January 1st One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Genesis 1:1-2:25 ~ Matthew 1:1-2:12
Psalm 1:1-6 ~ Proverbs 1:1-6

Old Testament - Today we begin the book of Genesis!  Below is a fresco of "The Creation of Adam" by the Italian Renaissance painter Michelangelo, from the year 1510:

~Genesis~
Author: Moses
Date: 1420 or 1220 B.C.
Content: The book of Genesis was written to explain how everything began; in fact, the very title Genesis means “origin” or “beginning”. It explains that God created the universe, how man was created and placed in a perfect environment, how sin began, and how God provided salvation for lost man. The beginning of human history is described, the beginning of arts and crafts, how human languages began, and where the various nations came from. The focus then shifts to the beginning of the Hebrew people with Abraham, followed by the histories of Isaac, Jacob and his sons, and the book ends with Joseph in Egypt.
Theme: The main idea that runs through the book is that although God made everything good, man’s sin has spoiled it. God has not given up, but is now in search of man to save him. The overall control of God is stressed, and special attention is given to how God directs history for the good of his people and their salvation. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 1)  A wonderful commentary on the book of Genesis by Bob Deffinbaugh is at this link.  Below is more art from Michelangelo - this is a marble statue of Moses, the author of Genesis, made in the year 1515 in Italy:

Moses is the author/compiler of the first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Pentateuch, or the books of the Law.  It is believed that these five books were written by Moses during Israel's 40 years in the desert after the exodus from Egypt - which was likely between 1446 B.C. and 1406 B.C.  The book of Genesis is foundational to understanding the rest of the Bible.  It is a book of relationships - between God and his creation; between God and humans; and between humans themselves.  In Genesis, God pledges his love and faithfulness to humans through covenants.  It is a narrative that continually demonstrates faith.  Below is a modern day artist's creative overview of the book of Genesis:

In today's Genesis readings we read about the Creation account and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  There is so much happening in today's readings, that this daily blog will not do it all justice... (I do hope you have the One Year Bible Companion book or another commentary to dive deeper in to today's readings - I'd type more but this post is already a bit long as you'll see below... :)  The 6 days of creation have main 2 lines of thought by various scholars:  1. they were 6 literal 24 hour days or 2. they were 6 figurative days of an undefined timeframe, which could even be millions of years. Check out some great information on the Creation account in our Genesis readings today at bible.org at this link. Below is a wonderful piece of art from Pat Marvenko Smith titled "The Creation" - you'll note this piece shows all 6 days of creation and what was created on each day, going from the left to the right:

Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.

Today we read this incredibly powerful verse in Genesis chapter 1 verse 27: "So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them."  Do you believe that you are made in the image of God?  Is this a powerful thing to reflect upon? What might this mean for your life in 2007, knowing that you are made in the image of God? Does this give you a sense of possibility for your life?  A sense that you are made for a great purpose in this life?

Chapter 2 verse 3 is beautiful: "And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from his work of creation."  A day of rest.  One day a week.  If God did this, think we should too?  :)   6 days of work and play and 1 day each week of resting in God.  I confess I like the concept a lot more than I actually put it into practice.  Perhaps 2007 can be a year of new beginnings where a Sabbath day of rest enters our lives each week?  I love this image below of God resting on the 7th day:

One quick note from our readings today about the location of the Garden of Eden.  It is believed to have been near where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet, in what is now southern Iraq.  Below is a very high level map:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Genesis chapters 1 and 2 titled "The Meaning of Man: His Duty and His Delight" is at this link.

New Testament - Today we begin the gospel of Matthew!  Below is Northern Renaissance painter Jan Sanders van Hemessen's "Jesus Summons Matthew to Leave the Tax Office" from the year 1536:

