indigoHow’s it going? I hope very well.

Today Read The Bible Through takes us to Genesis 2,3 and Matthew 2.

Genesis 2,3

These chapters continue to lay foundation for all of theology.

Probably the most compelling concept revolves around the two trees. The tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. At that point in time, God had breathed His life into man and so man’s spirit was alive with God’s life. (Later we will be re- introduced to this “God life” by Jesus, when He talked about being born again).

The tree of life represents the life lived by the spirit, with God empowering and enlightening you. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil represents a life lived by man’s own knowledge. Humanism. You can see that all around us today, people living their lives by “what seems good at the time.”

Twice in proverbs (14:25 and 16:12) you will find the same verse. It says, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but the end of it is a way of death.” If we just make up our own “rules” as we go along life’s path, we will wind up in much trouble – or at least much sadness.

The selfish, “if it feels good, do it” mentality has brought heartache to many people – and to their children and to their children’s children.

The tree of life, however, represents a life lived in communion with the Creator. Accepting God’s love and His wisdom.

When man decided to live the life which was right in his own eyes, he experienced guilt. He saw himself naked and tried to hide from God.

In rendering His judgment, God prophesied about the redemption which was to come. He said to the serpent (Satan) that there would be enmity between his seed and her seed. (Jesus). Satan would bruise the heel of Jesus (the cross), and Jesus would bruise Satan’s head. (Defeat him completely).

Then came another significant act. God made tunics to cover His man and woman. He had to shed blood to get those tunics. So we see the first blood sacrifice covering the sins of man.

Matthew 2

In this chapter we continue to see  God’s supernatural guidance as He protects His Son. First the wise men from the east come to see the child, bringing great treasure – treasure which is needed to make a long trip to Egypt.

Then we see God directing Joseph to take his family to Egypt to hide from the wrath of King Herod. (Herod feared this new king and thought that Jesus would be trying to overthrow his reign).

You have to admire Joseph for being so obedient. He had already done something drastic by taking Mary, who was pregnant. Now he was listening again and taking his family on a long, hard journey to Egypt. Such willingness to obey!

Now it’s your turn

If you would like to comment, please do. We can all learn from each other.

In the meantime, Blessings.

Suellen