The Scriptures I Hope to Read in February

2/1-Genesis 47:13-50:26
2/2-Exodus 1:1-4:17
2/3-Exodus 4:18-6:27, 1 Chronicles 6:1-4a, Exodus 6:28-7:13
2/4-Exodus 7:14-9:35
2/5-Exodus 10:1-12:51
2/6-Exodus 13:1-15:27
2/7-Exodus 16:1-18:27
2/8-Exodus 19:1-21:36
2/9-Exodus 22:1-24:18
2/10-Exodus 25:1-27:21
2/11-Exodus 28:1-29:46
2/12-Exodus 30:1-33:6
2/13-Exodus 33:7-36:7
2/14-Exodus 36:8-38:31
2/15-Exodus 39:1-40:38
2/16-Leviticus 1:1-4:35
2/17-Leviticus 5:1-7:38
2/18-Leviticus 8:1-10:20
2/19-Leviticus 11:1-13:46
2/20-Leviticus 13:47-15:33
2/21-Leviticus 16:1-18:30
2/22-Leviticus 19:1-21:24
2/23-Leviticus 22:1-23:44
2/24-Leviticus 24:1-25:55
2/25-Leviticus 26:1-27:34
2/26-Numbers 1:1-2:34
2/27-Numbers 3:1-4:33
2/28-Numbers 4:34-6:27

1 Chronicles 4:1-23, Genesis 46:13, 1 Chronicles 7:1-5, Genesis 46:14-18, 1 Chronicles 7:30-40, Genesis 46:19-25, 1 Chronicles 7:6-12, Genesis 46:23-25, 1 Chronicles 7:13, Genesis 46:26-47:12

Part of this reading grabs my attention. Jacob's words: "The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers."

Today, the years of my pilgrimage are about half those of Jacob when he greeted, blessed, and/or took leave of Pharaoh. My years have not been so difficult, and although I don't think of them as few, in the long run they aren't so many either. Jacob hadn't lived as long as his ancestors. I don't know whether I expect to live as long as my ancestors or not. Science and medicine seem to be on my side. Human life expectancy in this part of the world has been increasing from year to year. 

It's a good life, but I hope for a better one.

Genesis 45:1-46:9, 1 Chronicles 5:1-6, Genesis 46:10-12, 1 Chronicles 2:18-55

Genesis 45 describes how God brings something good out of the strife in Jacob's family. Some of Jacob's sons sell another son, Joseph, into slavery and tell their father that Joseph must have been killed by a wild animal. Many years elapse; and Joseph rises to a position of wealth and power in Egypt. When famine strikes the whole area Joseph is in a position to provide his family with food to eat and a place both to live and to graze the family livestock.

Again, Joseph's dreams play an important part in the fulfillment of his destiny, and so does his ability to interpret the dreams of others.

Oh, for dreams and visions from God...

Genesis 42:1-44:34

All this intrigue--Lord, what are You trying to tell me?

Perhaps the most important detail in these stories is the fact that God communicates through dreams.  For a long time I have believed and have acted on the belief that God sometimes communicates with me through my dreams. Here in the scriptures I find that God communicates with Joseph through his dreams. God communicates with the cupbearer and the baker through their dreams. God even communicates with Pharaoh through his dreams.

Thank You, God, for reassuring me of your communication through humans' dreams.

The most intriguing detail in the story of Joseph's life is left out. What goes through Joseph's mind as he sees his brothers in Egypt? What thought processes does he go through? He seems to vacillate between the desire to torment them and the inclination to help them.  I wonder what internal struggles and joys he experiences.

God, prevent us from toying with others affections, fears, hopes, and dreams!

Genesis 40:1-41:57

I'm catching up on yesterday's reading...

Genesis 37:1-39:23

These stories give me hope in a backhanded way. The story of Jacob's family puts many of the family's imperfections on display. For example, the Bible says that Jacob favored one of his sons, Joseph, over the others. That is an intolerable way for parents to lead. It pits one child against the others. It contributes to dissention and bitterness among family members.

