(10) 10 January : Proverbs 10v9-10 / Genesis 8v15-10v32 / Psalm 5v1-7

BEGIN WITH PRAYER

"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on

Proverbs 10:9-10

Understanding to grow in

The idea of "covenant" will come up again and again. It is a solemn and binding agreement between God and human beings in which promises are given with certain stipulations if they are to be enjoyed. Here the promise is of life on earth as long as one does not kill a human being. In this context, God re-commissions Noah and family to fill and subdue the earth just as he did Adam and Eve. It’s as if he’s starting again. And as the reader looks for the serpent-crusher, it is easy to wonder whether he might be one of this crowd. But the lesson is that the problem of sin is internal. Noah recognizes it remains and so offers a burnt offering on leaving the ark (8v20). And his subsequent drunkenness and son’s action illustrate the point. Humanity not only need a perfect sacrifice for sin, but a change of heart too. More than that, if Satan is to be defeated, the serpent-crusher will need to somehow be free from the sin that is transmitted to each new generation. As you read note how God’s grace continues to be shown nevertheless.

Genesis 8v15-10v32

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:

1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.

2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up

You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.

Psalm 5v1-7

·       For introductions to the various Bible books click here.

·       To consult Matthew Henry’s concise commentary click here.