~Matthew~
Author: Matthew
Place: Perhaps Antioch
Date: A.D. 60-70
Content: Matthew was a tax collector, called by Jesus to follow him early in his public ministry; hence, he was an eyewitness of most of the events he describes. He begins with a detailed account of Jesus’ birth of the virgin Mary, his baptism, and temptation in the wilderness. Jesus came preaching the kingdom of God, entrance into which meant eternal life. One entered by repentance and faith. Matthew blocks the teaching of Jesus together into five discourses in which may be seen the ethics, the proclamation, the parables, the fellowship, and the consummation of the kingdom. Jesus’ death and resurrection end the Gospel with the command to go into all the world with the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ.
Theme: Matthew’s main purpose in writing his Gospel is to show that Jesus fulfills the promise of God in the Old Testament. For this reason Jesus is introduced as a “descendant of King David and of Abraham,” and Matthew makes use of numerous Old Testament prophecies and quotations to explain Jesus’ life. Jesus came to be the Savior of the Jews, the Gentiles, and ultimately the world. The ethics required by members of God’s kingdom are found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) where the world’s values are rejected and the Kingdom of God and his righteousness become supreme. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 21)  A wonderful commentary on the book of Matthew by Daniel Wallace is at this link.  Below is a painting (I absolutely love this painting!) titled "The Inspiration of St. Matthew" by the Baroque Italian artist Caravaggio, circa 1602:

In today's Matthew readings, we read the genealogy of Jesus. I know that genealogy's can sometimes seem a bit boring to read, but this one in Matthew is phenomenal!  If you just finished reading the One Year Bible in 2006, you will recognize many of these names.  Or - let me encourage you to come back and read this genealogy again on January 1, 2008, if you are going through the entire Bible for your first time this year in 2007.  This genealogy will amaze you.  One of the interesting things to note in this genealogy is the mention of 5 women - Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary.  It was not the norm in the 1st century to list women in genealogies - only men were typically listed.  At least 3 of these women were Gentiles (not Jewish) - Tamara, Rahab, and Ruth.  Matthew was potentially trying to indicate to his Jewish readers that God's work in this world is not limited to the people of Israel - nor was God's work limited to men.   The genealogy in Matthew is sometimes illustrated by a "Jesse Tree" showing the lineage of Jesus from Jesse, father of King David:

Chapter 1 verse 23 is certainly a huge prophecy from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah being fulfilled through the birth of Jesus: "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us)." Jesus is God and came to literally be with us.  To experience our human sufferings and temptations - and joys and triumphs.  The importance of this birth of Immanuel cannot be overstated.  God came to be with us in flesh and blood.

Chapter 2 verse 6 is very powerful in that the 2006 One Year Bible crew recently read about the prophet Micah's prophesying of Jesus being born in Bethlehem: "O Bethlehem of Judah, you are not just a lowly village in Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel." Here again you can see Matthew writing for his Jewish audience - quoting an Old Testament prophet and also focusing in on the town of "Bethlehem of Judah" - the City of David.  This was to demonstrate again that Jesus was from the lineage of King David.

Verse 10 is a brief verse showing us the reaction of the magi in being led to Jesus: "When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!"   The magi were also Gentiles and likely astrologers - following a star might lead one to think this... :)  But no matter where they were from and what they believed prior, they were filled with joy at being led to the Messiah, Jesus.  And they gave him gifts and worshipped him.  And for us today - are we filled with joy in reading about the birth of Jesus?  Do we realize what this meant back then - and still means today?  That Immanuel was born - that God came to be with us.  (Note that some Biblical scholars say that contrary to popular tradition, it is believed that the magi did not visit Jesus at the manger on the night of his birth, as did the shepherds, but that the magi came months later and visited him as "child" in his "house" - see verse 11.)

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew titled "The Birth of Jesus" is at this link and "The Visit of the Wise Men" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 1 today begins the 150 Psalms of the Psalter!  You'll note that in the One Year Bible we actually read through the Psalms twice during the course of the year. I think this is good because the Psalms have taken some time to really sink in for me personally. Once they sink in, they are phenomenal. I have a great friend who has shared with me that she "Prays the Psalms" every morning. I pray that during the course of this year you will have the experience of Praying the Psalms as you go through the One Year Bible.  I do believe praying the Psalms can indeed renew our passion for God:

It is often said that in 65 of the books of the Bible God speaks to us, but in the Psalter, the book of Psalms, we have the opportunity to speak to God. And in all kinds of ways and with all kinds of emotions. The Psalms can help you learn to express in pray everything to God – what you are happy about and what is troubling you. The Psalms are religious poetry. The 150 Psalms are comprised of Laments, Confessions, Crys, Petitions, Praise, Reflection, Reports, History, Blessings, and Wisdom. The author of many of the Psalms was King David. The Psalms were compiled over centuries and reached this final form in approximately the third century B.C. The Psalms were prayed in the temple and have been prayed in churches for the past two thousand years. The Psalms were quoted by Jesus, including Psalm 22:1 when Jesus was on the cross: ""My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"" (see Matthew 27:46) It is thought that the book of Psalms is one of the two books of the Old Testament most frequently quotes in the New Testament – along with the book of Isaiah.  See more commentary of the Psalms online at bible.org at this link.  Martin Luther said this about the book of Psalms: "The Psalter is the favorite book of all the saints. Each person, whatever his circumstances may be, finds in the book psalms and words which are appropriate to the circumstances in which he finds himself and meet his needs as adequately as if they were composed exclusively for his sake, and in such a way that he himself could not improve on them nor find or desire any better psalms or words."

