Going Thru the Bible in 2019

Day 2

Readings: Genesis 3-4; Matthew 2:13-3:6; Psalm 2;  Proverbs1:7-9

So much in each of these readings! Two things really hit my heart as I read...one was God’s mercy even amidst His wrath and the second was how when Adam and Eve’s eyes were opened it broke their dependence on God. 

First mercy amidst wrath...Our “sentence” could have  been so much worse. So much mercy in each decree.  For example:

      16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 

Sorrow and pain come with childbirth but that is forgotten for the joy that a child is brought into the world.  Also, because a mom in the beginning of a child’s life usually spends a greater amount of her time with her children she has the opportunity and the responsibility to have a significant impact on them spiritually....to raise godly children.  I think that is part of what is meant in 1 Tim 2:15:

15Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

God’s commands are good...His “sentences” here in Genesis 3 are not meant to destroy us but to bring us to repentance.

The second thing that hit me was man’s dependence on God before the fall...they walked together in the garden...Adam checked everything he did out with God first and what he didn’t know he asked God.  After eating the fruit Adam and Eve had the knowledge to discern both good and evil, but that knowledge was without God at their side. Prior to salvation and yes even now at times, I think I know better than God.  (Knowledge puffs up) God’s ways are paradoxical to the world’s ways. The world says grow more and more independent as you age...God says without me you can do nothing.  

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."—Matthew 11:28-30