Day 31- Matthew 4-5; Psalm 31

John Baptist said concerning Christ, He must increase, but I must decrease; and so it proved. For, after John had baptized Christ, and borne his testimony to him, we hear little more of his ministry; he had done what he came to do, and thenceforward there is as much talk of Jesus as ever there had been of John.

"You shall not put the Lord your God to test." But he can test us whenever and however he wants.  Henry writes,

Note, Our care must be, not to enter into temptation; but if God, by his providence, order us into circumstances of temptation for our trial, we must not think it strange, but double our guard.

It is one of the wiles of Satan to take advantage of our outward condition, in that to plant the battery of his temptations. He is an adversary no less watchful than spiteful; and the more ingenious he is to take advantage against us, the more industrious we must be to give him none.

Note, Want and poverty are a great temptation to discontent and unbelief, and the use of unlawful means for our relief, under pretence that necessity has no law; and it is excused with this that hunger will break through stone walls, which yet is no excuse, for the law of God ought to be stronger to us than stone walls. Agur prays against poverty, not because it is an affliction and reproach, but because it is a temptation; lest I be poor, and steal. Those therefore who are reduced to straits, have need to double their guard; it is better to starve to death, than live and thrive by sin.

Note, 1. The great thing Satan aims at, in tempting good people, is to overthrow their relation to God as a Father, and so to cut off their dependence on him, their duty to him, and their communion with him. The good Spirit, as the Comforter of the brethren, witnesses that they are the children of God; the evil spirit, as the accuser of the brethren, does all he can to shake that testimony. Outward afflictions, wants and burdens, are the great arguments Satan uses to make the people of God question their sonship; as if afflictions could not consist with, when really they proceed from, God’s fatherly love.

Note, We are in danger of missing our way, both on the right hand and on the left, and therefore must take heed, lest, when we avoid one extreme, we be brought by the artifices of Satan, to run into another; lest, by overcoming our prodigality, we fall into covetousness. Nor are any extremes more dangerous than those of despair and presumption, especially in the affairs of our souls. Some who have obtained a persuasion that Christ is able and willing to save them from their sins, are then tempted to presume that he will save them in their sins. Thus when people begin to be zealous in religion, Satan hurries them into bigotry and intemperate heats.

On Matthew 5, Henry advises,

This chapter, and the two that follow it, are a sermon; a famous sermon; the sermon upon the mount. It is the longest and fullest continued discourse of our Saviour that we have upon record in all the gospels. It is a practical discourse; there is not much of the credenda of Christianity in it—the things to be believed, but it is wholly taken up with the agenda—the things to be done; these Christ began with in his preaching; for if any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God. The circumstances of the sermon being accounted for (v. 1, v. 2), the sermon itself follows, the scope of which is, not to fill our heads with notions, but to guide and regulate our practice.

I certainly know that I cannot cover all the nooks and crannies of this in one month, yet alone one day.  So, I will focus on portion that calls to me now and save a deeper and more intense study for another year.

"If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also."  Henry says,

Note, It is common for legal processes to be made use of for the doing of greatest injuries. Though judges be just and circumspect, yet it is possible for bad men who make no conscience of oaths and forgeries, by course of law to force off the coat from a man’s back. Marvel not at the matter (Eccl. 5:8 ), but, in such a case, rather than go to the law by way of revenge, rather than exhibit a cross bill, or stand out to the utmost, in defence of that which is thy undoubted right, let him even take thy cloak also. If the matter be small, which we may lose without an considerable damage to our families, it is good to submit to it for peace’ sake. "It will not cost thee so much to buy another cloak, as it will cost thee by course of law to recover that; and therefore unless thou canst get it again by fair means, it is better to let him take it.’’(3.) The going a mile by constraint, which is a wrong to me in my liberty

I have had a hard lesson in this this year.  I am still called upon to consider decisions in legal recourse that affected me this year, through the church.  This is a great message to remember when I am called upon to remember this again. 

In you O Lord I have taken refuge, let me never be ashamed.  Henry speaks in detail about the Psalms.  Visit the site, biblestudytools.com for an in-depth view of this Psalm.  For me, it reminds me of so many beautiful hymns and conjures up so many memories of times when I have been ashamed to speak loudly or at all about my beliefs, I just prefer to leave it there.  In you O Lord I have taken refuge, let me never be ashamed.

See you tomorrow!

Day 30- Job 41-42; Matthew 2-3; Psalm 11

I get it, "the wrath of God,"  I just hope that I never meet it the way Job did.  I guess that was what the Resurrection was about.  Henry summarizes at the end of Job that he, too, has been troubled by the Book of Job, but alas, he breathes a sigh of relief at the end and finds that all grievances are redressed and all is set right.  I think that I learned that we are to study and learn, but we will never know ALL.  Maybe that is the point is that we are always learning and with each new day comes a new lesson from God.

In Matthew 2, Henry makes a statement, which I find to hold true today.  The magi were nearest to Herod, but furthest from his wealth and riches.  They were desperate to follow Herod, but wise enough to heed the prophecy.  Henry says, "Note, Many times those who are nearest to the means, are furthest from the end."  I get from this that God sets us in our "class" or our "position" to best prepare us to hear his Word.  Henry goes on to explain that God sent his message to the Jewish by an angel and the Gentiles by a star, each in the language that they would best understand. 

Can you imagine how far they traveled to bring tidings?  Henry notes, "Note, Those who truly desire to know Christ, and find him, will not regard pains or perils in seeking after him." How far would you travel?  Where should we travel?  I think our journey is more inherent and further a journey then the physical walking journey.

In speaking of the women who were somewhat gossiping of Jesus, Henry notes, "Note, There is more gross ignorance in the world, and in the church too, than we are aware of. Many that we think should direct us to Christ are themselves strangers to him."  Don't you feel sometimes at church you really get the wrong message? 

Matthew 3, following the baptism, is really the beginning of the Gospel of Christ.  Henry points out the rest was really background and foreshadowing.  He also points out the story of John the Baptist is not indicated.  However, he explains that John the Baptist was a wondering preacher who had not bbelieved and then came to believe.  Henry writes,

Note, True penitents have other thoughts of God and Christ, and sin and holiness, and this world and the other, than they have had, and stand otherwise affected toward them. The change of the mind produces a change of the way. Those who are truly sorry for what they have done amiss, will be careful to do so no more. This repentance is a necessary duty, in obedience to the command of God (Acts. 17:30 ); and a necessary preparative and qualification for the comforts of the gospel of Christ. If the heart of man had continued upright and unstained, divine consolations might have been received without this painful operation preceding; but, being sinful, it must be first pained before it can be laid at ease, must labour before it can be at rest. The sore must be searched, or it cannot be cured. I wound and I heal. 2. The argument he used to enforce this call was, For the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The prophets of the Old Testament called people to repent, for the obtaining and securing of temporal national mercies, and for the preventing and removing of temporal national judgments: but now, though the duty pressed is the same, the reason is new, and purely evangelical. Men are now considered in their personal capacity, and not so much as then in a social and political one. Now repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; the gospel dispensation of the covenant of grace, the opening of the kingdom of heaven to all believers, by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a kingdom of which Christ is the Sovereign, and we must be the willing, loyal subjects of it. It is a kingdom of heaven, not of this world, a spiritual kingdom: its original from heaven, its tendency to heaven.