For another example, Jacob fails to teach modesty to his sons, so that when Joseph has dreams of grandeur he describes them again and again. If, after recalling his first dream (Genesis 37:7), he had been instructed in modesty, then perhaps Joseph would have been more circumspect than to tell about his second dream (Genesis 37:9).

And it is just plain reckless for Jacob to send Joseph away from home to the grazing fields where Joseph's brothers are looking after the family's flocks (Genesis 37:14). They hate Joseph already. They would not cooperate with his fact-finding mission, and as it turns out, they will do almost anything to get rid of him (Genesis 37:19, 27).

Here is the backhanded encouragement: Since God has used an imperfect family such as Jacob's to work out God's plans in the past, then perhaps God can use my imperfect family in order to further God's purposes now. 

Lord God, use me in spite of my faults, please!

Genesis 33:1-35:29; 1 Chronicles 2:1-2

Reading the scripture today, I feel invited to Genesis 35:10. God speaks to Jacob and changes the man's name to Israel. This is the second mention of a name change for Jacob-Israel (See Genesis 32:28.). Are these two accounts in the Bible, because we readers need to be reminded, or because Jacob-Israel needed to be reminded, and God repeated the message to the man?

Shakespeare wrote, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet," implying that names don't matter that much. But in my experience names DO matter. What a person is called does have influence on who the person becomes. Johnny Cash's "A Boy Named Sue" comes to mind.

This scripture shouts, "PAY ATTENTION," because God changes a man's name. Something startling has begun. Jacob-Israel will never be the same.

What new name does God want to give to you? To me? What changes are being made thereby?

Genesis 31:1-32:32

Jacob is living into the meaning of his name, “Heel-Grabber,” although he allows himself to be tricked by his father-in-law, Laban.  Seven years’ labor for Leah’s hand in marriage plus seven year’s labor for Rachel, too:  Jacob works a long time in order to have the woman he wants more--Rachel.

In the long run, however, he manages to increase his share of the cattle, sheep, goats, and camels. He supplants Laban and Laban’s sons, as far ownership of animal herds is concerned.

But he is willing to surrender all of his wealth, wives, and children in order to be reconciled with his brother, Esau. Or is it to be reconciled with himself?  Or is it to be reconciled with God? What goes through a man’s head when he has divested himself of everything and spends the night alone, alone?

Holy God, teach me the lessons of contentment again, please. And should I find myself alone, alone, then come and wrestle with me!

Genesis 28:10-30:43

"...This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven." (Genesis 28:17b)

Are some places nearer to the Divine than others? Is any one place more holy than another? It seems so from this scripture reading, and it seems so in my experience. Still...if God is everywhere present, as I believe, and if God created all things and called them good, as the scriptures attest, then every place is in some sense holy. Every location is as near the Divine as every other location.

Thank You, God, for Your nearness.

When cousins marry...the tribe of Nahor of which both Jacob and Laban descended practice deceit, polygamy, slavery, adultery, greed, and some form of genetic magic/animal husbandry. THESE are the kind of people God chooses and blesses?!?!?!

So, God encourages me. Since God makes covenants with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. By grace God makes covenant with me, too.

Thank You, God, for Your grace.

Genesis 27:1-28:9; Genesis 36:1-43; 1 Chronicles 1:35-54

Genealogies! Who cares who descends from whom? Apparently God cares, for the records are found in the Word of God.

Genesis 25:1-4; 1 Chronicles 1:32-33; Genesis 25:5-6; 1 Chronicles 1:34; Genesis 25:19-26; Genesis 25:7-11; Genesis 25:27-26:35

I am catching up on the reading today.

Genesis 22:1-24:67

"Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering..." (Genesis 22:2b) 

I have two sons; and my life's work is tied up in what I like to call "the things of God." I wonder: In how many of my "religious enterprises" have I sacrificed my sons on an altar of supposed obedience to God's will? I remember spending an evening playing at a church meeting when it would have been more fun to spend that evening playing with my sons. In truth I remember several such meetings. I was convinced of both my duty and of God's will then. Now? Not as much...still, feeling a degree of uncertainty in retrospect is better than feeling any uncertainty in the moment.

