READING: Genesis 4:1-5:32, 1 Chronicles 1:1-4, Genesis 6:1-22
It was a time of firsts. The first day. The first human beings. The first children. The first sin. The first person to “raise livestock and live in tents” (Gen 4:20). The first person to play the harp and flute (Gen 4:21). The first time that people “began to worship the Lord by name” (Gen 4:26).
It was a time of firsts, but those firsts also included the first death. In fact, Genesis 5 is filled with the repeated phrase, “and then he died” – beginning with Adam. Sin had changed everything. And, sin abounded, so much so that God grieved His creation. That which was good was now bad.
But, in the midst of it all, God had a plan. He would bring judgment via a flood, though He would protect Noah – who was “blameless among his contemporaries” (Gen 6:9, CSB), or “the only blameless person living on earth at that time” (NLT). Noah walked closely with God, heard God’s command to build an ark, “did everything exactly as God had commanded him” (Gen 6:22), and “found favor with the Lord” (Gen 6:8). God would continue His plan that would ultimately bring forth the Messiah who would crush the head of the serpent. He always does accomplish what He intends.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Can you say with integrity, “I have done everything God has commanded me”? If not, walk more closely with God today.
PRAYER: “Father, remind me that You are a just, righteous God who demands that we walk in obedience. Help me to do that.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 7:1-10:5, 1 Chronicles 1:5-7, Genesis 10:6-20, 1 Chronicles 1:8-16, Genesis 10:21-30, 1 Chronicles 1:17-23, Genesis 10:31-32
