets - and finally the final solution to The Fall - the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. (ultra-Cliff Notes here...) It is through belief in Jesus and God's grace that we are saved from what began here in Genesis chapter 3. Below is a portrait by Guy Rowe of Adam and Eve with the serpent in today's readings -
In verses 1 through 4 in today's readings we are first introduced to the devil in the Bible, who clothes himself as a snake. The devil is often referred to as the "great deceiver", and in this chapter you can see why. I think an important thing for us to realize today is that the devil continues to work in our world. He continues to deceive men and women. And, unfortunately, he is good at what he does. I have a hunch that probably a few people reading this blog do not believe in the existence of the devil. I will admit that early in my Christian walk, I did not believe in the devil's existence. However - thankfully, I was discipled by a godly man who counseled me through Bible passages that prove his existence - chapter 3 of Genesis certainly being one. In fact, one interesting thing my friend said to me at this early stage of my Christian walk was this - "The devil's greatest trick is to make you think that he does not exist." This is a very powerful statement. Please consider it. Why would this be his greatest trick? Because if you believe there is no devil, then you may believe there is no evil, and you then may believe that there is really no sin or nothing you can do wrong, and then you may come to believe that there is no moral code. You see the slippery slope of not acknowledging and realizing the existence of the devil and evil?
The other problem of not realizing the existence of the devil or evil is that you can more easily be tempted and enslaved to bad habits and sins. So - I know I'm going on quite a bit here about this point - I just want to encourage you to ask yourself - do you believe in the existence of the devil? Do you believe in the existence of evil? Of temptation? Of sin? There is a remedy and solution to protect and keep you from all of this - and that is Jesus. But, it's possible that you may not run into the loving and saving arms of Jesus if you don't believe in the devil or evil. (As the band Switchfoot sings on their latest CD - "the shadow proves the Sunshine...") Second to last point - a book that did help open my eyes in a big way to existence of evil in our world today is Frank Peretti's "This Present Darkness". It is a Christian book and one that I believe will really bring home the seriousness of evil and temptation in our world today. You may want to check it out if you have questions on all of this. Also, C.S. Lewis, in the intro to his incredible book about evil and temptation in our lives called "The Screwtape Letters", writes this - "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or magician with the same delight." A great quote... and a great reminder to not have an excessive nor unhealthy interest in the devil or evil - this is of course extremely dangerous! And the bottom line is of course to turn your eyes and gaze toward God and Jesus for ultimate protection - and I do believe reading the Bible each day is one of the best ways to do exactly this.
In verses 12 and 13 we see Adam and Eve passing the buck on why they sinned. Check out Adam's words in verse 12 - ""but it was the woman you gave me who brought me the fruit, and I ate it." At first glance you might think that Adam is just blaming Eve in this verse, but note that he is also blaming God! "the woman YOU gave me..." Adam was blaming God and Eve - anybody but himself. How often do we do this in our lives? Blame others for our mistakes? Should we do this when we are praying or confessing our sins to God?
Verse 15 is a prophetic verse that carries forward to Jesus - "From now on, you and the woman will be enemies, and your offspring and her offspring will be enemies. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."" This last sentence refers to Jesus ultimately defeating the devil through his life, death on the cross, and resurrection. If you recall in the movie, The Passion of the Christ, at the very beginning of the movie Jesus is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane and the devil is speaking to him. Trying to deceive him - remember, "the great deceiver." And out of the devil's robe comes a snake that slithers toward Jesus. What does Jesus do? Gets up and crushes the snake! I immediately thought of this verse 15 when I saw that in the movie! A great metaphor for Jesus' triumph over evil on the cross. (keep in mind that the snake scene in the movie in the Garden of Gethsemane is not found in scripture - just a cool imaginative movie twist I think!)