Abraham doesn't seem to have any doubts about God's instruction. He is told to sacrifice his son, and although God gave no schedule, no timetable, no deadline, Abraham rose early the next day to carry out God's orders. (Genesis 22:3)

I'm curious about Genesis 22:5, when Abraham leaves his servants behind and tells them, "...We will worship and then we will come back to you." Does Abraham have confidence that, in spite of the order to sacrifice his son, both he and his son will return safely, or is his explanation to the servants a subterfuge to prevent them from knowing his intention to sacrifice Isaac?

On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.

Genesis 19:1-21:34; Genesis 25:12-18; 1 Chronicles 1:28-31

Holy Spirit, help me to see as God sees through the experience of scripture today. Please meet me, as I put aside distractions, and as I clear the temple within, where I hope to welcome your will and your presence.

What comes over the men of a city that motivates all of them to demand sex of two wandering angels in their midst? (Genesis 19:1-5) Are the angels mistaken for men? 

In what kind of culture does a father offer his virgin daughters to a lust-filled crowd of men in exchange for the safety of angels temporarily under his protection? (Genesis 19:8) 

And what are You trying to tell me through this reading, Lord?

God is an "on time" God, according to God's timing. God's covenant of descendants begins to be fulfilled with the birth of Isaac. (Genesis 21:1-2) Isaac is born in Abraham's old age, "...at the very time God had promised him."

God, the world in which I live seems both preoccupied and consumed with unfettered sexual passions.  I hear news of virgin daughters and virgin sons violently abused. I want both the perversity and the violence stopped now! But please give me confidence in Your timing. Show yourself to be the "on time" God I accept You to be.  

I lift these things up from my heavy heart, deposit them into Your tender care, and rest in the holy peace You give.

Genesis 16:1-18:33

When Hagar runs away from her seemingly intolerable situation with Abram and Sarai God sends an angel to Hagar. The angel asks a question not unlike the question that God once asked of Adam: "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9) 

The angel's question is: "...where have you come from, and where are you going?" (Genesis 16:8a) 

Hagar has an answer for the first part of the question, but not the second part. (Genesis 16:8b) She is running away.

So the angel answers the second part of the question put to Hagar: "Go back to your mistress and submit to her." (Genesis 16:9)

In my "fight or flight" reactions to life's questions I, like Hagar, have often known my point of departure, that is, what I "ran from." I have less often known either my direction or destination, that is, where I tried to "run to." Better to pause before reacting, think things through, seek God's guidance (listen for an angel), and then choose a direction and a destination...

God declares a covenant with Abram in Genesis 15. In Genesis 16 Abram and Sarai grow impatient with God's timing and try to take charge of the covenant themselves. God again declares a covenant with Abram in Genesis 17, changing Abram's name to "Abraham" in the process.  In Genesis 18 God declares a covenant with Abram/Abraham for a third time. God is determined both to make a covenant and to convince Abram/Abraham that a covenant has been made.

God is serious where God's covenants are concerned!

Genesis 11:27-15:21

There seems to be so much tied into the names of people and of places in the scriptures. For example, Abram had a brother named Haran who died while Abram's family was still in "Ur of the Chaldeans." (Genesis 11:28) Then Abram's family, headed by his father, Terah, set out to resettle in Canaan, but when they came to a place named Haran, the family settled there. (Genesis 11:31)

I wonder: Who named the place Haran, someone in Abram's family or someone else? If it was someone in Abram's family, then what prompted the name-giver to name the place after the deceased person, Haran? Was there something about the place, Haran, that reminded that family of the person, Haran? And if so, then what?

My heart races as I read Genesis 15:6, "Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness."  Many centuries later, St. Paul the Apostle recalls this passage of scripture, as he writes to the Christians at Rome concerning humanity's relationship with God--our fully-reconciled relationship, based upon faith in Jesus Christ. (Romans 4)

And in these chapters of the Bible's book of Genesis, God covenants with Abram, promising descendants to Abram and land to Abram's descendants--blessed people in a promised place!

