So I've started reading through the Bible again in a chronological fashion at the beginning of June. This particular Bible has a slightly different "schedule" than that our church followed last year, although, as makes sense, Genesis comes first. As of the 15th of the month, Genesis is completed and we're moving on to Exodus. The particular Bible I'm using includes information about what else was occurring in the world (based on archeological and other evidence). I admit that I've never really considered history outside the Bible itself during my readings of it, so this is somewhat interesting. Our Ladies' Study of Joshua has included some historical information, and I'm thankful for the broadening of my personal thinking.
The book of Genesis contains many of the more widely known history of the Jews. Even people who never set foot in a church or temple know many of these, although many people do not (unfortunately) consider them to be fact. Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and his sons are all featured prominently. And who could forget the creation of the world and all it contains?
As for one of my personal favorite images from Genesis, look to 9:8-17. Until 2 years ago I had missed the symbolism of the rainbow. Now every time I see one I am reminded of God's covenant with Noah -- never again will there be world-wide flooding and destruction of the earth. God is still a judging and righteous God, but we are confident we will never again be subjected to world-wide flooding.
Finally, a mind-picture that stuck with me from our VBS. The children each took a frowny-faced sticker and mentally assigned one of their own sins onto it (lying to mom, failing to do a chore, speaking meanly to a sister/brother). They then were instructed to place the sticker onto 2 of the three paper crosses attached to the walls. The central cross represented that on which Jesus was placed, the other two of the 2 thieves with whom He was crucified. As we know, Jesus was himself without sin (the frowny-faced free cross). And during the crucifixion he was mocked not only by the crowds but also by one of the thieves. The other thief, recognized that while he himself "deserved" his punishment that Jesus did not. In Luke 23:40-43 we read the following -- "Bu the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.' The he said to Jesus, 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.' And Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.'" To help the children visualize Jesus taking on the sins of the world, the frowny-faces from one of the thieves' crosses were moved to Jesus' -- just as the repentant thief who recognized Jesus' position, when we recognize Him for who He is, all our sin is forgiven.
Enjoy and continue in your reading. Every time we delve into God's word we are rewarded.
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