Today we read this reflection on the godly in Psalm 1 verse 2: "But they delight in doing everything the LORD wants; day and night they think about his law."  How well does this verse ring true with your life today?  Do you delight in being obedient to God?  Do you think about God's Word, the Bible, day and night?  Should you? In 2007, will you?   

Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 1 is at this link.

Proverbs - The author of the majority of the Proverbs was King Solomon, the son of King David. This means that most of the Proverbs were written in the 10th century B.C. when Israel was a united kingdom. It may be that the Proverbs were not officially compiled together as a book until the 6th century B.C.  Agur son of Jakeh, King Lemuel, and "wisemen" were the other authors of the Proverbs.  Bob Deffinbaugh, Th.M., with bible.org has a wonderful Introduction to Proverbs at this link.  Below is an image of King Solomon dictating his wise maxims, the Proverbs:

Today we read in Proverbs chapter 1 verses 2 through 4 a great overview of why we should read and study the Proverbs: "The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings. Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will make the simpleminded clever. They will give knowledge and purpose to young people."  Do you want wisdom?  Do you want discipline in your life?  Do you want to do what is right, just and fair?  Do you want purpose for your life?   Do you believe this journey through the Bible in 2007 will move you forward in these areas?  Will you cling to the wisdom of the Proverbs this year?

Comments from You and Question of the Day:  As today is our first day together on the One Year Bible journey in 2007, I thought I'd post up a One Year Bible "roll-call."  This is an opportunity for each of us to click on the "Comments" link below and let everyone know a few things about ourselves, as we'll be journeying through the Word together over the coming year.  So here's the roll-call questions:  1. Have you read the entire Bible before?  2. Why do you want to read the entire Bible in 2007?  3. What are you looking forward to about reading the entire Bible in 2007?  4. Is there anything you might be nervous about in terms of reading the entire Bible in 2007?  5. What's your favorite book or verse in the Bible?  6. What's a fun or interesting fact about yourself? 7. Do you have a blog or website link that you can share with everyone?  Thanks for participating in the roll-call!  :) Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

Comments

[Brian C.]

1) Was part of the blog's journey in 2006, but Numbers destroyed me. So I'm giving it a better go this year.

2)To develop habits of being in the word and have mandatory time to chill with God and keep Him first.

3)Getting past Numbers!

4)Getting so behind as last year come April that I chicken out.

5)Proverbs by far - Proverbs 13:12 specifically: "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."

6)I have a pet turtle who unfortunately isn't allowed in the dorm I live in on campus.

7)No blog. I'm not that disciplined haha.

I'm psyched to be starting this year off with all of you :)

[Kim]

1. Have you read the entire Bible before? No
2. Why do you want to read the entire Bible in 2007? I have tried for the last couple of years but kept stopping

3. What are you looking forward to about reading the entire Bible in 2007? reading and understanding the Bible

4. Is there anything you might be nervous about in terms of reading the entire Bible in 2007? yes, not understanding something(this is why I always quit reading)

5. What's your favorite book or verse in the Bible? Philippians 4:13 has always been my moto and life verse

6. What's a fun or interesting fact about yourself? I don't have anything

7. Do you have a blog or website link that you can share with everyone? No

I'm really excited about really doing this this year and really sticking with it this time no matter what!!!

[Marcy]

No, I've never read the entire Bible before. I want to b/c we have the Word of God available and freedom to read it in our country and I want to know God better! I'm looking forward to knowing Jesus, His Father, and the Holy Spirit better to guide my life. I'm excited for the challenge, not nervous. No blog. Happy 2007.

[Sev]

No, I've never read the entire Bible before. I normally read daily reading Old & New Testament and Psalms. I read Psalms esp. in when in trouble, etc. and in thanksgiving. I am glad to have found you in this One Year Bible Readings and get to understand more and follow Jesus, our Saviour throughout my lifetime. Thank you, HAPPY NEW YEAR

[Elena M.]