I think this explanation ties together my indicated fear of the wrath of God and how we can avoid it as preached by John the Baptist and told here in the Gospel of Matthew,

Note, (1.) There is a wrath to come; besides present wrath, the vials of which are poured out now, there is future wrath, the stores of which are treasured up for hereafter. (2.) It is the great concern of every one of us to flee from this wrath. (3.) It is wonderful mercy that we are fairly warned to flee from this wrath; think—Who has warned us? God has warned us, who delights not in our ruin; he warns by the written word, by ministers, by conscience. (4.) These warnings sometime startle those who seemed to have been very much hardened in their security and good opinion of themselves.

On Psalm 11 - Did you get this out of that?

In this psalm we have David’s struggle with and triumph over a strong temptation to distrust God and betake himself to indirect means for his own safety in a time of danger. It is supposed to have been penned when he began to feel the resentments of Saul’s envy, and had had the javelin thrown at him once and again. He was then advised to run his country. "No,’’ says he, "I trust in God, and therefore will keep my ground.’’

I am going to reread on the wrath of God part, see you tomorrow!

Day 29- Job 38-40; Matthew 1

In most disputes the strife is who shall have the last word. Job’s friends had, in this controversy, tamely yielded it to Job, and then he to Elihu. But, after all the wranglings of the counsel at bar, the judge upon the bench must have the last word; so God had here, and so he will have in every controversy, for every man’s judgment proceeds from him and by his definitive sentence every man must stand or fall and every cause be won or lost. Job had often appealed to God, and had talked boldly how he would order his cause before him, and as a prince would he go near unto him; but, when God took the throne, Job had nothing to say in his own defence, but was silent before him. It is not so easy a matter as some think it to contest with the Almighty. Job’s friends had sometimes appealed to God too: "O that God would speak!’’ 11:7. And now, at length, God does speak, when Job, by Elihu’s clear and close arguings was mollified a little, and mortified, and so prepared to hear what God had to say. It is the office of ministers to prepare the way of the Lord. That which the great God designs in this discourse is to humble Job, and bring him to repent of, and to recant, his passionate indecent expressions concerning God’s providential dealings with him; and this he does by calling upon Job to compare God’s eternity with his own time, God’s omniscience with his own ignorance, and God’s omnipotence with his own impotency

So, now, I am kind of wondering, we are told to "study" the Bible?  But that means questioning and it is looking a lot like God is pretty upset with questioning.   Henry explains,

 Job had silenced his three friends, and yet could not convince them of his integrity in the main. Elihu had silenced Job, and yet could not bring him to acknowledge his mismanagement of this dispute. But now God comes, and does both, convinces Job first of his unadvised speaking and makes him cry, Peccavi—I have done wrong; and, having humbled him, he puts honour upon him, by convincing his three friends that they had done him wrong. These two things God will, sooner or later, do for his people: he will show them their faults, that they may be themselves ashamed of them, and he will show others their righteousness, and bring it forth as the light, that they may be ashamed of their unjust censures of them. 

And,  on talking like we know what we are talking about, when really we are quite confused,

Note, Darkening the counsels of God’s wisdom with our folly is a great affront and provocation to God. Concerning God’s counsels we must own that we are without knowledge. They are a deep which we cannot fathom; we are quite out of our element, out of our aim, when we pretend to account for them. Yet we are too apt to talk of them as if we understood them, with a great deal of niceness and boldness; but, alas! we do but darken them, instead of explaining them. We confound and perplex ourselves and one another when we dispute of the order of God’s decrees, and the designs, and reasons, and methods, of his operations of providence and grace. A humble faith and sincere obedience shall see further and better into the secret of the Lord than all the philosophy of the schools, and the searches of science, so called.

It appears God then proceeds in a discourse of what I would liken rhetorical questions and demands through Job 40 when he finally points out,

Those who dispute with God will be silenced at last.

And here we begin Matthew.  It is explained that as Genesis was the story of the creation of the world, Matthew is the story of the generation of Jesus Christ.  Henry indicates that this was some 2,000 years of generations and patience was clearly tried in believing; however,

Note, Delays of promised mercies, though they exercise our patience, do not weaken God’s promise.

Matthew Henry does not succinctly do much, but if I read and read, I generally find a one-liner that gives a pretty decent recap.  Here is no different.

The general summary of all this genealogy we have, v. 17, where it is summed up in three fourteens, signalized by remarkable periods. In the first fourteen, we have the family of David rising, and looking forth as the morning; in the second, we have it flourishing in its meridian lustre; in the third, we have it declining and growing less and less, dwindling into the family of a poor carpenter, and then Christ shines forth out of it, the glory of his people Israel. 

 Well, tomorrow, we complete Job and continue our journey through Matthew.  See you then!

Day 28- Genesis 50; Job 36-37; Psalm 16

I think that we can take various things from Genesis 50.
1)  Mourning and funerals with respect is expected and allowable.
2) Henry summarizes this better than I can,

Note, Though we must be ready to forgive all that are any way injurious to us, yet we must especially take heed of bearing malice towards any that are the servants of the God of our father: such we should always treat with a peculiar tenderness; for we and they have the same Master

3) I find this disturbing, somewhat.  It seems like a reservation of trust in God.  Henry says it, what do you think?

Note, 1. If the separate soul, at death, do but return to its rest with God, the matter is not great though the deserted body find not at all, or not quickly, its rest in the grave. 2. Yet care ought to be taken of the dead bodies of the saints, in the belief of their resurrection; for there is a covenant with the dust, which shall be remembered, and a commandment is given concerning the bones.            

Thus ends our reading of Genesis, but something tells me we will be referring back to our reading of it throughout the rest of our study.

Did anyone else read ahead just a touch?  Here in Job 36 we have, Henry's explanation that,

His other friends had stood to it that, because he was a wicked man, therefore his afflictions were so great and so long. But Elihu only maintained that the affliction was sent for his trial, and that therefore it was lengthened out because Job was not, as yet, thoroughly humbled under it, nor had duly accommodated himself to it. He urges many reasons, taken from the wisdom and righteousness of God, his care of his people, and especially his greatness and almighty power, with which, in this and the following chapter, he persuades him to submit to the hand of God.

I get this.  His friends are trying to take life and justify it with God.  Exactly what we keep being told not to do.  Job has it right.  He has accepted that God has brought this upon him and there must be a purpose, but his friends seek justification.  So, they reason, he must either be a sinner or a non believer. 

I think that 37 is more of a preface to 38.  Elihau is really on a roll now and now he likens the passage of life to the magnitude of the weather created and controlled by God.  But when you get to 38...you can see the lightning about to really strike.

You know my mixed feelings on psalms.  I think this is a beautiful passage. Henry explains it beautifully and I leave us with that.  Next week is posted today.

This psalm is entitled Michtam, which some translate a golden psalm, a very precious one, more to be valued by us than gold, yea, than much fine gold, because it speaks so plainly of Christ and his resurrection, who is the true treasure hidden in the field of the Old Testament.I. David here flies to God’s protection with a cheerful believing confidence in it.

