GENESIS 1:1-2:3

For NIV reading click here
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%201-2:3&version=NIV

As Dave mentioned in his comment on the previous post, these chapters are very familiar to many of us. As you read it, what seem to be the main ideas that the author was trying to communicate? How can we read it in a way that nurtures our trust in God and our commitment to live for God?

All questions are welcome.

Your observations, questions...

Getting Ready for Genesis

Take a look at the "Page" to the right entitle Outline of Genesis. I would suggest that we take Thursday and read through Genesis 1-11. If you can't, don't worry about it but glance at the outline so you get a feel for the flow.

On Friday, the first reading will be Genesis 1:1-2:3. Not all chapters line up in a tidy way because chapters and verses were added later for finding our way around the Bible, but they don't always mark the best units of reading. We'll have the whole weekend to post comments and questions, and I suspect there will be some...lots of different ways of understanding this opening section.

For those new to the blog, you can just read the Bible and the daily posts I make, as well as the comments under each post that others make. Or you can add your own comments and questions. This is a laid-back group so every question that has to do with the text we're reading is fair game. Some of the most helpful stuff comes from those commenting so I encourage you to read their stuff.

And once again, we read the Bible prayerfully and reflectively as a way of encountering God through His word for life transformation.

Prayers,
Matt

Genesis it is...

Looks like we'll read Genesis together...book of origins.

I'll have to experiment with the pace.

I'll not plan to post anything but comments on weekends...no new readings.

If the pace seems way off, let me know.

Lot's of differing opinions over lots of stuff in Genesis, but as always, this is a place of openness, questions, gracious commenting and most of all growing in faith through Scripture.

Looking forward to it.

I'll suggest a beginning reading plan on Wednesday.

Prayers,
Matt

NEXT UP...

So far, from the voting at the bottom of the blog:
Votes:
Jonah 1
Genesis 2
Romans 1
and a write-in: Esther

I'll give another day or so before I decide and then we'll jump into the next book!

Welcome, James Holley to the blog.

FOR THURSDAY Reading #11 (Ruth 4:13-22)

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth+4%3A13-22&version=NIV

Last section of Ruth. Great discussion everyone!

Everything get resolved in this section, both for the family and for the part this book has played for God's overall plan that extends to David, 2nd king of Israel.

How do you feel about how the story is brought to a close?
What have been the most important teachings in this book for you?
Favorite scene?
Favorite character?

For Friday I'll list some of the highlights/main points for me.

Don't forget to vote on the next book you want to read - commenting has been light recently so perhaps ya'll want a break, or you just like reading? I'm open to suggestions.

Have a great day...may the Lord bless you!

FOR WEDNESDAY Reading #10 (Ruth 4:1-12)

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth+4%3A1-12&version=NIV

Decisions at the city gate set the stage to the outcome of all that has happened, both for Naomi and Ruth, and beyond.

Another contrast, this time between Boaz and the nearer-kinsman. The contrast is not between good and bad but between reasonable action and risky/faithful action.

Again notice the blessing/prayer language.

Thoughts, questions, applications...

FOR TUESDAY Reading #9 (Ruth 3:6-18)

For NIV reading click here
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth%203:6-18&version=NIV

This scene, when read slowly is full of tension and mystery. It's where all the 'chance' happenings begin to come together. Threshing floor was often a place of sexual activity and theivery as well as a generally festive atmosphere (harvest is being gathered!). So Boaz sleeps near his harvest. Notice also how some of the activity is cloaked - Boaz and Ruth are simply called 'the man' and 'the woman.' This all takes place at night.

There is some ambiguity here. But read in light of chapters 1-2 helps us fill in some of the gaps.

Some of the words used can be used in a very striaghtforward way, they can also be euphemism: legs (genitals), lay at the feet (sex).

What do you read here and how do you understand it?