1. NO, I try but i didn't finish it.
2. I want to finish reading the Bible this year because I'm focusing right now in knowing God's will for me.
3. In reading the bible for a year I'm looking forward in knowing God more and having more intimate relationship with God.
4. Just nervous of not finishing what i have started.
5. My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the LOrd, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".
6. Nothing much fun about me. All I can say is that I am a mother of 3 kids ages 15, 14 and 11. My husband is working abroad and hopefully i can join him there.
7. No i dont have any blog
8. Psalm 1:1-2

[Terry]

1. No, I have never read the entire Bible. I start but never finish. I am hoping that belonging to this blog will help me keep on track.
2. I want to understand God's word and to use his word to help others.
3. I want to find peace and follow God's plan for my life.
4. Giving up- not finding time each day.
5. Anything is possible with God.
6. I'm starting my second family at the age of forty eight. We have five year old twin girls that we adopted two years ago, a sixteen year old son, a 20 year old daughter and a 9 month old grandson.
7.No- I had never heard of a blog until tonight and found your website.

[stef stevenson]

hi...1.no iv not managed to read the whole Bible through before..i started with you all in 2006 but went away for a long time and just couldnt catch up..so im here again..2.why do i want to read the Bible through in 2007..i really want to get to know God and cant see a better way of doing it than reading every word God ever wrote..3.im looking forward to the whole experience, the fellowship of getting to know the regulars who post comments, the love and caring shared by fellow readers( to all of you who prayed for my friend beryl last year when she got cancer..thank you..you should see her, shes looking wonderful) 4.the same as a lot of others, that il fall behind..5.my favourite verse is the one where God promises that He will not let anyone pluck me out of His hand.its a source of great relief and encouragment to me that our salvation does not rely on our faithfulness but that God is always faithfull..6.interesting facts about me..im and artist, originally from south africa now living in the uk..have two sons 17 and 19 and a daughter of 11 and a husband who loves me ..im richly blessed..7.nope..no blogg or website..the fact that i can manage to press keys and get an email is still a source of constant amazement and wonder to me..when the screen does anything irregular i have to yell for one of the kids :-) not a computer boffin as you may have gathered :-) ..may God bless you all in 2007 i look forward to getting to know you all and thank you Mike........

[Alginon]

1. Yes, but a long time ago.
2. My faith has sagged over the past few years, I need to get back to the basics and rekindle my love of God.
3. Coming closer to God.
4. Finding the time to make sure I read each and every day.
5. Song of Soloman
6. I am a father of 8, with #9 on the way.
7. No website

[IndyChristian]

1. Yes... a number of times.
2. Personally, studying the Word is one discipline that accelerates change in our lives. And better yet, if we as a collection of driven Christians, study/sharpen together... to accelerate corporate change in the Church today.
3. Interaction with others doing the same thing.
4. Keeping up will be a challenge.
5. Philippians. Heb.12:1
6. I founded IndyChristian.com, 'Connecting Driven Christians in the Racing Capital of the World'. And co-founded the Blews.Network... a 50-state network of city portals to connect driven Christians everywhere.
7. My personal site is LovingChange.com.

[Jack]

1. Have you read the entire Bible before?
Yes a few times.

2. Why do you want to read the entire Bible in 2007?
I found that 2006 was a year in which my Bible reading was very sporatic and my walk with God was the same. I want to walk with my Father on a daily basis and fulfill the calling that He has on my life.

3. What are you looking forward to about reading the entire Bible in 2007?
Learning from the Lord how to walk properly with Him, and gain a better insight from other like-minded believers who want to get closer to Him throught the reading of His Word.

4. Is there anything you might be nervous about in terms of reading the entire Bible in 2007?
I have trained for marathons and the most difficult aspect is training daily. It is a challenge to go out an do on a daily basis. That is the tough part of reading on a daily basis. It doesn't make me nervous but I don't want to fail Him this year.

5. What's your favorite book or verse in the Bible?
My favorite book is Psalms. My favorite verse is Ps. 23.

6. What's a fun or interesting fact about yourself?
I am the father of 7 children and my oldest daughter and I enjoy running marathons together.

7. Do you have a blog or website link that you can share with everyone?
No website at this time but I hope to have one up and running before the end of this year.