Day 27- Genesis 49; Job 33-35

I could have stopped at the first sentence of Henry's summary, but I continued,

This chapter is a prophecy; the likest to it we have yet met with was that of Noah, ch. 9:25 , etc. Jacob is here upon his death-bed, making his will. He put it off till now, because dying men’s words are apt to make deep impressions, and to be remembered long: what he said here, he could not say when he would, but as the Spirit gave him utterance, who chose this time, that divine strength might be perfected in his weakness. The twelve sons of Jacob were, in their day, men of renown, but the twelve tribes of Israel, which descended and were denominated from them, were much more renowned; we find their names upon the gates of the New Jerusalem, Rev. 21:12 . In the prospect of this their dying father says something remarkable of each son, or of the tribe that bore his name.

Here comes the youngin'...

Before I get too far into it...I love that he suggests that God speaks to us at night through our dreams.  Oh, I know we have seen this with Joseph and the baker, but when the young one says it...it sticks for some reason.  Get those bedside journals out, ladies and gents.  Oh, look at that, he takes Job's side.  I speak to justify you or to fill you with wisdom?  Wow!  Sounds like he is on a power kick now.  I love it because Henry then points out,

Pompous prefaces, like the teeming mountain, often introduce poor performances

And then Henry explains that, Elihau, unable to sit silent, has to reproach Job not once, not twice, but three times.

The little one apparently does not know when to sit down and stop.  I do...we finish Genesis tomorrow!  See you there!

Day 26- Genesis 48; Job 30-32

Henry points out that what we should see of Genesis 48:

Note, In all our prayers, both for ourselves and for our children, we ought to have a particular eye to, and remembrance of, God’s promises to us and Note, In making settlements, it is good to take advice, and to provide for what may happen, while we cannot foresee what will happen. Our prudence must attend God’s providence.

As for Job, I can picture this, now.  Here his friends are throwing baseless accusations and Job has had it.  He owns up to his life, not to leverage, not to boast, but to say to his friends, you are wrong, you  have no truth to what you say and you are trying to make me bad so as to explain that which you are not understanding.

Can you imagine this youngster, now, realizing everyone else has been told, "talk to the hand," and they have responded with, "speechless dude."  Here comes youngster to say, OK, now I have the floor.  Ha!  I can hardly wait to see what happens next.   Luckily, we find out tomorrow.

Day 25- Genesis 47; Job 28-29; Psalm 9

Friends, I did my reading today, but it was hurried and I don't have too much time to comment.  It has been a long day.  I provide you; however, with a guest comment.  I received this this morning and I think you will find it interesting as well.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for . . . righteousness. —2 Timothy 3:16

I once resolved to read all 38 of Shakespeare’s plays in one year. To my surprise, fulfilling the task seemed far more like entertainment than work. I expected to learn about Shakespeare’s world and the people who inhabited it, but I found that Shakespeare mainly taught me about my world.

I went through precisely that same process in encountering the Old Testament. Why does it spend so much time on temples, priests, and rules about sacrifices that no longer exist? How can we make sense of the Old Testament, and how does it apply to our lives today?
As I worked past some of the barriers, I came to feel a need to read because of what it was teaching me. Eventually I found myself wanting to read those 39 books. They were satisfying a hunger in me that nothing else had. They taught me about life with God.
The Old Testament speaks to our hunger. It gives an advanced course of “Life With God,” expressed in a style both personal and passionate.
The rewards offered do not come easily. All achievements require a similar process of hard work; we persevere because the rewards will come.

Tomorrow, more study!  Night.

Day 24- Genesis 46; Job 24-27; Psalm 15

Basically, this is more genealogy and placement, but Henry points out,

Note, Those who desire to keep up communion with God shall find that it never fails on his side. If we speak to him as we ought, he will not fail to speak to us. God called him by name, by his old name, Jacob, Jacob, to remind him of his low estate; his present fears did scarcely become an Israel. Jacob, like one well acquainted with the visions of the Almighty, and ready to obey them, answers, "Here I am, ready to receive orders:’’

I have to say that Job is winding back up and here, in summary, is what he is saying,
I think the modern way of saying this is Bildad got dissed.  Henry says it more formally and with purpose,

Bildad here makes a very short reply to Job’s last discourse, as one that began to be tired of the cause. He drops the main question concerning the prosperity of wicked men, as being unable to answer the proofs Job had produced in the foregoing chapter: but, because he thought Job had made too bold with the divine majesty in his appeals to the divine tribunal (ch. 23), he in a few words shows the infinite distance there is between God and man.

I don't need Henry to tell me that Job says, sure, you are right, but its because of my loyalty to God that I said what I did.  He does add, though,

Thus are we often disappointed in our expectations from our friends who should comfort us, but the Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost, never mistakes in his operations nor misses of his end.

And, let it be said that finally his friends gave in and said, fine, we are tired and out of breath and you are right.  Now, we believe Job to be right, but have you found yourself in this situation.  I sometimes do and retreat to find greater authority to support my position later.  Job, had the right authority and all that he needed.  He did not need to go find the verse in the Bible, he was dictating it as he spoke.  Eeeks!  I wouldn't want to debate with him either.

Ever heard do as I say, not as I do?  That was not from Jesus and David herein recounts that by summary saying,

if we would be happy, we must be holy and honest. Christ, who is himself the way, and in whom we must walk as our way, has also shown us the same way that is here prescribed,

I think that we are all on the right path to trying to do that, at least one small step of it.  See you tomorrow.

Day 23- Genesis 45; Job 21-23; Psalm 13

Let me start by saying, I love the flow of Psalm 13.  It wraps up the majority of the lessons today, too.  Henry describes it as,

the deserted souls case and cure

Henry points out, of some significance in our lives now, of Genesis,

Note, Those that are wealthy should be generous, and devise liberal things; what is an abundance good for, but to do good with it?

And on Joseph's father being "ready" for death,

Note, It is good for us all to make death familiar to us, and to speak of it as near, that we may think how little we have to do before we die, that we may do it with all our might, and may enjoy our comforts as those that must quickly die, and leave them.          

 So, I don't know how Henry gets this, but he seems pretty wise in the understanding of the Bible, so, here is his take on what Job and his friends have been arguing about.  I like it because I can apply it to arguments I have been hearing over the past few years.  Of Job 21 he says, 

Whether outward prosperity, and the continuance of it, were a mark of the true church and the true members of it, so that the ruin of a man’s prosperity is sufficient to prove him a hypocrite, though no other evidence appear against him: this they asserted, but Job denied.

and he goes on to describe the mindset of each Job and his friends in Job 22,

It was one of the unhappinesses of Job, as it is of many an honest man, to be misunderstood by his friends. He had spoken of the prosperity of wicked men in this world as a mystery of Providence, but they took it for a reflection upon Providence, as countenancing their wickedness; and they reproached him accordingly. 

and closes on the final comments of Job in verse 23,

seems to be a struggle between flesh and spirit, fear and faith...

 Yes, we do seem to have this struggle, regularly...night!

Day 22- Genesis 44; Job 18-20

I guess we could call this Joseph the prankster?  He sets up the brothers to test them and they succeed.  Henry points out,

Note, We cannot judge what men are by what they have been formerly, nor what they will do by what they have done: age and experience may make men wiser and better. Those that had sold Joseph would not now abandon Benjamin. The worst may mend in time.

Ever felt like you just wish that your friends would leave instead of say another word?  Ever feel that sometimes your friend just needs you to listen instead of give advice?  Bet that is what Job is thinking.  Check in tomorrow!

