Yesterday, someone said to me: “This will be a lot of reading!” With a smile, I replied, “I never said this would be easy!” We are working on a discipline that becomes easier as it becomes more familiar. Welcome to Day 2.

Genesis 3-5

How did sin come into the world? Without it, we would know paradise (chapter 2). In paradise, the man and woman could have everything – but one thing. Somehow they/we want even what we are told we cannot have. The man and woman disobeyed God and broke the relationship of love and trust. Sin changes our relationship with others and our own sense of self.

Have you ever demanded your own way, giving little attention to what others (even God) want? These are painful chapters to read because… well because I am so painfully familiar with them. But there is a touch of grace. God does not abandon the man and woman. God questions, but does not destroy. And even the punishment becomes a means of grace.

In chapter 5, what do you make of the longevity of the people listed here? Is it to be taken literally or figuratively? Is there a message even deeper than the numbers?

Luke 2

This chapter provides all that we have in the Bible about the childhood of Jesus. Two verses stand out for me. Verse 40 – “And the child grew and became strong, he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.” Verse 52 – “And as Jesus grew up, he increased in wisdom and in favor with God and people.” Growing up is not just a physical thing. As I often pray: God give me the wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do it.