[Peggy Williams]

YES, I READ THROUGH THE BIBLE LAST YEAR.I STARTED READING MY PERSONAL BIBLE IN JANUARY, AND MY MINISTER TOLD ME ABOUT THE BIBLE BLOG, AND THEN I BEGAN MY DAY WITH THE TEACHING. THE LAST WEEK I DID NOT FINISH THE BOOKS IGOT BEHIND, AND DECIDED TO START OVER. I'M DETERMINED TO FINISH THE ENTIRE BIBLE IN 2007.
MY FAVORITE BOOK IS PSALMS. I FIND THE WORDS SPEAK TO ME IN ALL WALKS OF MY LIFE. GOD HAS TAUGHT ME SO MUCH THROUGH PSALMS. I HAVE NO FEARS CONCERNING READING THE BIBLE. I DID FIND THAT THE COMMENTARIES WERE VERY HELPFUL DURING THE STUFF TIMES.
I LOVE PEOPLE I'M A NURSE SO I TEND TO WANT TO FIX THINGS, HOWEVER GOD HAS TAUGHT ME A LOT. ONE THING IS THAT I HAD TO LEARN (THE HARD WAY) TO TAKE CARE OF ME, BEORE I COULD BE USEFUL TO HIM. I LOVE TO FISH AND ENJOY LIFE.I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER YEAR READING THROUGH THE BIBLE, AND MY GOAL IS TO MAKE THOUGH 2007.

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!

[Ray]

1. Probably over my years as a Christian, I've read the entire Bible but not in a sequential way, as with a One Year Bible format.

2. To learn more about God, to strenghten my faith, to discipline myself to read God's word daily, to be obedient, for nourishment...a lot of reasons!

3. I always hope to learn something new whenever I open the Bible, something I can apply to my daily life and share with others.

4. Getting behind! Hopefully that won't happen.

5. Favorite book is probably Psalms.

6. My wife and I have adopted a daughter from China and hope to do so again in 2008.

7. Our China Adoption Blog: http://defreses.blogspot.com

[Johnnie Ruth Hamill]

Happy New Year Everyone!!! A Little Late, but getting on the rollcall...

1. Have you read the entire Bible before?
Yes -- at least three times now. Starting on my 4th! I'm so excited to see what He reveals to me this year.

2. Why do you want to read the entire Bible in 2007?
The Bible is my source. It is the True bread. It helps me to abide with Jesus.

3. What are you looking forward to about reading the entire Bible in 2007?
To discover all that God has for me this year!

4. Is there anything you might be nervous about in terms of reading the entire Bible in 2007?
Nope -- just can't wait until we get to Deuteronomy (sp)

5. What's your favorite book or verse in the Bible?
I love it all, but if I have to choose...
Deuteronomy

6. What's a fun or interesting fact about yourself?
I live out in the country and commute one hour and ten minutes each day. :)

7. Do you have a blog or website link that you can share with everyone?
My blog is Morsels From God @ http://www.morselsfromgod.wordpress.com

[Jan]

I'm back again this year too - my second year with OYB. I have read the Bible through for 4 years but not in year after year a gap of 2 years in between.

Ms. Jan Carver

[EJ]

Have you read the entire Bible before?
NO. ONLY THE OLD TESTEMENT. I NEVER MANAGED TO READ ALL THE NEW.

2. Why do you want to read the entire Bible in 2007?
I'VE BEEN PUTTING IT OFF FOR YEARS, FOR DIFFERENT REASONS. EVEN TODAY, READING THE FIRST DAY JAN 01, I FEEL SO BEHIND, BUT IT'S A DISCIPLINE WHICH I NEED TO REMASTER, WITH HELP FROM THE MASTER!
3. What are you looking forward to about reading the entire Bible in 2007?
SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH THE LORD.
4. Is there anything you might be nervous about in terms of reading the entire Bible in 2007?
THAT I WON'T BE FAITHFUL AND CONTINUE
5. What's your favorite book or verse in the Bible?
I love it all, but particularly Psalms, the gospels and Paul's letters
6. What's a fun or interesting fact about yourself?
I'M IRISH, BUT I LIVE IN ITALY
7. Do you have a blog or website link that you can share with everyone?
NO

[Phyllis Podrasky]

Your pictures are amazing. I use a lot of pictures for the church bulletin.