Day 21- Genesis 43; Job 15-17

Out of Genesis, we continue to see the story unravel; however, Matthew Henry really gets into things point by point in noting,

Let us thank God that that which is most needful and useful is generally most cheap and common

and of the purpose behind just accepting forgiveness and giving the same,

Note, It is our wisdom to reconcile ourselves to the sorest afflictions, and make the best of them; for there is nothing got by striving with our Maker, 

and finally,

And it must be our rule, in such cases, to be content with what we have, and not to grieve at what others have.     

You know, I, for one, am now ready for Job to be over because his pain and suffering seem impossible to me.  I guess what makes me uncomfortable is that I have the grace of God with such little daily suffering, and here Job is made the model of God's power and it is disturbing to me.  Henry indicates of Job 15,

Perhaps Job was so clear, and so well satisfied, in the goodness of his own cause, that he thought, if he had not convinced, yet he had at least silenced all his three friends; but, it seems he had not: in this chapter they begin a second attack upon him, each of them charging him afresh with as much vehemence as before. It is natural to us to be fond of our own sentiments, and therefore to be firm to them, and with difficulty to be brought to recede from them.

And on a parting point, of Job 17, Matthew warns us to take heed of what this is foreshadowing of the pains that Job's friends will see,

Note, Those that wrong their neighbours may thereby, in the end, wrong their own children more than they are aware of.

With that, I bid you a great day and thank you for continuing through three weeks of our journey together.  I will post week four reading today and...we will finish Genesis this week.

Day 20- Genesis 42; Job 12-14

This is really even more staging  -- Matthew Henry points out this is bringing Jacob's family to Egypt which is a necessary move for us to understand and for so many more things to happen.  Also, Matthew Henry explains, Genesis shifts now from Jesus interpreting the dreams of others to now, his dreams coming true.  By the way, is anyone else experiencing that you are having much more memorable dreams lately?  (It could the NyQuil too....)

Henry poses the question, why was Joseph so hard on his brothers?  And indicates, surely it was not revenge, but, it was to complete his dreams, to bring repentance on his brothers and genuinely, to find out what was going on with his family.  Henry suggests, why should the brothers believe him, when Joseph says he will do no harm?

Note, With those that fear God we have reason to expect fair dealing. The fear of God will be a check upon those that are in power, to restrain them from abusing their power to oppression and tyranny. Those that have no one else to stand in awe of ought to stand in awe of their own consciences.

Did you see that in Job 12, "And those who provoke God are secure, Whom God brings into their power."  Are you one who is secure enough to provoke God or one cowering in the safety zone like Job's friends, saying the "PC" things, because they are weaker in their true faith?  Or, do you join me in the journey - somewhere in between the two? Is there an in between?

Ha!  How many times in your life have you thought this of someone, "O that you would be completely silent, And that it would become your wisdom?"   Sounds like a good time for me to do the same.  See you tomorrow for the end of week 3!  Are you with me?

Day 19- Genesis 41; Job 10-11; Psalm 4

As Matthew Henry points out -- here is the disposition of God's providence in Genesis 41.  As we proceed through Job we now understand that he is confused and repentant and his friends, fearing wrath, do not come to his aid, they condone his words.  Yep...par for the course.  Sometimes, friends can bring you down as much they sometimes can lift you up.

I do find interest in how the Psalm 4 ties it up today - as Matthew Henry points out

 Let us not make the prophecy of scripture to be of more private interpretation than needs must

As we recall from earlier readings, we must learn God's way and then apply our life, not live life and then try to fit it into a mold that God would approve of.  A nice way to leave the evening as I move from here to debates on television - where they certainly are of the reverse from this lesson.

Day 18- Genesis 39-40; Job 8-9

Okay, so here we begin to be told of the story of Joseph and how he came to be where he was and why. I can only guess that Genesis 40 is the beginning of a moral to a story.  Matthew Henry points out of Genesis 39.

Note, 1. What God intends men for he will be sure, some way or other, to qualify them for. 2. Providence is to be acknowledged in the disposal even of poor servants and in their settlements, and therein may perhaps be working towards something great and important.

Note, (1.) Those that have wisdom and grace have that which cannot be taken away from them, whatever else they are robbed of. Joseph’s brethren had stripped him of his coat of many colours, but they could not strip him of his virtue and prudence. (2.) Those that can separate us from all our friends, yet cannot deprive us of the gracious presence of our God. When Joseph had none of all his relations with him, he had his God with him, even in the house of the Egyptian. Joseph was separated from his brethren, but not from his God; banished from his father’s house, but the Lord was with him, and this comforted him. (3.) It is God’s presence with us that makes all we do prosperous. Those that would prosper must therefore make God their friend; and those that do prosper must therefore give God the praise

 Oh my gosh - Job 9.  Wow!  So many things ran through my mind while I read that.  I can't adequately convey them, but Job did.  He is angry for sure, but realizes that there is nothing that he can do to change this.  Here is the true description of how powerful is God and how powerless we should and do all feel.  Matthew Henry points out

He wisely keeps to the merits of the cause, and makes no remarks upon the person that managed it, nor seeks occasion against him.

We should all be so wise as to keep our eye on the ball in  confrontation.  I had a teaser from Matthew Henry who says that Job 10 is Job's continued exhortation with Bilbay. 

Day 17- Genesis 38; Job 5-7

Genesis 38: I don't get it.  Why does God want brothers-in-law to sleep with sisters-in-law?

I can't hardly stand the suffering of Job.  I can feel his pain and I wonder, too, how could God afflict him who had such faith in him?  I think its sad really, would God have afflicted him less if he was less faithful? 

Hopelessly confused today!

Day 16- Genesis 37; Job 2-4

Genesis 37: Interesting, this is really an introduction to Joseph, and an introduction to the final message from Genesis.  I find it amazing to see that over and over jealousy leads to such destruction.  It is often true, I think, that within your own family, jealousy is most rampant.  What you do with the jealousy is also interesting.  Whatever you do, suck it up or act on it - it always ends up destructive.

Job 2: This starts out explaining that Satan, who accused Job of having deceitful motives is really the one with deceitful motive.  My Bible commentator then goes on to state, "God cannot be stirred up to do things against His will.  Though it is not always clear how, everything that happens is part of  His divine purpose."  How many times have I said that?   It goes on to explain that trouble and suffering are not only punishment for sin, for God's people it may also serve as a trial or discipline with great spiritual gain.

Matthew Henry states,

We left Job honourably acquitted upon a fair trial between God and Satan concerning him. Satan had leave to touch, to touch and take, all he had, and was confident that he would then curse God to his face; but, on the contrary, he blessed him, and so he was proved an honest man and Satan a false accuser. Now, one would have thought, this would be conclusive, and that Job would never have his reputation called in question again; but Job is known to be armour of proof, and therefore is here set up for a mark, and brought upon his trial, a second time

Job 3: Job, in all his pain and agony, still knows and holds his faith.  It is not to say that Job is happy with God, but he holds his faith.  Amazing.  How hard must it be to look death in its face and sit in pain and maintain your faith?  Just as some of us are made to be ill to test our faith, I think that God must make some of us to remain strong to test out faith?

