01.03.2010

Today's reading is Genesis 5 and 6, Psalms 3, Proverbs 3, and Matthew 5.

Genesis 5 was an interesting genealogy from Adam, for ten generations to Noah. Men lived a long time in those days. In the beginning God told us what a day was, a sunset to a sunset. I keep in mind that this writing was recorded by Moses, in a day when the Hebrew calendar had already been established, so I can only assume that the years stated are true years. Nine hundred years is a long time to live. A lot of people were born. A lot of opportunity for people to become corrupt, as we find out in the next chapter. The world was so corrupt that God decided to destroy it's inhabitants, men and animals alike. God commissioned Noah to build the ark and told him why. Noah and his son's families were to be God's reset button.

Psalms 3, consists of King David expressing faith that God would protect him from his enemies, even his son Absolam. That crying out to God, and having faith in the Lord, is better than all the might and strength of men. God stands with the faithful, rather than the mighty. Might does not make right.

This Proverb was interesting, it mostly consisted of Solomon advising his son to cherish wisdom and understanding. There was very little discussion on the wicked, and a lot of explaining how valuable Godly wisdom is rather than the cunning of men. Towards the end, there was a warning not to envy the man of violence. Wisdom and understanding are better than solving all problems with the violence.

On to the New Testament. In Matthew we read the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. In light of current events here in Washington, these verses are quite stirring.

Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.
Mat 5:10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

And

Mat 5:44 but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you;

So far the Lord Jesus has outlined blessings to certain types of people, and given examples of heavenly wisdom in contrast to worldly wisdom. It all comes from Him so easily and simple, but that doesn't mean it is easy to live this way.