In Genesis chapter 4 we read about the first murder of humankind - Cain killing his own brother Abel in a premeditative way. This is a clear demonstration of The Fall and how sin lives in the hearts of men and women - and can only be redeemed and forgiven today through faith in Jesus and through God's grace. Many of you probably asked yourselves, why didn't God look with favor on Cain's offering? Commentaries I've read suggest that Cain's offering was a careless or thoughtless offering whereas Abel's offering was a choice or generous offering. And God saw the motivation and heart attitude of both men as they brought their offering. It seems that God is looking straight into Cain's heart as he says this in verses 6 & 7 - "Why are you so angry?" the LORD asked him. "Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it." That is a scary thought - sin waiting to attack and destroy. In the NIV it translates "sin is crouching at your door." Let us be watchful and prayerful to not be overtaken by sin, but to respond correctly to the grace and strength given us through Jesus. Below is a modern image by an anonymous artist of Cain just after killing Abel (do you see the contrast of light & dark - powerful image to consider) -
In chapter 4 verse 19 polygamy enters history - "Lamech married two women--Adah and Zillah." Polygamy clearly went against God's divine intention of monogamy in Genesis chapter 2:24 - "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." God's original plan early on in the Bible is monogamy in marriage. We will see many cases of polygamy this year as we read through the One Year Bible - this is humankind thwarting God's will - which we will also see in many ways throughout our readings this year. I think sometimes we can get hung up on the "strange stuff" we read about in the Bible - but one important point to make is this - The Bible records both God's will and teachings, and man's sin. So if we happen to read about man's sin in the Bible, as we do here in verse 19 with Lamech's polygamy, please don't confuse this with this being God's will. It's man's sin. And we'll see this again in the Bible - fortunately we have a loving God who sent his son, Jesus, to save us from our sins. Heavy that they are...
New Testament - In Matthew today we read about The Escape to Egypt, The Return to Nazareth, and John the Baptist Preparing the Way. 2 things jumped out at me in Joseph's behavior in today's readings. In verse 13 an angel tells Joseph to "get up and flee to Egypt" - and Joseph responds by leaving THAT NIGHT with the family, as we see in verse 14. That's beautiful obedience. Then, in verse 21 we see Joseph respond similarly when he is told by an angel to return to Israel - he leaves with the family "immediately." I like this - Joseph is acting obediently to God's will in his life - and he is acting pronto! He's not sitting around worrying or fretting or thinking that he'll get to it tomorrow. He goes that night! He returns immediately! Can we learn from Joseph's amazing obedience in these readings? Is God calling us to do something in our lives that we are hemming and hawing about? Is God calling us to forgive someone? To love someone? To serve someone? To encourage someone? Will we be like Joseph and obey God's call for our life immediately? Since we've turned the new year, I hope you don't mind if I post up my favorite image demonstrating amazing obedience below... :) Do you have obedience like this when it comes to God's will for your life?
Today in Matthew chapter 3 we are introduced to John the Baptist! I don't know exactly what it is about John the Baptist - but I love reading about him and his life. He is just on fire for God and Jesus and he is encouraging others to get on fire too! I guess I like that in a person. :) Another thing about John is that he is so focused on his mission to call others to repentance and to baptize them, that he really does not care about worldly things - like how he looks or what he wears or what he eats. None of that really matters to him. It is the message of the coming of Jesus that matters to him. Very cool. Maybe it is verse 4 that really stands out to me about John - "John's clothes were woven from camel hair, and he wore a leather belt; his food was locusts and wild honey." I think this is really saying that John lived a simple life. He did not "major in minor things" - he "majored in the major thing" - Jesus! Is there something we can learn from John the Baptist in our lives today? Are we perhaps focusing too much on things of this world and not enough on God and Jesus? Are we truly loving God and loving people like John did? Or are we spending our life "majoring in minor things"? Will we instead "major on the major thing" that John is calling us to even today - complete passion and love for God, Jesus, and other people?