Job 4: Can you picture these moments in your life?  Here you are suffering, as we call suffering, and here come your friends to cheer you and remind you that you must have faith, "that everything happens for a reason" "that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" and all those things.  Meanwhile, your friends, or maybe you in another circumstance, are questioning, "why is God doing this?"  And what you mean is, if there was God would this really be happening?  Or maybe you are questioning your friend's steadfast faith.  My commentator is good to point out that while the words of Job's friends seem wise, we must be careful to understand that the lesson from this is not the faith that his friends had, but that they did not know God's purpose in allowing Job to be "buffeted" by Satan.

Well, friends, I leave you today to ponder how should we address these inflictions and trials in our lives?  "With the patience of Job?"

Day 15- Genesis 35-36; Job 1

Genesis 35:  Matthew Henry indicates that while this appears as three communions and three funerals, there is more we should get from this.  1) Masters of the household are responsible for the religion in their households (give me your foreign gods). 2) He indicates that sometimes, while we are waiting for the "right" time to do something, if we would act earlier, we might be surprised how open to our direction other people are.

Note, 1. Old servants in a family, that have in their time been faithful and useful, ought to be respected. Honour was done to this nurse, at her death, by Jacob’s family, though she was not related to them, and though she was aged. Former services, in such a case, must be remembered. 2. We do not know where death may meet us; perhaps at Beth-el, the house of God. Therefore let us be always ready. 3. Family-afflictions may come even when family-reformation and religion are on foot. Therefore rejoice with trembling

Genesis 36: Basically, this is such an important timeline because Esau was the son of  Isaac, and to show that God kept his promise to Abraham.

Job 1: Job sincerely feared God and while he was not perfect he tried to be as much so as he could.  Even in his dire mourning, he praised God and saw that God had delivered. He took pleasure and wanted his children to live happy and prosper, just as God wants the same for his children. 

I am interested in learning more about this Job.  Could be a good lesson for us all in here. 

Day 14- Genesis 32-34

Genesis 32:  Okay, this is something I can wrap my mind around.  Did you see verse 32:24.  I used some help in gathering my understanding, but the idea goes like this, since Jacob had struggled all of his life to prevail over Esau and the Laban and now that he was about to return to Canaan, he wrestled with God, he wrestled with his faith, but he prevailed.  But, I don't get this, God shows him in the next verse that he has the power to disable him at Will, until Jacob acknowledges that he has been seeking the wrong blessings and that his blessing must come from God.  Why would God want to disable any of his children?  Maybe, we as parents, engage in this same behavior -- we disable our children from sinning by taking away or not allowing them to go somewhere?  Interesting.

Genesis 33: Jeez this Jacob.  So, his brother forgives him and even more embraces him.  God has confronted him and maybe now we understand why God disables Jacob.  God knows that Jacob is not done with his deceitful ways.  Here we are told that Jacob is making up excuses for not traveling with his brother and as my Bible commentator points out, "this means trouble."

Genesis 34: And here we see rape and revenge and then from that comes fear.  And did you see that in 34:13 - Jacob's son basically says, like father, like son. Well, I must say that this drama is getting a little spicy now.  With this nail biter...hang till tomorrow and reflect upon the idea -- have you ever dished out a little more revenge than the underlying malice deserved?  Do you think that God sent you a little message about how wrong that was?

Next week's reading plan is posted.

Day 13- Genesis 31; Galatians 6; Psalm 7

Genesis 31:

Matthew Henry indicates, Jacob was a very honest good man, a man of great devotion and integrity, yet he had more trouble and vexation than any of the patriarchs. He left his father’s house in a fright, went to his uncle’s in distress, very hard usage he met with there, and now is going back surrounded with fears.  He indicates the purpose of the story is [1.] Those that are ever so careful to keep a good conscience cannot always be sure of a good name. [2.] This is one of the vanities and vexations which attend outward prosperity, that it makes a man to be envied of his neighbors

Galatians 6:  Summed up by Matthew Henry "This chapter chiefly consists of two parts. In the former the apostle gives us several plain and practical directions, which more especially tend to instruct Christians in their duty to one another, and to promote the communion of saints in love (v. 1-10). In the latter he revives the main design of the epistle, which was to fortify the Galatians against the arts of their judaizing teachers, and confirm them in the truth and liberty of the gospel." 

I think its a strong message delivered very nicely.  I could take direction from Paul.

Psalm 7: You know my feelings on the Psalms. My Bible commentator points out that the people are anguished and impatient over God's inaction in the face of their great need.  I think I have felt this way before.  That's a hard struggle,patience and faith versus desperation.  Week 2 ends tomorrow - see you then!

Day 12 - Genesis 29-30; Galatians 5

Genesis 29: So, basically here we see that God, again, delivers on his promises, but they do not come easily.  Jacob must pay for his sins in a similar way -- he sinned trying to be the first born and here he is punished by the first born. 

Genesis 30:  Matthew Henry explains that here, Jacob pays for his bigamy (he calls it a strange marriage.)  Yet, he points out the purpose of Jacob's story is as follows:

Note, Those who, while their beginning is small, are humble and honest, contented and industrious, are in a likely way to see their latter end greatly increasing. He that is faithful in a little shall be entrusted with more. He that is faithful in that which is another man’s shall be entrusted with something of his own. Jacob, who had been a just servant, became a rich master.          

Galatians 5:  Okay, so if this is my punch list, I have a lot of work to do,  Point taken - I have a lot to do.  Vices and virtues, I think are the daily struggles, but I think that God looks to our overall intent and purpose before judging us on those vices and virtues alone.  Matthew Henry indicates that this is a general warning, enforced by the strength of his argument.

Unfortunately, I am distracted in my readings today and not reading too much into them.  Perhaps I will have more time to reflect on them tomorrow.

Day 11- Genesis 27-28; Galatians 4

Genesis 27: Matthew Henry writes

Esau had profanely sold the birthright to Jacob; but Esau hopes he shall be never the poorer, nor Jacob the richer, for that bargain, while he preserves his interest in his father’s affections, and so secures the blessing. Here therefore we find how he was justly punished for his contempt of the birthright (of which he foolishly deprived himself) with the loss of the blessing, of which Jacob fraudulently deprives him.

He also points out that we should take note of the infirmities of being older and that we must live life now because when we are old or deceased it will be too late and the work cannot be done.

Genesis 28:  Matthew Henry writes of Jacob

He was blessed with plenty of corn and wine, and yet he went away poor, was blessed with government, and yet went out to service, a hard service. This was, 1. Perhaps to correct him for his dealing fraudulently with his father. The blessing shall be confirmed to him, and yet he shall smart for the indirect course he took to obtain it. While there is such an alloy as there is of sin in our duties, we must expect an alloy of trouble in our comforts. However, 2. It was to teach us that those who inherit the blessing must expect persecution; those who have peace in Christ shall have tribulation in the world

Krista, he goes on to write that God's Providences oftentimes contradict his promises; however, in the end you will see the promise.  This made me think of your supplemental comment today.

Galatians 4: Matthew Henry points out

The apostle, in this chapter, is still carrying on the same general design as in the former-to recover these Christians from the impressions made upon them by the judaizing teachers, and to represent their weakness and folly in suffering themselves to be drawn away from the gospel doctrine of justification, and to be deprived of their freedom from the bondage of the law of Moses. For this purpose he makes use of various considerations.

 For the greatest part is indicates what the conversion of the Judaizers to Christians has done for them.

