Category: Genesis-BibleTrekToday
Trek through Genesis
“The Day of Judgment”
January 3rd–Genesis 6-9
As we read the story of Noah and the flood, let’s listen for God’s heart. God saw that the man that He had made in His own image had turned to rebellion instead of the intimate walk of faith God had planned for him. God’s heart was grieved and filled with pain because of man’s choices. Every thought of mankind was evil and God’s wrath and His judgment would result. But one man found grace! .
“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” (Genesis 6:8) God’s eyes are always looking for a way to show favor and mercy! His eyes are looking for any who would humbly believe His Word. He would much rather save and bless them. God revealed to Noah His plans for judgment of a wicked mankind and a polluted earth. He gave specific instructions for saving Noah, his family, and the animals. Noah did everything just as God commanded Him.” (Genesis 6:22)
“In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the 17th day of the second month–on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of heaven were opened.” (Genesis 7:11) God did exactly what He said He would do on a specific day in Noah’s life! Jesus taught that it would be just like the days of Noah when God would again judge the wicked of the earth. (Matthew 24:36-39) This final future judgment would be by fire! The only way of salvation is to believe in Jesus Christ!
Do you find it hard to believe in the account of the flood and God’s judgment? Why do you think that God emphasizes this story through the prophets, apostles, and Jesus Christ Himself? Does your heart burn to know Him better through this story of Noah and his amazing salvation?
“By these same waters the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” 2nd Peter 3:6-7
“I ate it!”
Scripture reading for January 2nd: Genesis 3-5
Genesis 3:12 “The man said, “The woman you put here with me–she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”“ 1st John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
I remember in my early childhood taking my dad’s pocketknife from the stand by his favorite chair and carving. pictures on the bedroom door. It was great fun and I thought my sister liked the pictures. Dad and Mom were out doing chores on the farm and it was getting dark outside. I knew they would come in and slid Dad’s chair in front of the door to hide the ‘artwork’, but they caught on right away! When questioned, I initially tried to blame my younger sister. I soon reaped what I had so unwisely sown. Our free will can choose but consequences come!
As we read Genesis 3-5, we are introduced to the “serpent” who was “more crafty” than any of the animals that God had made. This “serpent” talked to the woman Eve, contradicting what God had told Adam and Eve. The “crafty” words appealed to her pride and planted a desire to know what God had forbidden. Eve was taken in and took the forbidden fruit. She gave it to her husband who in disobedience ate as well. They were suddenly aware of their nakedness and experienced shame. Instead of being unashamed in God’s presence, they covered themselves with a fig leaf! Intimacy with God was lost through disobedience.
God walked in the garden calling: “Adam, where are you?”(Genesis 3:9) When found, God (Who knows everything) asked them if they had eaten from the forbidden tree. God was drawing them to repentance and confession, but instead they blamed others. The way to restore true intimacy was to simply say: “I ate it!” Their fear destroyed intimacy with God and each other. In place of being naked and unashamed, their sin brought guilt, accusation, fig leaves and strife. Sin separates us from the One Who truly knows us and loves us and from those we are related to.
Have you ever done something you knew was wrong and tried to cover it up with a ‘fig leaf’? Have you blamed someone else or God? Do you find it difficult to admit doing wrong?
‘Made in God’s Image’
Scripture reading for January 1st: Genesis 1-2
Then God said, “let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created them.”–Genesis 2:26-27
I am so thankful that you have chosen to trek with me through the Bible this year. We are starting at the beginning where Scripture starts, Genesis chapters 1-2. Moses recorded the creation story for us about 1500 years before Christ. According to Scripture, he was moved on by the Holy Spirit and wrote down the Words given him by God. (2nd Peter 1:19-21) Without this record, we could only speculate about where we came from and why we are here. Intellectuals love to speculate, and make light of God’s Word. As enlightened believers, we believe that God exists and that He created the universe. (Hebrews 11:1-3)
God made all creation simply by speaking (breath)! And what powerful words they were! As He spoke, out of nothing, creation appeared! Psalm 33:6 states: “By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of His mouth.” In other words, we serve a God who breathes out stars, constellations, and galaxies that stretch out for countless millions of light years in every direction from the earth! God also breathed into man the breath of Life, making him an eternal being in His image.
God created man in His image for an intimate relationship with Him! Man originally talked with God and was given shared rulership of creation. God created man as male and female for an intimate relationship with each other. Man and woman, though different, were to become one with each other and Him. His design has brought companionship and pleasure to man, who could not find intimacy with any of the animals! Through the oneness of covenant marriage, man and woman in partnership with God, were to procreate others in God’s image to fill the earth with Father God’s love and care.