Oh, how I have been blessed by the people who God has inserted in my life's story! How I am blessed by the promises that God has delivered to my family and to me! Praise to God's name forever!

Job 40:1-42:17

In the end Job claims to have seen the Lord, and seeing God, he repents (Job 42:5-6). So all of his struggles with disaster and doubts lead, at last, to a vision of the Lord and to repentance. 

God is not unjust, even though bad things sometimes happen to good people.  I wish that every human hurt and struggle would lead to a sense of God's presence and to the restoration of love between God and humankind.

The voice of God declares that Job's three friends have spoken of God what is not right (Job 42:7). Sacrifice is required of them, together with Job's intercession on their behalf. Then God forgives them, apparently. The prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16-KJV).

Job 38:1-39:30

Finally! The Lord speaks...

There seem to be three themes running through these two chapters:

1. The Lord creates all that has come into being.
2. The Lord is powerful.
3. The Lord is wise.

But I don't like the mockery and the air of disdain with which the questions seem to be put to Job, e.g., "Tell me, if you know all this." (Job 38:18b) and "Surely you know, for you were already born! You have lived so many years!" (Job 38:21) and "Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom and spread his wings toward the south?" (Job 39:26)

What are You telling me, God, in this reading?

Maybe You are telling Job in his suffering (and me in my small troubles) to look again at the world of nature and the beauties of creation. There is something in the great outdoors with its plant life, birds, insects, animals, streams, rivers, oceans, clouds, skies, stars, and planets that comforts the human soul. So when a person feels down, oppressed, and hurt it will be good for the person's spirits to spend some time in a natural environment.

And maybe Your taunting of Job is just what he needs to be persuaded to shift his focus away from himself for a time.

Job 35:1-37:24

Catching up today, as Wednesday's reading (January 14) was: Job 32:1-34:37...

Job 32:18-19 reminds me of Jesus' words in Matthew 9:17.

"For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me; inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst." (Job)

"Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out, and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." (Matthew)

Job 36:26 inspires me most of all in today's reading: "How great is God--beyond our understanding! The number of his years is past finding out."

Yesterday and today, we read the words of a younger man, Elihu. He claims that wisdom is not only the product of age, but also of Spirit. He also claims to be filled and inspired by Spirit. But I don't see that he advances any arguments not already stated by his elders--Bildad, Zophar, and Eliphaz.

Reader, do you?

Job 30:1-31:40

"Now that God has unstrung my bow and afflicted me..." (Job 30:11a) Job feels deeply hurt. He claims innocence, and he wants both recognition and reward on account of that innocence. But innocence is no guarantee of recognition. It is not necessarily the harbinger of reward. Innocence often goes unnoticed, and it is often credited to those who are guilty.

Job makes me wonder about his integrity when he begins to invoke curses upon himself in Job 3. "...if my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has been led by my eyes, or if my hands have been defiled, then may other eat what I have sown, and may my crops be uprooted." (Job 3:7-8)

And something seems perverse to me in this invocation: "If my heart has been enticed by a woman, or if I have lurked at my neighbor's door, then may my wife grind another man's grain, and may other men sleep with her." (Job 3:9-10) Talk about "over the top!"

Jesus says, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37) It seems to me that by the invocation of curses, Job invites the evil one into his conversation.

Job 27:1-29:25

Job's friends maintain that Job sins, because calamities have befallen him and his family, and because, according to their understanding, calamities are necessarily God's just punishment for sinful behavior. Job's friends are deluded, for at Job 1:8 God's claim concerning Job is recorded: "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

Satan is permitted to afflict Job. Perhaps he is permitted to afflict Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad, too, tempting them to believe what is false and inciting them to join in persecuting Job.  That their words are recorded in the Bible does not make either their words or their judgment true.

I feel tempted to doubt that Job is 100% blameless and upright in maintaining his righteousness and his integrity (Job 27:5-6). I have been taught that there is only one 100% blameless human; and his name is Jesus. But there it is in scripture--God's approval of Job's purity (Job 1:8). Additionally, scripture states twice that Job does not sin against God (Job 1:22 and 2:10b).