So, Krista this brings me back to your comments of today, you didn't think you would escape that did you? I agree that my profession can directly contrast God's laws. I work to promote Man's laws. (I'm an attorney, in case you don't know.) There are times when Man's laws conflict (for example - Texas versus Canonical law), but the answer lies not in the promotion of Man's law. As we see in today's readings, Isaac was passing along a traditional law by blessing Esau, but God had promised Rebekah that Jacob would be blessed, and he was. The question for me is, in any given situation, "did I treat the other people with dignity, respect -- how I would want them to treat me." And various other considerations. I think the "good old boys" call it professionalism, I think that they were more in tune with their Christianity and less concerned with being fast and furious.

So, I think you are right that the faith and "Christian-like" goodness is in our hearts, but God tests us and if are true in our faith, we will reap the grace He has given us. I knew Paul wouldn't leave us hanging for too long. Hasta Manana!

Day 10- Genesis 25-26; Galatians 3

Let me say this.  Tonight I planned to go to Zumba.  My husband had been asking me since the weekend to join he and his friends for happy hour.  I really wanted to go to Zumba, but I finally agreed late this afternoon -- I'm not like a super fitness buff.  Then, he said he would really rather spend the time alone with me. So,we went to our favorite place.  Turned out a good and new friend of mine was having her political fundraiser there and for some reason the mail did not make it to our office. So, we enlisted the Lita for the kids and met some really great people and showed face for a friend who needs it.  God doesn't work in our lives?  I absolutely know He does.  So, I read the scripture.  It was kind of boring to me, except Galatians.  Matthew Henry did not have much to say either - so...

Genesis 25: I love this idea that the twins struggled already in her womb. Kids will fight - no matter where.  I also enjoy that the law of man gave everything to the older child, but God let the boys believe that their oral agreement set the paths in stone.

Genesis 26: I really think this is best summarized as "Like Father, like Son."  Isaac indicates Rebekah is his sister to who?  Abimelech.  Poor Abimilech -he is not trying to do wrong, but both Abraham and Isaac offer their wives up as sisters.  Geesh!

Galatians 3: You go Paul!  This sounds like a football coach cheering his team to victory!  Did you catch that, "God's Blessing has never been earned, but always freely given." Do you see that also, "Unity in Christ transcends ethic, social, and sexual distinctions."  I need help here!  I really do. So what's the what with the difference between Anglican and Episcopal.  I need to call on authorities here --- anyone.?

I don't know where this leaves us.  It leaves us looking for something far better more tomorrow.

Day 9- Genesis 23-24

Genesis 23:  So, I get very little from this, but the commentator, Matthew Henry, points out that much of the idea of this is that Abraham had to be careful to mourn, but not too much and that burial is a sort of distraction from mourning that is necessary and finding the right location for burial is important.  He also points out that no one is full of so much grace that they can be excepted from death.

Genesis 24:  Here's Matthew Henry's point on 23 and 24 together and in this order.

Marriages and funerals are the changes of families, and the common news among the inhabitants of the villages. In the foregoing chapter we had Abraham burying his wife, here we have him marrying his son. These stories concerning his family, with their minute circumstances, are largely related, while the histories of the kingdoms of the world then in being, with their revolutions, are buried in silence; for the Lord knows those that are his. The subjoining of Isaac’s marriage to Sarah’s funeral (with a particular reference to it, v. 67) shows us that as "one generation passes away another generation comes;’’ and thus the entail both of the human nature, and of the covenant, is preserved. 

So, I guess the point of these is that these rituals occur in the lives of everyone and in due time and place.  We are directed to manage them in accordance with the laws of man, but more so, God's directions, as he will guide us through this.

Day 8- Genesis 20-22; Galatians 2

Genesis 20:  It is nice to see that Abimelech could be saved by being honest too.  I really don't get why God did not tell Abraham not to lie about these things, isn't that a sin also?  My Bible commentator points out that Abimelech's generosity was a strong contrast to Abraham's fearfulness and deception.  Matthew Henry points out in his commentaries that the fairest marbles have their flaws and  this is Abraham's flawed presence in the Bible and its not left out just to make it pretty.

Genesis 21: Sarah seems to me, a bit out of control.  Where is her punishment for her jealousy and vindictiveness? Matthew Henry points out (although I wonder from where he  knows this) that Ishmael was abusive and mocked Isaac often.  Ishmael was 14 years older than Isaac and perhaps, he says, the feast after he was weaned from nursing, was really a feast to celebrate that the child lived.  He further indicates the casting out of Ishmael was because of his cruel behavior.  Interesting to me, Matthew Henry points out

Note, 1. God takes notice of what children say and do in their play, and will reckon with them if they say or do amiss, though their parents do not. Mocking is a great sin, and very provoking to God. 3. There is a rooted remaining enmity in the seed of the serpent against the seed of the woman. The children of promise must expect to be mocked. This is persecution, which those that will live godly must count upon. 4. None are rejected and cast out from God but those who have first deserved it. Ishmael is continued in Abraham’s family till he becomes a disturbance, grief, and scandal to it

 I think this chapter points out that struggles we are faced with in our own modern-day lives.  Abraham struggles with joy, pride, jealousy, marital issues and how they contrast with how he chooses to live his life conflicting with his wife's, neighbor troubles, problems with blurring the lines of honesty to make things easier for himself.  I can see something like this on a daily basis in my life.  I think the point is keeping my spiritual compass in the right direction will hopefully bring me through it all.  It also exemplifies that we cannot control others and sometimes our path is tested because of others,, but God is watching and waiting for us to make the right decisions.

Genesis 22: Wow!  My Bible commentator points out that this is not a temptation, its a test.  He indicates that Satan tempts us, God tests us.  Would you pass this test?  He also points out that this is the first time that we see a substitutionary sacrifice. 

Galatians 2: In 2:16 it is pointed out that we are justified by our faith.  My Bible commentator points out "Faith is the means by which justification is received, not its basis."  And further indicates that "[Paul] is arguing against an illegitimate use of the OT Law that made observance of that Law the grounds of acceptance with God."  Then in 2:21 points out "To mingle legalism with grace distorts grace and makes a mockery of the cross." Matthew Henry points out that it was because [Paul] was one of those that he was trying to convert that he was so appropriate for this particular ministry.

So, I am left understanding, beginning to understand, that the trials and tribulations that were experienced in the OT are different in fact, but similar in principle to those that I experience.  That I should have faith and apply it to the experience, rather than have the experience and justify it with faith.  And, that I have a purpose here in life, even though, I may not yet have pinpointed it.

Day 7- Genesis 17-19

Genesis 17 - So here we see the official name change from Abram (Exalted father) to Abraham (Father of many) and Sarai (princess) to Sarah (mother of nations).

Commentary on Genesis 17 indicates, "Abram is therefore called "the friend of God,’’ not only because he was the man of his counsel, but because he was the man of his covenant; both these secrets were with him."

Genesis 18 - Here we see Abraham negotiating with God.  This is described, not as haggling,but as an act of compassion for his relatives. 

Genesis 19 - Clearly, here we find the "genesis" of sodomy.  It is noted that God delivered Lot and his children to safety out of mercy, not because they were righteous.  And, as to the incest, the future holds that the children born of the daughters became bitter enemies of Abraham's descendants.  Nothing good can come from evil.

Overall, this exemplifies to me that obedience and prompt obedience is expected and praised and rewarded by God, whereas even the slightest hesitation can result in God's condemnation and ruin.  Whew!  What a week - 51 more to go.  The list for next week is also published today.