What aspect of this creation story fascinates you the most? Have you struggled with your identity and purpose? What insight do these chapters bring to help you?
“Come.”
Scripture reading for December 30th: Revelation 22:17-21, 2 Peter 3:10-13
Revelation 22:17-19: The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” and let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of Life without price. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophesy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of Life and in the Holy City, which are described in this book.”
The final words of this prophecy received by John and the final warning of Peter before his martyrdom are our closing thoughts on this past year. John records the final invitation and promise of Jesus Christ: “Surely I am coming soon.” In response to this short and plain announcement, the Spirit, indwelling every believer echoes the call to “Come.” Those filled with the Spirit, having made themselves ready for the Day of Christ, here are called the “Bride.” The Bride is calling out in agreement with Jesus Christ and the Spirit, “Come.” Peter’s final warning before he is crucified upside down, is for believers to remember the promises of Jesus Christ about His return and the judgment of the earth and those refusing grace. God will destroy the earth and heavens by fire in that final judgment. But God’s people, the “Bride”, will be actively awaiting the new heavens and new earth and the righteousness of King Jesus! Amen! Come!
2 Peter 3:11-13 “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the Day of God because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to His promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
Revelation 22:20-21 “He Who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit! Thank You for Your unchanging Truth given to us through Your eternal Word and Son Who was and is the Word made flesh. Help me to patiently wait, do the works You have prepared for me, and be ready for Your promised return. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and use me to reach others with the Good News of Christ’s coming! “Come.”
The Everlasting Inheritance!
Scripture reading for January 27th: Genesis 47-48, Psalm 25, Galatians 3
Galatians 3:25-29 “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”
Many people look forward to what might come to them through their father and/or mother when they pass on. It is either written in the will or determined by the laws of the state if there is no will or ‘covenant’. In God’s economy, He has made us promises and given us a ‘Covenant’ through the body and blood of His Son, Jesus Christ and recorded in His holy Word. By faith in Jesus Christ, we become one with Christ and enter into God’s eternal Covenant. We become heirs with Christ and enter into God’s promised inheritance. Our mission and joy is to share this ‘Good News’ of God’s Covenant in Jesus Christ with the whole world. His Father’s heart is to include all peoples, tribes, tongues and nations in relationship with His Son by faith. Humble ‘fear’ of the Lord makes this available.
Genesis 48:3-4 “And Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a company of peoples and will give this land to your offspring after you for an everlasting possession.'”
Prayer: Father God, I am anticipating my full inheritance when You return for Your people. I have been baptized into Christ and am one with Him and all who believe. I enter into my inheritance–a relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit and God as my Father. Keep my soul in quiet rest and continue to reveal Your Son to me and use me to proclaim this Good News.
Psalm 25:13-14 “His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant.”
Christ’s abundant life in me!
Scripture reading for January 26th: Genesis 45-46, Psalm 108, Galatians 2
Galatians 2: 19-21 “For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.”
God’s desire has always been to dwell with His people. He gave them the Law, not to save them, but to reveal His righteous character to them and to cause them to seek Him for grace by faith. Faith comes by hearing God’s voice and Word. As Jacob of old responded to God’s Word to him, so Paul responded to Jesus Christ’s Word to him. Placing faith in God’s Word brings God’s peace and presence to our lives. No matter what troubles we may face in this life, we belong to the Lord and He is with us and His life is our salvation! The abundant life is Christ in me!
Genesis 46:2-4 “And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “I Am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I Myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.””
Prayer: Father God, Because of Christ in me, I am not afraid of anything life on earth will require. I have courage and peace living by faith in the truth of Your life in me now and eternal life with You forever and ever! Be exalted, O Lord, above the heavens! Let Your glory be over all the earth! I am one of Your beloved ones who You have delivered by Your Right Hand, Jesus Christ!
Psalm 108:5-6 “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let Your Glory be over all the earth! That Your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by Your right hand and answer me!”
Abundance through revelation!
Scripture reading for January 25th: Galatians 1, Psalm 24, Genesis 43-44
Galatians 1:11-16 “For I would have you know, brothers, that the Gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when He Who set me apart before I was born, and Who called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, . .”
As we begin this first letter from Paul to the church at Galatia, Paul is explaining to the believers there where he had gotten the Gospel message that he had preached to them. He emphasized that he did not get it from man, nor even from those men who had walked with Jesus and were the original apostles. He was not taught it from some book or philosopher. He had obtained it through God’s grace to him as a sinner who was violently persecuting the church. God, through revelation, gave the Gospel message to Paul. God revealed that He had set Paul apart from before his birth to call him to preach this Gospel message to the Gentiles. Paul had entered into the abundant life of Jesus Christ through revelation and faith in God’s Word. God is no respecter of persons, as we all enter through revelation and faith!