Psalms - Psalm 2 today is a prophetic and Messianic Psalm. This Psalm is frequently quoted in the New Testament in reference to Jesus as God's Anointed and the great son of King David. The word "Messiah" comes from the Hebrew word for "anointed one". And the word "Christ" comes from the Greek word for "anointed one". (as we read Anointed One in verse 2 of this Psalm today)
Verses 11 & 12 in this Psalm are encouraging and also a strong warning for us at the same time- "Serve the LORD with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Submit to God's royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of your pursuits--for his anger can flare up in an instant. But what joy for all who find protection in him!" I think the closing sentence should be a huge encouragement to us. If we are seeking to love God and Jesus and other people with all of our hearts, mind, strength and souls - God knows it. And he will provide eternal protection for us. Yes, there will be suffering in this life - but joy can be found in knowing that we will have an eternity to spend with God and his royal son.
Proverbs - I read that Proverbs chapter 1 verse 7 is basically the foundational mission statement for the entire book of Proverbs. So, I guess we ought to pay attention to this one! "Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline." What does this proverb say to you? Do you believe we should fear God? Zondervan's NIV Study Bible defines this fear of God as "a loving reverence for God that includes submission to his Lordship and to the commands of his words." Do you believe that fear of God is the beginning of knowledge in our lives? Will you embrace wisdom and discipline in your life? Will you make wisdom and discipline top priorities in your life in this new year of 2006?
What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!
Grace,
Mike
"Serve the LORD with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling."(Ps 2:10)
Reading this line reminded me of a wonderful sermon recently delivered by Fr Jeff Wilborn. In relating the theological analogy that CS Lewis wove in The Chronicles of Narnia, he quoted a dialogue between the children regarding Aslan, the Christ figure. One child asked if Aslan is Safe. The child responds that surely cannot be considered Safe. He is, however, Good.
Good, indeed!
One more reflection on Cain and Abel, and it's regarding expectations. Cain expected his offering to be accepted by the Lord but it was not. There are many times I've found myself disappointed when I expected God to do things in my life (like cure my father's cancer) that didn't happen. The truth is that the Lord's ways are so far beyond my comprehension that I can't possibly begin to sense or see them. What is important is that I respond humbly and faithfully, and continue to trust that His ways are way better and bigger than my own!
Posted by: Kern | January 02, 2006 at 01:05 AM
Monday January 2nd 2006
Genesis 3:1-4:26
Since there are sooooooo many participants on the Blog this year, I have made a resolution only to concentrate on one section of the Bible this year when I post instead of posting looong diatribes. This year I will concentrate on the Old Testament readings and then focus on the New Testament and Psalms and Proverbs in the years to come.
The verse that really caught my eye this go round was verse one in the third chapter:
NOW THE serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he [Satan] said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the garden? [Rev. 12:9-11.]
(Genesis 3:1 AMP)
Pride gets us into trouble every time. When our pride is kept under submission, we will not fall into the trap of trying to answer the question, “Can it really be that God has said…” We don’t have to see an actual snake or a guy dressed up in a red suit, pitchfork and a bifurcated appendage to get into trouble. In an attempt to appear all knowing and not left out of the loop, the woman went to a dangerous place, she tried to prove to someone else how close she really was to God.
If I really evaluate my life in truth and study the wrong choices I’ve made they were always made under the threat of appearing to be something than what I truly was. The woman needed to prove who she was to the devil and in reality to herself that she was important to God and that she was in the “know”. Did she know the difference between “good” and “evil”? Since everything God made was good, including them, why was she, they, trying to prove they knew what evil was when there was nothing in their experiential understanding that said, “This is bad.”
My desire is to clearly understand who I am in Christ and know in my knowing that what God has said is what is and not what someone or something else says I am.
God should be the one telling me who I am and not man. We are reading through the Bible to find out who and what God says we are and what He has done for us. May we all have ears to hear and eyes to see His Truth.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
Posted by: Ramona | January 02, 2006 at 05:09 AM
I have always been inspired by a picture of the salvation story I see wrapped up in Genesis 3, around the Fall of Man. I think I may have posted about it this time last year too.