I believe Job is misguided somehow. Perhaps Satan is behind Job's claim of justice denied (Job 27:2). God does not deny justice to Job. God only delays justice to Job.

Is there some shadowy encouragement here--that one could be misguided and yet without sin? No matter, as it wouldn't apply to me, for too often I am possessed of both a misguided understanding and a sinful heart.

Lord, have mercy...

Job 22:1-26:14

Job 23:8-9 is the antithesis of Psalm 139:7-12. Job can't find God anywhere.  The psalmist can't get away from God anywhere.  What a difference of perspective!

But Job 26:14b-14c resonates with me: "...how faint the whisper we hear of him (God)! Who then can understand the thunder of his (the Lord's) power?" If one goes to a quiet locale, if one becomes silent, if one makes undisturbed room within, so as to perceive the still, small voice of God, then how overwhelming God's thundering power will be!

Lord, am I, like Job, looking for You in all the wrong places? Am I running from You in every other place? Have I stopped my ears to your whispering and cupped my ears to your thundering? Almighty God, grant me perspective consistent with Your will concerning me. Amen.

Job 19:1-29; Job 20:1-29; Job 21:1-34

Job gets it just as wrong as his friends, but in a different way. The friends claim that Job's troubles must have been caused by his own wrongdoing and God's just punishment of the same. Job, on the other hand, apparently claims complete innocence and also claims that God is the sole cause of Job's troubles.

According to Job 1:12 and Job 2:6, Satan, not God,  is the direct cause of Job's troubles, although it is a mystery why God allows Satan to oppress Job.  

By the way: I want to know how these views of God in heaven (Job 1 and 2) were given to humankind. Who reported on the conversations between God and Satan? Who saw? Who heard? How were those scenes recorded and by whom?

Still I admire this about Job: He has confidence in God--a confidence that foreshadows God's redemption and humanity's resurrection. Look at Job 19:25-27. "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes--I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" 

In Job 20 Zophar repeats proverbial wisdom: God judges and punishes the wicked while they live.

In Job 21 Job describes his experience: The wicked often live to escape both judgment and punishment.

In my experience life is more complicated than both Zophar and Job declare it to be. 

And where is mercy? What are You telling me, God? 

Job 15:1-18:21

Eliphaz continues and extends Bildad’s and Zophar’s accusations against Job (Job 1:5-6). Apparently, it isn’t enough that Satan accuses God of favoritism (Job 1:9-10), Job’s friends now accuse him of sin (Job 15:5) and false speech (Job 15:6).  Do Job’s friends speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)? Do they chatter idly--whatever comes to mind? Do they utter messages, as prompted by the Prince of Lies? Or do they declare what they have gleaned from some other sources?

And yet some of what Eliphaz says rings with truth. God is a consoling God (Job 15:11), and in the end humans suffering great losses may have only God’s gentle words to cherish for comfort.

Eliphaz is correct in questioning humanity’s purity, too (Job 15:15-16). Men and women, children and youth alike are predisposed to selfishness, disobedience, and irresponsibility. Justice is served when we are called to account for these kinds of attitudes and the actions that are motivated by them.

God, I thank You that I know You as a God of mercy.

Job's Torment Continues-Job 8:1-10:22

Well, I wish Bildad had remained silent. Job’s children have all died (Job 118-19). Now Bildad claims their deaths as the just penalties for their sins against God (Job 8:4).  And he tells Job so.

Objection! God is in the one and only position to know the childrens’ sins against God. How can Bildad do anything but surmise? Besides, even if the children died on account of their own sins, what father wants or needs to hear such a judgment while yet in the throes of grief?

Foul! Bildad is “piling on.” As too often the case, he adds to the wounds of one who is already wounded. And Job responds as one who is in today’s terms clinically depressed.

God, help me to look upon others with compassion. Help me to show mercy. Help me to resist the temptation to “kick” anyone who is already “down.” Let me lend a helpful hand instead. Amen.