FOR MONDAY Reading #8 (Ruth 3:1-5)

NIV reading:

¹ One day Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, should I not try to find a home for you, where you will be well provided for? ² Is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been, a kinsman of ours? Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. ³ Wash and perfume yourself, and put on your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don't let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. ⁴ When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do."

⁵ "I will do whatever you say," Ruth answered. ⁶ So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do.

Much of the noble character of the story has been about Ruth and Boaz, but here is Naomi being faithful to her dauther-in-law.

Lots in this unit of the story that we don't understand and comes across somewhat ambiguous. Our minds could go haywire thinking about intent and motive...but as you prayerfully read it, what are your impressions. Especially important is to keep in mind the story in chapters 1-2.

FOR FRIDAY Reading #7 (Ruth 2:19-23)

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ruth%202:19-23&version=NIV


Don't know if you noticed, but God/the Lord is the only 'person' who is named in every scene in the story...pretty cool, huh?


Doc, here's where Boaz begins to be seen by many interpreters as a 'type.' This method of interpretation was common for centuries, and has lessoned some now. If readers aren't familiar, the idea of type is that characters, objects, whole stories in the Old Testament are seen as in someway symbolizing Christ or an attribute of Christ. Doc, if one is careful, it can bea helpful and appropriate way of reading.


This is the first time the Hebrew goel shows up and is translated by the NIV as 'kinsman-redeemer.' For detailed background see Leviticus 25 and 27.


It was a part of Israelite family law in which a close relative had duties to clan/family. The goel was responsible for a number of duties, but two that are especially important here are the purchase back of property and/or family members who were sold, often out of economic necessity.


The two widows know that as a goel, they can expect at least some help from him and that begins to bring more light into their shadows...

FOR THURSDAY Reading #6 (Ruth 2:4-18)

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ruth%202:4-18&version=NIV

When God's faithfulness crosses with faithful human actions...

Thoughts, questions, possible applications...

FOR WEDNESDAY Reading #5 (Ruth 2:1-3)

1 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband's side, from the clan of Elimelech, a man of standing, whose name was Boaz. 2 And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, "Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor." Naomi said to her, "Go ahead, my daughter." 3 So she went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.

"As it turned out..." We've all used the phrase or something like it to describe events, big or small that have taken place. The author of Ruth uses the word miqreh which means 'chance' or 'accident,' a word that often has negative implications. So as readers, we are left to wonder, how will this work out? But, in this 'chance' encounter, she happens upon a piece of farmland owned by one of Elimelech's family, a man names Boaz who is described in 2:1 as a 'worthy man,' a 'capable man.'

The description of chance seems to be the author's very subtle way of saying that these events happened in a way that neither Ruth nor Boaz are responsible...they didn't/couldn't plan this, yet 'it happened.'

Reflect on these verses a little...what's your impression and what does it do for your faith/trust about your own life?

FOR TUESDAY Reading #4 (Ruth 1:19-22)

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth%201:19-22&version=NIV

Makes you wonder if Ruth was thinking, 'what am I, chopped liver?'

Thoughts, observations, questions, possible insight for application...

FOR MONDAY Reading #3 (Ruth 1:6-18)

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth+1%3A6-18&version=NIV

How would you contrast the Ruth and Orpah?
How would you describe how Naomi understands God based on what she says and does in this passage?
What could you say about Naomi based on how she deals with and talks with her two daughters-in-law?
What do you make of Ruth's theology?

Other observations, questions, possible applications.

FOR FRIDAY Reading #2 (Ruth 1:1-5)

Now that we've read through the book, let's get into a little more detail.

Remember the whole text of Ruth is to the right under "Pages."