Psalm 24:9-10 “Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.”
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for the true Gospel message of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ, the King of glory! Thank You for revelation of Jesus Christ to our world in a human body and for revealing Him to the disciples and then to the apostle Paul and to many others and to me. I recognize that I have been set apart from before birth and called to preach Your Gospel. Grant abundant revelation each time I share the Gospel of the King of glory!
Genesis 43:33-34 “And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth. And the men looked at one another in amazement. Portions were taken to them from Joseph’s table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him.”
Abundant strength!
Scripture reading for January 24th: Genesis 40-41; Mark 16
Mark 16:1-4 “When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back–it was very large.”
One of life’s most impossible situations is facing a sealed tomb, covered with a large, heavy stone–dealing with death! This is an analogy of the finality of death for all mankind. Facing a tomb, guarded by soldiers and sealed with a stone, the women approached with a question: “Who will roll away the stone for us. . .” When they arrived, they looked up and behold, the stone had been rolled away and the entrance was opened! Entering, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe and they were afraid. This ‘young man’ tried to calm their fears by telling them the amazing news–Jesus Christ was not in the grave anymore! He had risen from the dead! God’s ‘abundant strength’ had rolled away the stone and raised His Son from death and the sealed tomb! The way out was opened for all who would believe!
Mark 16:5-6 “And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, Who was crucified. He has risen; He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.”
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for calming my fear of a sealed tomb. Thank You for Your abundant strength and great mercy to send Your Son to die on a cross for my sins and the sins of the world. Thank You for the power of the sinless life that overcame death and the grave. I look up and claim that abundant strength through believing Your Word today! Open doors of opportunity to share this amazing strength and hope to a fear-filled generation.
Genesis 40:6-8 “When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were troubled. So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in custody in his master’s house, “Why are your faces downcast today?” They said to him, “We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.” And Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.”
Abundant restraint!
Scripture reading for January 21st: Genesis 38-40; Mark 15
Mark 15: 1-5 “Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate. “Are You the King of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “You have said so,” Jesus replied.” The chief priests accused Him of many things. So again Pilate asked Him, “Aren’t You going to answer? See how many things they are accusing You of.” But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.”
Nothing hurts as bad as being falsely accused by people you love and respect. Both Jesus and Joseph of old had similar experiences and endured it with grace and restraint. In this passage, Jesus was falsely accused but refused to defend Himself. He fully entrusted Himself to His Father and gave Himself to do His Father’s will that He might save all who would believe on Him. Joseph entrusted himself to God and God used him to save His people from famine. God is our defender and will ultimately bring justice for all His people. Now, in this life, our role is to serve others. Our life is the sweet aroma of God’s life to those being saved but the fragrance of death to those who are perishing! (2nd Corinthians 2:15-16)
Genesis 39:19-21 “When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in prison, the Lord was with him; the Lord showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the examples of Scripture where Jesus and Joseph suffered false accusation and imprisonment and with Jesus, death. Thank You for Your purposes and abundant restraint and patience that You bestow on Your people in their suffering and the vision of fulfilling Your will and plans! Fill me with abundant restraint and self control.
Proverbs 16:32 “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
Abundant Truth and mercy!
Scripture reading for January 20th: Genesis 35-37, Psalm 12; Mark 14
Mark 14:27-30 “”You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “Today–yes, tonight–before the rooster crows twice, You yourself will disown Me three times.” But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never disown You.” And all the others (disciples) said the same thing.”
Jesus truly knew the end from the beginning. He knew He would be crucified and rise again. He would meet them in Galilee. He spoke plainly to the disciples concerning the fulfilment of Scripture from Zechariah 13:7. He had just told them that heaven and earth would pass away, but His Word would never pass away. Peter declared his own allegiance to Jesus, above all others. He was sincere, but not believing or understanding the truth that Jesus had shared. Jesus plainly told him of his threefold denial before the rooster would crow twice that very night. Luke 22:33 records Jesus told Peter that He had prayed that his faith would not fail and that when he repented he would strengthen the brothers. We can have abundant certainty when we listen to God’s Word! We are now His House and He speaks to us!
Genesis 35:13-15 “Then God went up from him at the place where He had talked with him. Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. Jacob called the place where God had talked with him Bethel (House of God).”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for speaking to me in my own spirit and heart, which has been given to You. Thank You for Your Words, even when they expose my own sin and lack of faith. Thank You for Your prayers of intercession for me. Thank You for the promises of Your Word that give me faith and vision for the future. Deliver me from self-deception and human pride in my own ability and strength.
Psalm 12:6 “And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.”