Job 4:1-7:21

Eliphaz’s formulas:

Piety = Confidence

Blameless Ways = Hope

Human Birth = Trouble

Reversals = Divine Discipline

When Job applies Eliphaz’s principles to his personal condition of bereavement, loss, and suffering Job concludes that his friends are undependable (Job 6:15). He agrees with the formula, Human Birth = Trouble (Job 7:1-3). But applying the formula, Reversals = Divine Discipline, he is left with the question of why. Why does God not forgive sin (Job 7:21)?

Applying Eliphaz’s formulas to my condition, I should expect shaky confidence, for my piety is imperfect. I should have dim hopes, for my ways are fault-filled. I should expect trouble, because I am, after all, human. And I should possess some sense of God’s correction, due to the stops and starts, the twists and turns, and the many 180 degree navigation “adjustments” in my life’s direction.

In creation’s story God inspects, then concludes every created thing very good (Genesis 1:31).

I want to hold onto the principle that God is never the direct cause of evil. Where does evil originate, then? And why does it appear that God permits evil in God's very good creation?

I admire Job’s unwavering commitment to God, and I empathize with the questions he puts before God.

Job 1:1-3:26

This is very difficult reading for me.  It troubles me that there seems to be a connection made between Job's uprightness and the material blessings he enjoys. 

I don't like the picture of the heavenly court painted here. When angels present themselves before God the only angel named is Satan.

God asks Satan a question similar to the question God once asked of Adam (Compare Genesis 3:9 and Job 1:7). God queried Adam after Adam had disobeyed. Does God's question to Satan imply disobedience on Satan's part?

It is unsettling to me that Satan seems able to cajole God into ruining Job--and for no reason (Job 2:3). What is the point of Job's testing? Why the suffering?

As I write this, my youngest sister, Jill, lives under hospice care. Jill shares a wonderful testimony. Like Job, she praises God as she suffers. I praise God that she is able to praise God. But I detest the pain that wracks her body. Lord, have mercy!

For now the most encouraging part of the reading is the arrival of Job's friends (Job 2:11-13). In sympathy with his suffering they sit with him in silence for seven days and seven nights. They minister to his pain by way of their compassionate presence.

I get it. There is a lot to be said for just being there for one another and not saying anything, especially in times of deep, unnerving trouble.

Maybe I don't need to write anything about this disturbing, bewildering passage of scripture. Perhaps I just need to sit with it in silence for a week or so.

FYI: The Order of Scriptures I Plan to Read This Month

January 1                        Genesis 1:1-3:24

January 2                        Genesis 4:1-5:32

                                       1 Chronicles 1:1-4

                                       Genesis 6:1-22

January 3                        Genesis 7:1-9:29

January 4                        Genesis 10:1-5

                                       1 Chronicles 1:5-7

                                       Genesis 10:6-20;

