OUR CHRONOLOGICAL BIBLE JOURNEY 2011 - DAY 1

Above is a fresco of "The Creation of Adam" by the Italian Renaissance painter Michelangelo, from the year 1510.

GENESIS 1:1-3:24
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~


~Genesis~
Author: Moses
Date: ~1420 B.C.
Content: The book of Genesis was written to explain how everything began; in fact, the very title Genesis means “origin” or “beginning”. It explains that God created the universe, how man was created and placed in a perfect environment, how sin began, and how God provided salvation for lost man. The beginning of human history is described, the beginning of arts and crafts, how human languages began, and where the various nations came from. The focus then shifts to the beginning of the Hebrew people with Abraham, followed by the histories of Isaac, Jacob and his sons, and the book ends with Joseph in Egypt.
Theme: The main idea that runs through the book is that although God made everything good, man’s sin has spoiled it. God has not given up, but is now in search of man to save him. The overall control of God is stressed, and special attention is given to how God directs history for the good of his people and their salvation. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p.)

 This is a marble statue of Moses, the author of Genesis, made in the year 1515 by Michelangelo in Italy.

Moses is the author/compiler of the first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Pentateuch, or the books of the Law.  It is believed that these five books were written by Moses during Israel's 40 years in the desert after the exodus from Egypt - which was likely between 1446 B.C. and 1406 B.C.  The book of Genesis is foundational to understanding the rest of the Bible.  It is a book of relationships - between God and his creation; between God and man; and between people themselves.  In Genesis, God pledges his love and faithfulness to man through covenants.  It is a narrative that continually demonstrates faith.


In today's Genesis readings we read about the Creation account and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  The 6 days of creation have two main lines of thought by various scholars:  

1. They were 6 literal 24 hour days; or 
2. They were 6 figurative days of an undefined timeframe.

Today we read this incredibly powerful verse in Genesis chapter 1 verse 27: "So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them."  Do you believe that you are made in the image of God?  Is this a powerful thing to reflect upon? What might this mean for your life this new year, knowing that you are made in the image of God? Does this give you a sense of possibility for your life?  A sense that you are made for a great purpose in this life


Prayer Point: Based on Genesis 1:27 above, will you pray today for your family, friends, and others in your community, that you will see the image of God in each of them?  Also, pray for those you know who are made in the image of God, and yet are not in a saving personal relationship with Jesus, that they will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior this year.
Today, reading about God's creation of our world in Genesis reminded me of the Third Day and Caedmon's Call song, "God of Wonders." Here's a great live version of this song, introduced by Michael W. Smith, and then wrapped up with a beautiful version of "Agnus Dei."  Enjoy, and don't be afraid to Worship God right now along with this video!

Adapted with permission from The Chronological Bible Blog.