Notes from my Bible Study for January 3, 2010

Passages read today: Psalm 2, Genesis 3, 1 Chronicles 3, Luke 1:57-80

Psalm 2 - I know that this psalm is referring to nations plotting against David and the people of Israel, whom God had chosen as His own; but I think this could relate even further to anyone who plots against the Lord. It is a plotting that happens in vain. We are guilty of standing against the Lord when we willfully choose that which we know would dishonor Him or bring him pain.

Genesis 3 - It could rightfully be said that this is the most sad chapter in all of Scripture, because this chapter tells the story of the fall of man. Adam and Eve knew God unlike any human who has lived since. They lived in perfect harmony with their Creator. And, they lived in a world that had yet to be corrupted by the effects of sin.

I find it interesting to note that in verse 8, when Adam and Eve had sinned, their natural inclination was to hide from God. They heard God walking in the garden and they hid themselves from the presence of God.

The presence of God had always been a source of delight before this time; now the presence of Holy God was a reminder of the sin that had entered their world.

As awful as this chapter is, with curses pronounced on Adam, Eve and the serpent, it is also beautiful, for here in the same chapter where the fall is recorded, God shows His grace.

First, He reveals the plan for Jesus to come. Then, He clothes Adam and Eve. Then, He banishes them from the Garden; a true blessing, for it meant that they could not eat from the tree again and live forever in their sinful condition.

1 Chronicles 3 - What a list! The descendants of David, Israel's greatest king show us the tragedy that comes when we reject God to follow own desires. David's family could have, and should have been Israel's greatest blessing. Instead, after Solomon's death, Israel was never the same. Even David's own sons had terrible disputes between them.

Luke 1:57-80 - I get touched every time I read about Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were a faithful couple, who loved the Lord. For years they had dreamt about having a child. Little could they have imagined that God would answer their prayers when they were well past childbearing years.

I love what happens to Zechariah and Elizabeth's neighbors and relatives when God finally allows Zechariah to speak. They are blown away and realize that God has big plans for John the Baptist. I wonder how closely the people watched John as he grew up. I wonder if some became his disciples.

Zechariah's song is the first prophecy recorded in Israel in more than 400 years. These are important words, announcing not only who John will become, but announcing that Messiah will come soon!