there is so much to write about for these first few chapters of genesis...i am a bit limited in time this morning because we are preparing for a trip out of town, so i will come back to comment more on what i'm reading throughout the week. theological questions about the problem of sin and paradigm-shifting thoughts (for the one who may be taking a first look at the bible)...may be addressed as we read about cain and abel, the devastation of sin (6:5-6 says, "then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart..."), and the flood! wow...it's the second day of january/second day of studying the bible...and we see some heart-breaking/world-changing (literally!...geologically-changing...) events. so, some quick thoughts today and more throughout the week...
if you're just starting to read with us...i am using the "canonical plan" that youversion.com recommends for reading the bible from beginning to end in one year.
--old testament understanding--
themes throughout this section of text (chapters 4-7) include God's judgment and His sustaining grace. concerning cain and abel, we see God must punish sin. murder must be dealt with and...the murderous thoughts of man's heart. He says to cain in 4:7, "if you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? and if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." cain had to endure the consequences of his sin (God's judgment/see verses 11-12), but he also received God's mercy (v. 15).
the account of the flood also gives a clear picture of the need for God's judgment...and then the display of His enduring grace. more thoughts on these themes and especially the account of noah/his family and the flood throughout the week....
you are loved.
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