Day 6- Genesis 14-16; Galatians 1; Psalm 3

Woh now, slow down.  This is a bit of modern day drama.  There is a big battle of powers that be (of course by their armies) and when they are done God sends Abram to clean it up and get Lot and the food and the people back.  Then, Abram asks God for a child and land, wants evidence of the land, but trusts Him regarding the child.  But, Sarai is a doubter, as she is unable to have kids.  So, on her mark, Abram has an affair (a wife swap of sorts) and the maid has a child and Sarai changes her mind and gets upset.  But, I think that there is more to this story - let's ask the experts.

Genesis 14 - Significantly, this is the first war that is ever reported in history.  It is also reportedly the only military action that Abram was ever engaged in; although, it was done as a matter of charity.

Genesis 15 - Here, the commentators explain, is a covenant making meeting between God and Abram on the mount.  The commentator is quick to point out that we should not complain "of" God, but we can complain "to" Him.  (Good to know).  He also points out though, "While promised mercies are delayed our unbelief and impatience are apt to conclude them denied."  As to the land, the commentator points out that He promised Abram land and Abram was satisfied, just as He promises us Heaven.

Genesis 16 - Our commentator points out that  "It would have been much more for Sarai’s interest if Abram had kept to the rule of God’s law instead of being guided by her foolish projects; but we often do ill for ourselves" and indicates that Satan will disguise himself in good tidings or well wishes from those closest to us, because it will do us the most harm.  He also states, and this rings home for me recently, "When our hearts are too much set upon any creature-comfort, we are easily put upon the use of indirect methods for the obtaining of it. Inordinate desires commonly produce irregular endeavours."  He further quotes, "We have here the immediate bad consequences of Abram’s unhappy marriage to Hagar. A great deal of mischief it made quickly. When we do not well both sin and trouble lie at the door; and we may thank ourselves for the guilt and grief that follow us when we go out of the way of our duty. See it in this story"

Galatians 1-  I really enjoyed reading this.  It is simple and gets the message across.  The Apostle Paul says, why are you seeking the favor of man?  That's going to get you nowhere.  You should seek the favor of God.  He says, I know, remember me, I am the one who used to speak against Him, but then I saw Him and my message now, it does not come from me, it comes from Him.  You better believe it. 

Psalm 3 - I cannot remember how many times I have cried out in faith and hoping and praying that this faith is well vested, in different words, but with this fury and anxiety.  This also reminds us that we have been told to be thankful in the day so that we have grace at night and thankful at night so we have grace by day.

Selah is described as one seen often in prayers, but is likely a musical term.  Maybe the Psalms are early-Christian rock music.

Where does this leave us for today?  God wants to bestow gifts upon us.  He decides, not us.  It is our job to follow Him, Pray to Him and tell about Him, he is our Father, so to Him we can complain, but not want.  We do not necessarily get what we want, we get what we need.  Hmmmm....seems I tell my kiddos this all the time.  See ya tomorrow!

Day 5- Genesis 10-13; Psalm 2

Genesis 10 is, let's say it, boring.  Its kinds of like reading 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and the paragraphs of fish names.  However, Matthew Henry provides some insight in explaining that there is no well-preserved genealogy so Genesis is the best we've got.

Why would God see something working so well and want to come and mix it up?  Genesis 11, the Tower of Babel story is disturbing.  The author to the Bible I am reading says that this is a beautiful literary hourglass device.?  And then, further indicates that God dispersed the people because of their rebellious pride to prove that they cannot win over God?  He then goes on to explain that people built the tower to dominate over God's creation.  Now, I get it.  He also explains that, chronologically, Genesis 11 came before Genesis 10.  Then why not just write it that way?  Geesh.  Acceptance is difficult. 

Genesis 11 really exemplifies that although God destroyed man kind with the flood, there still exists the sons of "men" and the sons of "God."

Genesis 12 sets forth a seven step promise from God to Abram as such:
1) I will make you a great nation
2) I will bless you
3) [I will] make your name great
4) you shall be a blessing
5) I will bless those who bless you
6) the one who curses you, I will curse; and
7) in you all of the families of the earth will be blessed.

The author indicates that this, God's original blessing, is restored and fulfilled through Abram and his offspring (Isaac, Jacob and Moses).  A second author and commentator explains that here, the Holy Ghost enters and now, it is almost Abram and his seed that are the sole account and subject moving forward.

Genesis 13 describes how Abram continued in his godliness by allowing Lot to choose where he would live because Abram's wealth would come only from God.  The author in my Bible indicates Lot and Abram are  easily contrasted, Lot by his selfishness and coveting and Abram as blessed and acting only upon the commands of God.

Psalm 2:5 indicates that God is angry and; therefore, expresses his Righteousness.  I think that many people express an invalid righteousness when they are angry and this makes God seem somewhat human to me.

These are some questions that we can consider in the review of Genesis.

1. With what do the first eleven chapters deal?
2. What single character is next described?
3. Why is Abraham important in the history?
4. What promises were made to Abraham?
5. What descendants of Abraham are described in the remaining part of Genesis?
6. How long a period is covered by the events of this book?
7. How did the first Old Testament book receive its present name?

  So, I think with end with the story telling us that greed and hastiness will result in exactly what we would expect them to result in and waiting to hear God's Word will result in grace.  See you tomorrow!

Day 4: Genesis 7-9; 2 Peter 3

Sorry - I think I copied my plan wrong and we should have read 2 Peter 1 then 2 and then 3.  Go back and read 1 -- it has an interesting comment on stating that "no prophecy on scripture" is a matter of one's own interpretation because no prophecy is made of human will rather he was moved by the Holy Spirit. 

Further exploration of Genesis 7 and of the inclusion of Noah's some "Ham," who ended up being evil, is meant to be an indication that some children profit from their parent's Godliness, that there is always a mixture of good and bad on Earth and in every family a mixture as well.  The author points out that in Noah's family, there was Ham and in Christ's family there was Judas.  So goes the saying, "there is one in every family."

Krista, in contrast to your ideal that God feels remorse or regret, I think Genesis 8 is indicating - "did you get my point?"  As we may remember from Bill Cosby "I brought you into this world and I can take you out."  I think from this point forward God has indicated to each one of you that sins your own punishment will come, in fact proscribes certain penalties for each different type of evil sin.

I do love the rainbow "bow" in the clouds.  An explanation of a "silver lining."  But again, God delivers the subtle message - I created the floods and remember I can do that again.  Did you catch that God also says I created you in my own image -- so He sort  of says if you tarnish that image through evil, I will tarnish you.

Do you think that there is a rainbow in Charlie Brown's cartoons when the grey cloud follows above?  Till' tomorrow!

Day 3: Genesis 5-6; Psalms 1 and 93 and 2 Peter 3

Some days, folks, its gonna have to be short, with less study and simple reading.  Today is a day like that.

Okay, so Genesis 4 seems to really concern me because the times make no sense.  My author's interpretation seems to be that either the years were exaggerated or were actually days in a year. I guess 5:3 lends credence to our parents saying they hope we experience what they did with our own children.  I do notice 5:22 wherein the difference should be noted of "walking with God" versus merely"living."