Firstly, Genesis 3:10, Adam and Eve are hiding themselves because they are naked, and this is the shame because of their sin - compare Genesis 2:25 and 3:7. I am fascinated by how Adam and Eve sew fig leaves together to cover their nakedness (their shame) and how they try to hide themselves. This reminds me of what we, as humans try to do until we reach out and accept God's grace; even in the church we try to earn our way back, our own works, our own attempts at getting over our sin and shame. It's almost humorous how Adam and Eve think they will keep it hidden from God when he comes walking through, but of course God sees everything (Genesis 3:11). How amazing and how loving that He still wants us, even in our sin.
In light of all this, Genesis 3:21, God makes the first blood sacrifice - garments of skin - and this reminds me of the eternal sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for all of us, atoning for us. Again another reminder in Genesis 3:24 - God stations the cherubim and flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life. We can't get to the tree and to eternal life by ourselves - nor can we even find it. There is one way and one way only, and that is through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Hallelujah!
Thomas.
Posted by: Thomas | January 02, 2006 at 05:28 AM
Hi from Australia.
I am reading the One Year bible for the 3rd time this year. A friend from the Christian rooms on Paltalk, told me all about the One Year Bible and I was so excited to have a disciplined format, where I could read the whole bible, cover to cover in a year. Each year I get a deeper and more revelational understanding of God's plan for mankind. I have grown more in my understanding the last 2 years than ever in all the 27 years of my Chrisitan walk.
Thanks to the author of this site who encourages us all, God bless,
Deborah.
Posted by: Deborah | January 02, 2006 at 05:41 AM
Another wonderful day of reading. The verse today that caught my eye was vs 7 of Proverbs Chapter 1. Looking back over my life, I defintely see that the times I was most foolish was those times that I did not "fear" the Lord while making my lifes decisions.
Posted by: Mike | January 02, 2006 at 07:50 AM
I'm excited about going through the One Year Bible with all of you this year.
I was struck in today's reading with Genesis 3:5. The serpent was, and still is, wise on what would entice us humans. He suggested that "you will be like God, knowing good and evil." It seems that so often this is the root of sin, at least for me. I want to be like God, I want to have ultimate authority, I want to be in control. This verse is a good reminder to me that this is a lie of the devil.
Posted by: Chris | January 02, 2006 at 09:22 AM
I continue to be intrigued by Psalm 2. Each year our nation tries to erase a little bit of God from our country. We are now cautioned against saying Merry Christmas because it may be found offensive to some. Psalm 2 puts this into perspective for me. As the world tries to break free from the truth of Christ; God is still in control and his Son is still on the throne. Being a public high school teacher these words bring comfort and strength to me and I hope to you as well.
Posted by: Brent | January 02, 2006 at 10:12 AM
I'm very excited about joining you all this year as we all go through the one year bible.
I won't share everyday, but when I can I will.
Genesis is a great book of FIRSTS, among them are the FIRST mention of:
Trinity - 1:26
Fear - 3:1
Messiah – 3:15
Sacrifice of animal - 3:21
Murder - 4:8
Just to mention a few.
Our Matthew reading:
First I would like to say Matthew is so exciting for the MANY old testament references referred to and fulfilled in Jesus.
ALSO
The Old Testament, written over a 1,000 year period, contains over 300 references to the coming Messiah. All of these were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and they established a solid confirmation of His credentials as the Messiah.
Many of the prophecies concerning the messiah were totally beyond human control:
Birth: Place, time, manner of.
Death: Peoples reactions, piercing of side, burial
Resurrection: Where did His body go?