These opening verses provide the setting and backdrop for the story.
A few helpful nuggets of information as you read:
(1) It is suggested by v. 1 to have the book of Judges in the background, where the refrain is "...and everyone did what was right in their own eyes."
(2) The talk of famine might bring to mind other OT stories about famine (Abram, etc.). Same with talk of childlessness.
(3) Bethlehem means 'house of bread' - interesting nugget considering what happens.
(4) Moab might bring to mind Genesis 19:37 and the story of Lot
(5) Naomi and Elimelech are 'Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah' - same as David (1 Samuel 7:12).
(6) The family doesn't seem to be described in a negative way for leaving Judah and going to Moab, though some scholars lean towards that.
(7) What will happen to a woman in a world where all power and privilege is held by males...what will happen when her husband and two sons die without any children?! More importantly, what can happen because God is the kind of God who blesses?

Thoughts, questions, applications.

FOR THURSDAY Reading 1 (The whole book of Ruth)

If you haven't already, read through the whole book of Ruth (only takes about 10 minutes) and jot down some observations, quesions, things you find interesting. Try to get a sense of the movement of the whole story. (There is a link to the right for the full text of Ruth).

Some specific things to keep in mind as you read:
(1) How is the story's understanding of God expressed (statements, questions, prayers, cries, etc)?
(2) What are some of the major elements of the author/story's understanding of God (theology)?
(3) Notice how the story seems to weave the happenings of the story with God's (hidden?) activity?
(4) How are the people and their actions in the story described?
(5) How is the relationship between God and the various people revealed?
(6) What seems to be the main points of the story as a whole?

You don't have to answer all or any of these, but keep them in mind. We'll come back to them throughout.

There is an outline under the pages section (to the right). We will read smaller 'chunks' than the outline, but it will give you an idea of the flow of the story.

Make comments...it's incredibly helpful for the other readers, and ask your questions...even if we don't all come up with answers, the questions get us digging deeper and prayer harder...that's a good thing!

Always, always, always ask how God is speaking through the text to us, calling us, shaping us, changing us, encouraging us. If the Bible isn't lived it isn't heard.

Next: The Book of Ruth

Next, we'll read through the Old Testament book of Ruth. A short book (4 chapters), beautiful as a story in and of itself, yet powerful in its subtle theology of a God who works through people's loss, faithfulness, prayers and generosity to advance His promises to all of us. It's God's story, it's our story, it's everyone's story.

First thing we'll do is read through the book once or twice to get a feel for it. If you're willing, jot a few notes, questions, observations, ('hey that's interesting,') and post them for others to think about.

For the NIV reading of the whole book, click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth+1-4&version=NIV.

Reading 24 (Mark 16) Easter Sunday

For NIV reading, see below.

1When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. 2Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

4But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

6"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "

8Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

((The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20.))

9When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.

12Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. 13These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.

14Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

19After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

Your thoughts on Jesus being risen (whether we go with Mark 16:1-8 or all the way through v. 16). What are the implications of Jesus being raised from the dead?

Reading 23 (Mark 15:42-47) Holy Saturday

For NIV reading see below

42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

Thoughts...reflections...

Reading 22 (Mark 15:1-41) Good Friday

For NIV reading, click here
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2015:1-41&version=NIV

The final day of Jesus' earthly life...unjustly, unfairly, horribly mistreated by those He came to save. So faithful and trusting in His Heavenly Father, that ultimate personal suffering would not deter Him from His mission, to ransom you and me and lead us into God's Kingdom that has begun in Jesus and is offered to us now in part, and fully in the age to come...freedom, peace, justice, all that we most need.

Good Friday...Roman nails and wood became the altar on which our sins are washed clean...the sacrifice, the one unblemished firstborn, whose life is laid down in utter confidence in God's plan to redeem all things.

Reading 21 (Mark 14:12-72) Maundy Thursday

For NIV reading click here
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2014:12-72&version=NIV

Lots here: last supper, Peter's denial (foretold and fulfilled), the prayer in Gethsemane, the arrest and trial.

Let Mark's gospel here linger in the heart and mind. This is truly a Holy week...the One whom we have encountered throughout the Gospel, powerful, authoritative, is willingly and humbly in His last days for the world's sake, for our sake. He lays His life down as a ransom (10:45).