The beginning of a new year is a great time to read the Bible more. If you have never done so, or even if you have, I would encourage you to resolve to read the entire Bible this year. And then do it. It takes about three chapters or fifteen minutes per day. If the entire Bible seems daunting, just start with the New Testament.
There are several different plans you can use. There are apps available that can give you daily reminders or even read the text for you, so that you can listen to the Bible on your daily commute, while washing dishes, or during just about any other part of your daily routine. To listen to the Bible while doing something else is a bit of a concession. It is better to give your undivided attention to the Word of God. But it is, of course, better than not reading it. And integrating it into your daily routine can help to make it a habit. It also greatly improves your commute or dish-washing experience.
I changed the plan printed in this newsletter from what it has been the last several years. The new plan will keep books together, rather than trying to make the readings chronological. I think it will be a little bit easier to follow.
Whatever plan you use, it probably begins with Genesis. The name “Genesis” means “Beginning.” It is the book of beginnings. It is, of course, the beginning of the Bible. Chapters one and two record the beginning of the heavens and the earth. This includes the beginning of planets, stars, plants, animals, and the human race. Chapter three is the beginning of sin and death. So the first three chapters explain why the world is the way it is—both good and bad. Genesis 3:15 is the first gospel promise, where God promises that the seed of the woman will crush the head of the serpent.
Chapters four and five describe the earliest generations and the increasing corruption leading up to the flood.
Chapters six through nine describe the flood and the changes it made to the world.
Chapters ten and eleven record the generations between Noah and Abraham.
Abraham is the most significant human character in the book. Most of chapters twelve through twenty-five deal with his life. He is the ancestor of Israel (the people of God in all times and places). Abraham was the recipient of God’s covenant promises. Abraham was not always faithful or confident in God’s promises, but God remained faithful to the promises he had made. Chiefly, he promised to bless the entire world through the offspring of Abraham, who is Jesus Christ (Gen. 12:3; 15:5; 17:7; Gal. 3:16).
After Abraham, the next two generations of patriarchs are Isaac and Jacob (who was named “Israel” by the Lord). Chapters twenty-one through thirty-eight cover most of their stories.
The second most significant human character in the book is Joseph, who is the favored son of Jacob. His story, which is covered in chapters thirty-seven through fifty, describes how he saved his family, despite being betrayed by his brothers, and how the Israelites came to settle in Egypt for a time. Joseph is a great “type” of Christ. A “type” is like a foreshadowing or a prophetic fulfillment. His life prefigures Christ. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers. In a greater way, Jesus was rejected by his entire nation. But, what they intended for evil, God intended for good (Gen. 50:20). Joseph was able to save his family, most of Egypt, and several other nations from a famine. This foreshadows Jesus, whose rejection by his people led to the salvation of many who trust in him from all the nations of the world.
Genesis is foundational for the entire Bible and, therefore, Christian theology. It describes how the world came to be the way it is, and it introduces God’s plan to redeem this world from sin and death through Jesus Christ. I hope you read it and meditate upon it.
The peace of Christ be with you all,
Pastor Dan Antal