The chance of any one man fulfilling all of 48 prophecies is one in 10 to the 157 power. The electron is about as small an object as we can imagine. if we had a cubic inch of these electrons and tried to count them, it would take us (at 250 per minute) 19,000 time 19,000 time 19,000 years to count them. Now mark one of them, and thoroughly stir it into the whole mass. What chance does our blindfolded man have of finding the right electron? --- The same chance as one man of fulfilling 48 of the prophecies about Christ, without being the Son of God!
Jesus Christ fulfilled every prophecy written about the coming Messiah --- over three hundred of them! Would that have been possible had He not been the Son of God?
Also love having a daily reading from Psalms and Proverbs.
Have a blessed year reading the Bible together.
Pastor Jim (www.biblefood.org)
Posted by: Pastor Jim | January 02, 2006 at 10:51 AM
Question regarding Cain in Genesis 4. It says that Cain "lay with his wife" (NIV). Then in Genesis 4:25 it is mentioned that Adam and Eve have another child, Seth. So are we to believe that God created other humans apart from Adam and Eve (not mentioned) or that Adam and Eve had a daughter (not mentioned) that Cain married?
Posted by: K-E | January 02, 2006 at 10:56 AM
Just wanted to let you know that I'm on my second time through the Bible with you. Thanks for doing this! God bless!
Posted by: Zema Chambers | January 02, 2006 at 11:22 AM
Answer to own question:
Didn't do my research before posting. Apparently
- Adam and Eve had many sons and daughters ("Be fruitful, and multiply" (Genesis 1:28) and (Genesis 5:4 "And the days of Adam after he had fathered Seth were eight hundred years. And he fathered sons and daughters." No mention as to _when_ these sons and daughters were born)
-Cain was afraid "they" would kill him for killing Abel (who other than relatives would have any interest in doing this?)
-Further .. there are good explenations as to why borther-sister marriages where ok back then (gene pool no cluttered back then etc.) Not saying it's ok now though! Forbidden by God 400 years later in the laws given to Moses (gene pool probably cluttered by then .. as I see it, something caused by the Fall, as in everything was perfect before the Fall and everything has slowly deteriorated since then)
So there, there is plenty more material on the subject but I rest my case with this :)
Here's a good link on the subject: http://www.christiananswers.net/q-aig/aig-c004.html
Posted by: K-E | January 02, 2006 at 11:38 AM
K-E - Thanks! I love it when people answer their own questions like this. :) I actually really love it when folks get involved in the Bible text, like you just did, and do some further study! That is actively engaging God's Word, which is a beautiful thing.
I will try to answer folks questions each day, but it can get tough to do w/ my overall schedule sometimes. I do know there are Pastors and others that know the Bible well participating with us, so please post up your thoughts / answers to others questions in these Comments when you can? Thanks in advance!
Thanks to everyone for all the Comments you are posting up each day! This is wonderful!
Mike
Posted by: Mike | January 02, 2006 at 11:46 AM
As always while reading Genesis 3, I wonder about the presence of the Devil. Why would God allow the Devil into Eden in the first place? If God is the creator of everything, does it mean the Devil was created by God too? If so, does this mean God had planned for the original sin to take place?
Today, I seem to have found an answer. Adam and Eve committed the original sin not because God planned it to be that way, but because God had given them free will. Having created human beings in the image of Himself, it makes sense that God would allow human beings free will as well. And free will is not something you can give in varying degrees! We lack the infinite knowledge that the Lord has, so with free will we are bound to make mistakes. So why would God give us something as risky as free will? I think it's so that when we do good, our actions are really worth something. If we were created with the ability to do only good, what value is there in us doing good?
With regards to the Devil. I think the Devil's existence is a corollary of God's creation. Recall in Genesis 1, God saw that his creations was GOOD. 'Good' would be an empty concept without 'bad'. I think we are all the more grateful for God's goodness and greatness precisely because we are well aware of the ill-intentions of the Devil.
best,
Kristy
Posted by: Kristy | January 02, 2006 at 01:31 PM
I am reminded again in Genesis the attractiveness of sin. It has an allure...it promises something, but delivers a lie. It causes a discontentment, but truely our contentment can only be found in obedience to a loving God. When we sin, are we not questioning the veracity of God? The sin was not eating the fruit, the sin was disobeying and not believing God's words. This year, my prayer is that I will choose to believe God, who He is, and what He says and not fall for the empty promises Satan proposes daily.
