Today’s Reading: Genesis 1:1-21:2

Over the last ten months, we have studied the Old Testament chronologically — from Genesis to Malachi. We have studied the history of God’s people, giving us insight into who God is and the relationship He created us for. Before we move into the New Testament, let’s take time to review some of the major themes woven through the stories of the Israelites.

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers — the moon and the stars you set in place — what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority — the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! – Psalm 8:3-9

Simply by speaking the world into existence, God took what was formless and empty and created the amazing details of this life. The world went from empty to full at His command. In the same way, God took the empty pages of your life and began your story. And He is not done yet. Today the Lord will continue to write your story; each chapter will be perfectly designed by Him. When we recognize that He is our Creator, we humbly see ourselves as His creation.

GOD WEAVES US INTO HIS STORY SO THAT HIS WILL CAN BE DONE IN US AND THROUGH US.

“Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” – Genesis 3:1

When the serpent approached Eve in the garden of Eden, he started planting seeds of doubt. He convinced the woman that she would not die if she ate from the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden. He planted in her heart the desire to be like God — to make her own decisions, to be enlightened, to do whatever she wants.

This seed of arrogance is where sin continues to sprout and grow today. We believe society’s lie that we have the right to do whatever we want to do. We fall for the deceptive thought that hell isn’t real — that there is no such place where God punishes sin. It didn’t take long for the serpent to convince Eve, and sadly it does not take long for us to believe these lies either. The world gives us permission to walk away from all the truth found in the Bible, but departure from God’s way does not bring joy.

What happened in the garden is a perfect example. When Adam and Eve ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, their eyes were indeed opened, just like the serpent said they would be. But instead of it making them wiser and greater, it immediately brought shame. New emotions poured in and they were shook by the unfamiliarity of their feelings.

REBELLION AGAINST GOD STEALS OUR PEACE, BRINGING SHAME AND ANGER.

“Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” – Genesis 4:6-7

Sin was not just a Garden of Eden incident; sin became a generational pattern. Cain gave God less than his best and became angry that God did not reward his small contribution. Instead of confessing his jealousy, Cain wrapped himself in self-pity which led to murder and the refusal to take responsibility for his actions. When confronted with his sin, Cain could have humbly chosen confession and repentance; instead, he chose indifference.

But God is not indifferent to our sin. It breaks his heart when we reject Him. The God of the universe cares enough to grieve when we push Him away in our attempts to live our own life and chase after all the world has to offer. He has a wonderful plan of salvation He was willing to sacrifice His Son in order to offer, and it saddens Him when we push His plan aside to make room for our own.

In Genesis, God grieved over His new creation and their lack of love for their Creator. He saw the selfish desires of their heart and how quickly the people gravitated toward evil. But He also saw the heart of one person who kept his eyes focused on God, who chose to walk in close fellowship with his Maker. God saw Noah serving the Lord in the midst of a very sinful world, and He sees you too, my friend.

God sent a flood to cover the earth, and then He filled the sky with beautiful colors as a reminder that He keeps His promises. That rainbow reminds us today that we serve a God who keeps His promises. As the psalmist said, his promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.

God promised Abraham that he would have descendants as numerous as the sand on the seashore and the stars in the sky, and God promised to protect him if he continued to obey. Abraham did not have to make sure that God would keep His promise; he did not have to remind God of the word He had spoken. In fact, it was unnecessary for Abram to fear that God would forget the covenant He had made. God was faithful — faithful to provide and faithful to protect.

GOD ALWAYS KEEP HIS PROMISES

The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. – Genesis 21:1-2

What a great reminder to start off our day! God will do exactly as He promises at the exact time He said He would do it. He is faithful and He can be trusted. He is omnipotent and nothing is too difficult for Him. He is the God who does the impossible, providing for us over and over again. May the Spirit of God remind you of that truth throughout today.

He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great is our Lord!
His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension…
The Lord’s delight is in those who fear him,
those who put their hope in his unfailing love. – Psalm 147:4-5,11