                                       1 Chronicles 1:8-16

                                       Genesis 10:21-11:26

                                       1 Chronicles 1:17-27

January 5                        Job 1:1-3:26

January 6                        Job 4:1-7:21

January 7                        Job 8:1-10:22

January 8                        Job 11:1-14:22

January 9                        Job 15:1-18:21

January 10                      Job 19:1-21:34

January 11                      Job 22:1-26:14

January 12                      Job 27:1-29:25

January 13                      Job 30:1-31:40

January 14                      Job 32:1-34:37

January 15                      Job 35:1-37:24

January 16                      Job 38:1-39:30

January 17                      Job 40:1-42:17

January 18                      Genesis 11:27-15:21

January 19                      Genesis 16:1-18:33

January 20                      Genesis 19:1-21:34

                                        Genesis 25:12-18

                                       1 Chronicles 1:28-31

January 21                      Genesis 22:1-24:67

January 22                      Genesis 25:14

                                       1 Chronicles 1:32-34

                                        Genesis 25:5-6

                                       1 Chronicles 1:34

                                        Genesis 25:19-26

                                        Genesis 25:7-11

                                        Genesis 25:27-26:35

January 23                       Genesis 27:1-28:9

                                        Genesis 36:1-43

                                        1 Chronicles 1:35-54

January 24                      Genesis 28:10-30:43

January 25                      Genesis 31:1-32:32

January 26                      Genesis 33:1-35:29

                                       1 Chronicles 2:1-2

J»uary 27                        Genesis 37:1-39:23

January 28                      Genesis 40:1-41:57

Jamary 29                       Genesis 42:1-44:34

January 30                      Genesis 45:1-46:9

                                       1 Chronicles 5:1-6

                                       Genesis 46:10-12

                                       1 Chronicles 2:18-55

January 31                      1 Chronicles 4:1-23

                                       Genesis 46:13

                                       1 Chronicles 7:1-5

                                       Genesis 46:14-18

                                       1 Chronicles 7:30-40

                                       Genesis 46:19-25

                                       1 Chronicles 7:6-12

                                       Genesis 46:26-47:12

                                        

Scattered to Serve

Genesis 10:1-5

1 Chronicles 1:5-7

Genesis 10:6-20

1 Chronicles 1:8-16

Genesis 10:21-11:26

1 Chronicles 1:17-27

God makes covenant with Noah and with all living things: God will never destroy all of life by flood and drowning. (Genesis 3:8) The rainbow is a sign, a reminder of that covenant. God also blesses the family of Noah: “...be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it.” (Genesis 3:7)

In some ways Genesis 10-11 reports on the progress of God’s blessing under the "rainbow" covenant. The sons of Noah are fruitful; they do increase in number. They multiply on earth ... but their pride multiplies, too. (Genesis 11:4) 

How am I different from Shem? I, too, live in covenant with God. I, also, am blessed by God. My “tribe” increases in number.  And to be honest I must confess to multiplying my pride, the desire to make a great name for myself.

God, humble me. Help me to be content with the name that You give to me. Assist me to give You glory for all of the blessings I enjoy. For all of the fruitfulness of my life let me give credit and praise to You. Amen.

Day 3 - Genesis 7:1-9:29

Genesis 3:14-"They had with them every wild animal according to its kind, all livestock according to their kinds, every creature that moves along the ground according to its kind and every bird according to its kind, everything with wings."

This language reminds me of the language used in telling creation's story, Genesis 1:20-25. In some ways the story of the flood seems like a reversal of the story of creation. The flood waters rise until nothing can be seen, except winds and waves. Yet in the heart of the watery maelstrom the human family (and the "family" of all that breathe) is preserved.

Life on earth is precarious. It hangs by a thread. I am tempted to question why it is so. Why does the goodness I see seem so fragile? Why do the blessings I feel seem so fleeting? My life--all life--can be sustained; or life on Planet Earth can be threatened.

Today, I praise God. I thank God for living here and now. I pray that I may remember God. Especially when storm-tossed and in fear of drowning, may I remember the God who remembers, rescues, and makes covenant with Noah.

Genesis 4-6 & 1 Chronicles 1:1-4

In Genesis 3 the LORD God calls to Adam, "Where are you?" Here in Genesis 4 the LORD says to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" The scriptures suggest good questions for my reflection: Where in the world am I? Where in relation to God am I? Where in relation to others am I?

I am in a privileged part of the world--almost an Eden when compared to other locales.

I depend on God.

I am interdependent with others. I count on them. They count on me.

I aspire to follow the teaching and example of Christ by loving others. Maybe it's a movement: Selfishness ==>Interdependence==>Love.

I see another movement in the first two days' readings: Adam & Eve/Disobedience==>Cain/Murder==>Lamech/Lethal Vengeance==>All Except Noah's People/Only Evil All the Time.

God's heart was filled with pain then. With what is the heart of God filled today? And what fills my heart?

Genesis 1-3

Genesis, beginning, starting, conceiving, and creating--our God is a "start up" God. Generativity marks God's character and God's deeds. God's speech brings light out of darkness, order out of chaos, and life out of both the oceans and the earth. At God's word planets appear in their orbits; and stars explode across the night sky.

Creator God, in which way, if any, have you designed me to be generative, as you are generative? What will you begin within me? What do you intend to start through me? I want to be a willing co-creator together with you, not a stubborn, resistant, or rebellious ex-partner of yours.