Genesis 6 made me think of Krista's comments on when God decided that was it.  And I think this is exactly what Genesis 6 says.  Do you wonder why the serpent was brought on board Noah's ark?  The end seems to say that not only "you are what you reap, but what you reap is stuck with you."

Peter 3 also speaks to some of your comments, Krista.  It tells us in 3:8 time is relative to the watcher.  God waits patiently, while we are impatient and see 3:10 indicates that these things are sometimes figurative or distorted because they are trying to describe the indescribable.  And heed the warning of 3:11 that this transitory existence and indescribable time should be the reason that we want to live lives of holiness now.

Well, I am intrigued and ready to read more tomorrow.  Sorry so short today -- promise more length and analysis tomorrow!

Day 2: Genesis 3-4, Psalm 92, 2 Peter 2

From the very outset, do you wonder how much time passed between Genesis 2 and 3?  When reading a story where time has passed, traditionally, an author tells us if the next page is the following hour, day or a passage of decades.  Here, we are not given a clue as to the passage of time. 

Tricky little serpent, huh?  He promises Godliness to Eve by tempting her with three evils -- goods for the stomach, the eyes and the mind.  Of course, we know that the result was anything but that.  She already had those things, but did not know the opposite.  Its by contradiction, it seems, that she learns -- who of us does not experience this daily?  I am reminded of the grace God has given us, when I disparage something I feel is "disgraceful." 

I find myself asking as I read Genesis 3 - Where did the great deceiver come from?  Did you catch it in verse 22 that God says, "the man has become like one of Us", who is He talking to and who is Us?  As I moved on to Peter, I think he must be talking to the angels?  What do you think? 

Have you read, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God?" (Jonathan Edwards, theologian - July 8, 1741)  God seems both angry and yet a little witty when he rhetorically asks Adam, "where are you?"  I think this is said by God to point out to Adam that before eating the apple, he would not have even understood to behave this way - he would never have thought to hide and now he is hiding his body by clothes and by trees.  Did you notice the other rhetorical question in our readings today?  In Genesis 4, Cain rhetorically asks God "What, am I my brother's keeper?"  I think that we rhetorically ask God these things all the time. "Was I not supposed to eat the whole pie?"  "Was I not supposed to buy that thing I cannot afford?"

Did you notice another common theme in our current society -- Adam blames Eve, Eve blames the serpent and no one takes their own blame in Genesis 3.

I find myself again questioning, how am I to believe this when the Bible cannot even tell me where this is happening -- the land of Nod in Genesis 4.  Did you find yourself wondering does my family stem from the Cain or Abel branch of the family tree?  Seems like, before the Resurrection, it may have made a huge difference, maybe not so much now.

Today's reading also touches on the current fodder for religious difference - homosexuality, monogamy and adultery.  Genesis 4:19 and 2 Peter 10.

Moving on to Psalms.  I am not grasping the Psalms.  They are pretty, but I don't get it.  Anyone?  I had to seek out other sources to get the point of Psalm 92.  I mean the basic introduction - this is to be said on the Sabbath - that was easy, but why? 

Matthew Henry a theologian who wrote a complete commentary in 1706 indicates that verses 1-6 are a reminder to thank God for his grace of the night by prayer in the morning and likewise thank Him at night for his graces throughout the day.  He indicates of verses 7 - 15

The last days of the saints are sometimes their best days, and their last work their best work: perseverance is sure evidence of sincerity. And may every sabbath, while it shows forth the Divine faithfulness, find our souls resting more and more upon the Lord our righteousness. 

I find 2 Peter 2 to be a great passage for us to read as we are at the beginning of this Bible study.  It is open to the public and what I or you find on the Internet could provide a false message.  We should be weary of false prophets, false teachers and false messages.

The commentary to verse 3 in my version of the Bible states "Although delay makes it seem that [deceivers] have escaped God's judgment, destruction is a reality that is sure to come upon them."  Great, but we need to continue to vest ourselves with the Right Word to make sure we can uncover these wolves in sheep's clothing.  And with that...I leave you until tomorrow (reserving my right for further comment.)  Have a great day!

Oh, and if you have any comments or suggestions to make sure you stay interested and involved, please let me know.

Day 1: Genesis 1-2 and Psalms 95-96

I have relied on the following sources, along with the Bible, in forming thoughts and questions about today's readings, as follows: 

1. http://www.bibletruths.net/Archives/BTAR133.htm
2. http://www.tonyhj.ca/Writing/Handbook/Biblhndbk02.html#Commentaries
3. http://www.jhom.com/topics/rivers/eden.htm
4. http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/bibleReadingGuide.asp?book=Ps#95
5. http://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/psalms/96.html

Apparently, throughout the Christian and other communities, some people claim that there are differences in Genesis 1 and 2 that are so drastic that they cannot be assimilated.  Likewise,  this is used to support the theory of evolution and discredit Creationism.  For example, in Genesis 1, it is written that God created Man and Woman and then Genesis 2 states that Eve was created from Adam's rib.   

After a close consideration of these alleged contradictions between chapter one and two of the Genesis' account of creation, there are essentially five supposed discrepancies (the following was arranged and succinctly worded by the scholar Kalisch). I shall now state them and then examine them. (1). In chapter one, vegetation is immediately produced by the will of God; in the second "account," its existence is made dependent on rain and mists; (2) in the first the earth emerges from the waters and, therefore, contains necessary moisture; in the second it appears dry and sandy; (3) in the first man and his wife are created together; in the second the wife is formed later, and from a part of man; (4) in the former man bears the image of God, and is made ruler of the whole earth; in the latter his earth-formed body is only animated by the breath of life, and he is placed in Eden to cultivate and to guard it; (5) in the former the birds and beasts are created before man; in the latter man before birds and beasts. These five comparisons constitute the so called insoluble contradictions between chapters one and two.

The commentary in the New American Standard Bible that I am reading indicates that the differences may be explained by comparing the days of "formation" versus the days of "filling."  Do you think that the days of formation were 24-hour days or indefinite periods?  What difference does it make  until there was actually light and dark and cultivation related to the seasons?  Did you  find yourself intrigued by the different ways to interpret "sea monsters" in Genesis 1 verse 21? Isn't Genesis 2:2 overwhelming?  His work was completed and it was "perfect."  It did not have to be repeated, repaired or revised and he rested "to commemorate it."

Look again at Genesis 1:27.  This is our first glimpse at poetry in the Bible, which overall is about 40 percent poetry.  Did you get that feeling when you read it the first time?

Did you find yourself wondering where are we?  Apparently, the location of two of the four rivers (Pishon, Gihon) and their current names. 

Ponder these questions in relation to Psalm 95:
What reasons to worship are we given in this Psalm?
What warnings and why are they issued in verses 8-11?

And consider these questions when reading Psalm 96:
What does it mean to ascribe to God attributes of glory and strength and what happens if we fail to do this?
In what sense is praise to God fitting or worthy?

Did you catch in 95:6-11 that the method of kneeling is proscribed and a mere genuflection is insufficient?
Did you get the message from 95:8 that we are reminded no to "quarrel" or "test?"

I think that a wonderful passage for us is 96:13 wherein we are reminded that in the Old Testament righteousness was only a promise and not yet the establishment and that we now benefit from the establishment of his righteousness. 

I think that is a perfect way to end today's blog post- take some time to reflect on the fear of the Old Testament followers, bleak and weary and how we benefit from their faith.