Thoughts on the Bible Readings for January 3rd (Genesis 5, 6; Psalms 6, 7, 8; Matthew 5)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]In Genesis 5 we have another of the seven genealogies in the book of Genesis. Sometimes we rush through genealogies, or even avoid reading them believing them to be unimportant. But there is information in these chapters that is designed to teach the diligent seeker. Usher used Biblical genealogies to determine that the creative days of chapter 1 occurred about 4,004 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. Apart from noticing the length of the lives of those who were born before the flood, we find the phrase - "and he died" occurs again, and again. This reinforces the sentence of chapter 2verses17, "you shall surely die". The Hebrew phrase actually means, in dying you will die, i.e. the process of corruption will bring you to the inevitable end in your death. The chapter therefore powerfully teaches, "as in Adam all die" (1 Corinthians 15verses22). But the same verse in Corinthians teaches, "even so in Christ shall all be made alive". There is in Genesis 5 one man for whom the words, "and he died" are not written - that is Enoch, whose days of "walking with God" (said twice) resulted in his being taken from the scene of death (cp Hebrews 11verses5). Amos 3verses3 says, "Can two walk together unless they are agreed? “This means that God and Enoch walked together as one; as did Jesus and His Father (Genesis 22verses8). Jude tells us that Enoch was the seventh from Adam, and therefore, as the man of covenant, typical of the Lord Jesus Christ. The probable death Enoch escaped, by God taking him away to another location, was the intended murder of Enoch at the hands of Lamech. The chapter also tells of the man, who lived longer than any other - Methuselah (969 years); whose name contains a prophecy. His name means, "when he dies it shall be seen". In the year he died the flood came upon the earth, 1,656 years from the creation. Another significant name from Genesis 5 is Noah, whose name means "rest". The turmoil and trouble preceding the flood produced some rest in Noah's walking with God for the Almighty's mind, which had been disquieted by the evils described at the start of Genesis 6. The human imagination was continually fixed on evil. But Noah was a just i.e. upright and righteous man. Noah's life was not without sin; but his intent was on pleasing his Sovereign, by the way he walked. The story of Noah covers 4 chapters in Genesis (6- 9); and a time span of greater than 120 years. God's promise in verse 3 was to bring his judgments on the earth in 120 years’ time. Noah, himself, was at this time 480 years old and without children. 2 Peter 2 tells us that God was forbearing with bringing calamity to the wicked, as His intention is to save, rather than destroy. Hebrews 11verses7 says that Noah acted in faith in order to save the family that at that time he didn't have. Sons were born to Noah after his 500th year. The remainder of chapter 6 gives details of the building of this mighty vessel, whose size compared significantly with ocean liners of the twentieth century. It was made of durable gopher wood; and waterproofed with bitumen (pitch). The Hebrew word for pitch means "to cover", or "to atone for". It was a literal saving of those within; and a parable of the salvation in God's provided ark (the Lord Jesus Christ). Peter explains the parable in 1 Peter 3verses18-22. Baptism is an ordinance of the Almighty to which those believing the LORD's word submit in order to be saved (see Acts 4verses12). In this way our sins are atoned for; they are covered; and they are washed away (Acts 22verses16). Psalm 6 is a plea of David for forgiveness, as he contritely forsook his sin and calls on his loving Father to respond by taking away the sin from which he has turned away. For us the take home message is not to cling to our closely fitting sin (Hebrews 12verses1); but, rather to implore God's mercy that He has promised to those who turn away from sin to Him. Psalm 7 is another Psalm of trust in the Almighty, from David. It speaks of the surety of grace and forgiveness for those forsaking wrongdoing and turning their efforts to walk well pleasing before the LORD. We must learn that only in our God can we find peace and security; for those whose lives breathe their desire to dwell forever in His house. Psalm 8 is a Psalm based on Yahweh's plan to fill the earth with people whose character is a reflection of their Father's. Genesis 1verses26 outlined God's intended dominion for the human race when Mankind rules over "all flesh". The background to it is found in the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. The reader should look at this chapter first. It is seemingly a contest between the mighty warriors of the two armies - Israel and the Philistines; but is in reality the victory of Yahweh over His great enemy (sin). You should use a concordance to look at which Hebrew word is used for 'man' and 'men'. You will see that in 1 Samuel 17 all three words are used. Psalm 144 was also written of David's motivation when he sought to slay Goliath. And though verse 3 of the 144th Psalm seems identical to the 4th verse of Psalm 8; the Hebrew is completely different - that will be a gem for the reader to find. The psalmist's message to his hearers is very clearly stated in verse 1 and with bookending emphasis repeated at the psalm's closing in verse 9. "O Yahweh our Adon (ruler, master) how excellent is Your Name in all the earth". It speaks of the earth being filled with believers in whose lives the character of their Father is evident. Compare David's final prayer stated in Psalm 72verses17-20 (see also Philippians 2verses5-10). Just as Genesis 1verses26 was given at the end of a chapter outlining the LORD's creative acts and speaks of "the man", ("the seed of the woman"; the son who was to be the promised redeemer of the human race - Genesis 3verses15) the Lord Jesus Christ, being the Father's character seen in His Son (Hebrews 1verses3-5); being given dominion over all - so too the Psalm elaborated that all creation would be put under him. Having slain Goliath David took that head to Jerusalem symbolically speaking of the "son of Adam" who would vanquish sin and death by dying on a stake (Colossians 2 verses 11-15; 1 Corinthians 15 verses 12 to 28 and 52-58. Meditate on what Jesus' vanquishing of sin and death has done to usher in the new creation of God, who will reign as king-priests with Christ in his kingdom. Matthew 5-7 is called "the sermon on the mount". Note from the start that after an arduous climb away from the multitude Jesus prepared a series of talks designed for disciples. It begins with a composite picture of our Lord's own character as the blueprint for all true citizens of Zion. There are 8 beatitudes and the reward for each is the same- just expressed in different terms- that is to be blessed with a place in Messiah's kingdom. The 8 blessings find their antitheses in the curses, or woes upon the Scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23. Within the 8th blessing (Greek "kairos" - a happiness borne in the knowledge of our Father's overriding love and care for His children) there is a ninth, for those who then heard and were moved to respond to the gracious words which they heard. Matthew 5 contrasts the real authority which is seen in our Lord Jesus Christ whose word is the living truth as opposed to supposed human authority which rested on quoting known but flawed teachings. The fifth chapter concludes with an appeal for the Father's children to appreciate and emulate His character (verses 43-48). Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here… [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-bible-readings-for-january-3rd-genesis-5-6-psalms-6-7-8-matthew-5/?feed_id=108760&_unique_id=6957594ff2950