Posted by: Betty | January 02, 2006 at 01:43 PM
Betty, you reminded me of the following,
"This is the heart of the concept of sin: sin is not only committing what is forbidden by God, but refusing to do what is commanded by God."
-Godless Morality, by Richard Holloway
Posted by: Kristy | January 02, 2006 at 02:09 PM
Betty and Kristy .. very well put!
Posted by: K-E | January 02, 2006 at 02:32 PM
I wanted to say I am really enjoying the daily Bible readings and the comments the daily blog has. I can see how much effort has gone into this. Thanks! Also, is there a reason we read Old and New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs in that order? Why not just go through Old Testament readings then New? I am curious.
Posted by: Betsy | January 02, 2006 at 02:39 PM
Kristy,
Thanks for your free will comments. I also feel that without free will we would be unable to choose God/Jesus as our savior. If we didn't have free will, it doesn't seem that we would be able to give God our love freely.
Genesis 3:6 stands out to me today. "...She also gave some to her husband, who was with her." I used to question why Adam was the Father of sin. Someone pointed out that Adam knew God's command, Genesis 2:16-17 - Adam is given the warning from God before Eve is even in the picture, but just sat watching; doing nothing to stop Eve. He let her do the dirty work. How often do we sit by and do nothing.
Posted by: Sean | January 02, 2006 at 02:43 PM
Betsy - good question on why we're reading OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs each day. Basically it's just one of many ways to read through the Bible. Tyndale House Publishers came up w/ this format 25 years or so ago (I believe), and it's a very popular format. Some folks don't like this format - and prefer to go through the Bible chronologically - every book of the OT, then NT, straight through book by book. That's a good way to go too. Personally, I've found this mix of OT, NT, Psalms & Proverbs to be the best way for me to personally make it through the Bible in a year. I'm not sure I'd do well w/ the Chronological format. But many do. Bottom line - it's personal preference. This One Year Bible format works well for many - Chronological works well for many too. And there's a bunch of other format options out there too. This blog will be following the OYB format, but you may be able to find blogs following other formats too. Hope this helps!
Mike
Posted by: Mike | January 02, 2006 at 02:47 PM
I’m going to throw something in this discussion if only to stimulate thought regarding the devil and evil as per Kristy’s question,>
Yesterday we read:
28God blessed them and told them, "Multiply and fill the earth and subdue it. Be masters over the fish and birds and all the animals." (Genesis 1)
Subdue: 1 : to conquer and bring into subjection : VANQUISH
2 : to bring under control especially by an exertion of the will (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary)
I believe evil was always around. It was around in Genesis 1:1 and it was certainly around when God placed man in the Garden. Why would man be given the mandate to “subdue” his surroundings unless the environment had to be brought under and kept in control?
Just something to make you go “Hmmmm!”
Grace and Peace,
Ramona
Posted by: Ramona | January 02, 2006 at 03:12 PM
God created man in His image and likeness. Free will is a part of God's image and likeness. Therefore when Adam and Eve were created, they were people with free will. Luke 3:38 says, Adam was God's son. The Heavenly Father loved His son Adam and gave him authority over the earth. Satan being an immortal being had acess to the earth. God did not prevent Satn from approching Adam. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. It would be against God's charactor to seclude Adam, a man created with free will, from Satan and his temptations, eventhough God knew Satan may (will) tempt Adam. God wanted Adam to use His freewill and reject Satan. But Adam did not.
God is infallable. Man is fallable. Man in his free will chose to fall, thus Adam became a sinner and through Adam all mankind sinned and come short of the glory of God..
