Pastor Steve Richards

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.

Happy New Year! Welcome to our first day of reading together. As you open yourself to the scripture, I know you will be blessed. Blessing will come. It is not always immediate. Be patient. Remain faithful. 

Genesis 1

How does God create? By calling creation into being. When we get to the New Testament book of John, we will read “In the beginning was the Word.” John will identify Jesus as the Word. Jesus is the Word made flesh, the creating action of God who was with God from the beginning. From the first verse of Genesis, we can see how the Old and New Testaments are tied together!

• More compelling to me than how creation happens is why God creates. Genesis 1-2 provide answers. Why does God create?
• Notice how on the seventh day God rested. I wonder how often we avoid doing what even God sees a need to do.

 Genesis 2

Notice the words used to refer to God have changed. Now the writer says “LORD God”. When LORD is in capital letters, it is the Hebrew word, Yahweh, a name for God considered so holy that it is unpronounceable.

• How is man brought to life? “Breath” is the same Hebrew word that is translated “wind” or “spirit”. God’s Spirit brings to life.
• I’ve included this artwork by the 15^th Century German painter, Lucas Cranach. How has he depicted the various scenes from Genesis 2-3? How does he understand the relationship between God and the man and woman?

 Luke 1

If you have followed our Advent study, this chapter will be familiar to you. Luke was a physician, a Gentile, and a companion of Paul. Where does Luke say that he received what he has written in this book?

As you read this chapter, look for the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit. How have you sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Our Bible reading is set to begin on January 1. Click on “This week’s readings” to find the readings for the week ahead. I welcome your participation as we read together, discerning what the writers intended for their time and listening for God’s Word for our lives.

This is my prayer as one year comes to an end and I look ahead to 2012.

God of time and eternity, take into your hands all of the hopes, fears, plans and expectations that I have for the year 2012. Walk with me into this new year, and shape me into the person you are calling me to be, so that 12 months from now I may know, love and serve you more. Amen.

There is nothing quite like a candlelight Christmas Eve service when we lift our lighted candles and sing: Silent Night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light; with the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!

Our two daughters are on their way home to be with Amanda and me as we celebrate on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I hope you will be able to worship with us. The entire schedule of service times are available on Messiah’s website. On behalf of my family, we wish you a most blessed Christmas.

If you would like to participate in the daily Bible reading and reflections that will begin on January 1, click on follow on this blog or send me an email at srichards@messiahchurchmn.org