Posted by: A.V. Chacko | January 02, 2006 at 05:03 PM
Re Kristy's question about why God would take such a risk in giving us free will - I think part of the answer is that without free will it is not possible to have real relationships. God intended that we should be in relationship with Him, so He created us with free will. Otherwise it would be like having a relationship with a robot. I guess a really good robot could simulate a relationship up to a point - but at the end of the day, without free will on both sides it is not a real person to person relationship.
Posted by: Andrew B | January 02, 2006 at 05:10 PM
I agree with Andrew about us all being a bunch of robots without free will. I was also thinking maybe we have free will because we were made in God's image and He has free will.
Also in response to Pastor Jim's list of firsts in Genesis. It is also the first recording of passing the buck!
Final note, I have read Genesis several times (attempting to read the Bible cover to cover), and I never made the connection with the serpent and man crushing its head with Jesus crushing Satan. Isn't it great that you can read something over and over and keep learning something new, or something different grabs you?
God bless!
Posted by: Nancy | January 02, 2006 at 06:30 PM
Hey Everyone
I'm excited about this year ahead for many reasons... God is doing amazing things in my home church, Soul Survivor Watford. I sense he is stirring things up, and shaking the foundations. Not only in the life of the church but in my own life too. I have a nervous but excited expectancy, so for me I think that deciding to walk a daily bible reading journey with you guys will be a flagstone in my walk with God this year.
Anyway getting to the scripture now…
One of the things that has blown me away from yesterdays read... (Sorry I didn't post this yesterday) ...is noticing that FIVE WOMEN make it into the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew;
Tamar – Rahab – Ruth – Bathsheba – Mary
Not only that they are women and how exciting to see that God used them powerfully (against the norm of culture and society in those days), but that these were women with such broken lives, and how God not only used them powerfully and uniquely but that he valued them so much and deemed their value to be so great that they appear in the genealogy of Jesus. When so many women suffer with low self-esteem and struggle to believe in the love that God has for them the acknowledgement of these five ladies is powerful and offers such an encouragement to the ladies.
The second verse that I often dwell on appeared in todays reading…
“He said to me ‘You are my Son (Daughter); today I have become your father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession” (Psalm 2:7-8)
Being so passionate about the nations, this for me is something that I hold onto in crying out to God for the nations, I long to see all nations changed, but I hold some countries in my heart Brasil, Cambodia, Thailand, India (maybe more as I walk this journey).
Here’s to the heights and the valleys of 2006 – God Bless, Sj
Posted by: SJ (aka Sarah-Jane) | January 02, 2006 at 07:12 PM
PS If any of you are on MSN messenger and wish to chat please mail me on [email protected] It will be good to encourage each other :)
Posted by: SJ (aka Sarah-Jane) | January 02, 2006 at 07:33 PM
There are times that I have really wondered about Cain and his truly unjustified rage. But, oddly enough, if we look very closely, we see this sad state in much fo our society. Insted of taking the time to correct a mistake, harming someone else is done. I just thought that was interesting. Wonderful day of reading. Happy New Year to all!
Posted by: Josh | January 02, 2006 at 07:59 PM
All four readings today highlight the need for wisdom. In Genesis, wisdom was one of the key temptations of Eve. In Matthew, Joseph exhibited wisdom in hearing and listening to God's voice in saving God's Son and then in returning to Israel. In both Psalms and Proverbs, wisdom is defined as fearing God, worshiping him, and obediently hearing him.
The need for wisdom is from the beginning. It predates humanity's decision to follow itself rather than God. The American Heritage Dictionary defines 'wisdom' as "The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting." Hokmah (the term normally translated 'wisdom' in the OT) means, 'skill, shrewdness, prudence.'
I know that for me, decisions (small and large) are the biggest areas of temptation. Wisdom--skillful choosing and living steming from proper respect for God and immersion in his Word--is most needed.
Posted by: Laura | January 02, 2006 at 07:59 PM
i thoroughly enjoy the pictures that you have found to go along with the scripture readings. they are marvelous!! however, your commentary is extremely poor. what i mean by that is that you read into scripture many things that are not there. two examples: Gen doesn't say this is the devil in disguise also to say polygamy is against God yet give no relevant scripture besides man and woman shall become one, which only implies unity not a commandment against polygamy. please don't misunderstand me. i'm not for polygamy or discount the devil. there are relevant scripture for these but the one's mentioned here are not!!
thanks again for the powerful images..
God bless,
rev slick
Posted by: Rev. Slick | January 02, 2006 at 09:05 PM
Hi Rev. Slick. I must confess - I do often go off on "tangents" on various things I am thinking about on this blog based on what we might read on a particular day. If you are looking for straight Biblical exegesis, I do highly recommend Zondervan's NIV Study Bible. It's world class with straight exegesis and references to supporting scripture. I am glad you enjoy the pictures!
Grace,
Mike
Posted by: Mike | January 02, 2006 at 09:13 PM
I must have read Genesis 1-4 more times than I can remember, but I still find it fascinating each time. The Bible never gets old to me, and this One-Year Bible study is going to help increase my discipline and knowledge and faith. I am excited about this study and actually look forward to the time spent in the word of God. I know there will be days when it's harder than others, but that's ok - I will do it anyway with God's help. I thank Him for this opportunity to study along with 'the communion of saints'.
Posted by: Anon | January 02, 2006 at 09:15 PM
Sorry, Mike. i didn't mean to come down too heavy. ...frustrating day with the kids.
Keep up the great work.
Peace,
rev. slick
Posted by: Rev. Slick | January 02, 2006 at 09:17 PM
Hi Everybody I think it is awesome that this blog is read by people all over the world. I pray that we will grow together in Gods amazing grace and knowledge as we read and share the daily readings. May God richly bless you all!!!
Posted by: mark | January 02, 2006 at 09:18 PM
Thanks Rev. Slick. I do worry sometimes on how far out I go on my tangents - or how silly I might get with a picture or two. But I think it overall encourages folks to actually read the Bible each day and think about how it applies to our lives. But if ever I'm too out on a theological limb, feel free to reign me back in. :) -Mike
Posted by: Mike | January 02, 2006 at 09:26 PM
Mike,
Thank you so much for such an awesome site. I have tried the one year Bible before and I usually make it to about Exodus and begin falling behind. This site helps me to get excited about my Bible time and time with the Lord. Also, your thoughts, comments and interation with others is very much respectable and appreciated. God has used you in a mighty way and I am excited about this learning and growth adventure in 2006. Thank You & Praise the Lord!!
Posted by: Nathaniel | January 02, 2006 at 10:29 PM
why didn't God look with favor on Cain's offering? Commentaries I've read suggest that Cain's offering was a careless or thoughtless offering whereas Abel's offering was a choice or generous offering.----- My comments:
Keep this in mind as we study the sanctuary in Exodus and onward. The sanctuary and its services are so often ignored, but show the whole plan of salvation! The slain lamb represents Jesus, who died for us. Thus, I suspect that once sin entered, God showed, by example what would happen to Jesus - that our sins would kill Him. As a reminder of what He would do, and of what sin would do, I think God instructed the first family to slay a lamb for their sins. --it would certainly make me think before doing something I believed was sin! If such was the case, then Abel did as he might have been instructed, and Cain, with his own self-justification, decided it really didn't matter what was brought to God's altar. Thus his sin and God's displeasure.
Posted by: deb | January 03, 2006 at 07:32 PM
I still can't get over the power of the spoken word of Jesus in Matthew 4. I wish it was that easy for us today to get workers. I guess that just goes to show you that we aren't God!
Posted by: Brandon | January 04, 2006 at 10:49 AM