Some TIPS on How to Read
Genesis is full of memorable stories of people and events. It is an important book to know, for the rest of the Bible often refers back to it. Note too the many beginnings…beginnings of universe, man and sin etc.
“In the beginning…”
These words are apt for the New Year…we start from the very beginning…
“Historically, Jews and Christians alike have held that Moses was the author/compiler of the first five books of the OT. These books known also as the Pentateuch (meaning “five-volumed book”), were referred to in Jewish tradition as the five fifths of the law (of Moses).”
Introduction to Genesis, NIV Study Bible
From the beginning of creation to the life of Joseph, the book tells stories of the Creator and His Creation. In a way, the book mirrors our own relationships with God; the beauty of creation, the depth of sin and rebellion, and the plans for the restoration of our world marred by sin.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that we are part of that Story? For, what happened in the past has significance for today?
Read it and let the WORD ‘read’ us. It will bring us a deeper understanding of God’s plan for humankind. Here’s a suggestion: This guide is adapted from the NIV Study Bible for a 30-days reading plan.
‘Leave NO WORD Unturned’
Day 1: Creation (1:1-2:3)
Day 2: Adam and Eve in Eden (2:4-25)
Day 3: The fall and its consequences (ch. 3)
Day 4: Sin’s progression (4:1-16)
Day 5: The genealogy of Cain (4:17-26)
Day 6: The genealogy of Seth (ch. 5)
Day 7: God’s response to human depravity & preparing for the flood (6:1-7:10)
Day 8: Judgement & redemption (7:11-8:19)
The flood’s aftermath (8:29-9:29)
Day 9: The spread of the nations (10:1 – 11:26)
Day 10: Abraham’s background (11:27-32)
Day 11: Abraham’s call and response (chs. 12-14)
Day 12: Abraham’s faith and God’s covenant (chs. 15-17)
Day 13: Abraham’s faith and God’s covenant (chs. 18-20)
Day 14: Abraham’s faith and God’s covenant (chs. 21-22)
Day 15: Abraham’s final acts (23:1 – 25:11)
Day 16: The descendants of Ishmael (25:12-18)
Day 17: Jacob at home (25:19-27:46)
Day 18: Jacob abroad (chs. 28-30)
Day 19: Jacob at home again (chs. 31-32)
Day 20: Jacob at home again (chs. 33-35)
Day 21: The Descendants of Esau (36:1-37:1)
Day 22: Joseph’s career (37:2-38)
Day 23: Joseph’s career (ch. 39)
Day 24: Joseph’s career (ch. 40)
Day 25: Joseph’s career (ch. 41)
Day 26: Joseph’s migration (chs. 42-44)
Day 27: Joseph’s migration (chs. 45-47)
Day 28: Joseph’s final days (48:1-50:14)
Day 29: Joseph’s final days (50:15-26)
Day 30: Your Own Reflection on Genesis
Reflections
“Genesis is the Book of Beginnings, the great introduction to the drama of redemption. Gn 1-11 may be regarded as the prologue to the drama, whose first act begins at Chapter 12 with the introduction of Abraham. At the other end of the drama the book of Revelation is the epilogue.”
In the Beginning
This sentence brings us back to the basics.
It is precisely these words that defined who we are today: “In the beginning…”
From the very first act of Creation right up to the Fall. God’s hands have never left us. His love for us finally climaxed on the Cross when Jesus cried out. “IT IS FINISHED!” Wow.
This was my personal discovery upon reading and studying this book.
From the beginning of Creation to the Fall of man, from the renewing of the covenant with Noah to the Faith of one man – Abraham, the Father of the Nations, and last but not least, the way He preserved Joseph and His people, I could see, throughout all these events, that God had a well thought out “masterplan” in mind right from the start. His plan was that we would dwell with Him and enjoy Him forever.
However, in order for us to enjoy what God has promised us, we need to see and acknowledge His presence in our midst.
How then shall we live for Him who looked at us and said, “It was very good“?
Leaving NO WORD Unturned
Personal thoughts that came to mind as I read Genesis…
1. God created mankind in His image. What a wonderful thought that is. In spite of the Fall, everyone bears the image of their Creator, God. In what ways do we reflect God in our conduct?
Beginning with Genesis, the Bible tells us stories of these image-bearers (although some bore seriously marred images) who responded to the redemptive acts of their Creator God. From Adam and Eve to Noah, Abraham and Joseph, the book of Genesis helps us understand the story of God’s redemption and shows us that we have truly been made in His image.
2. Where will all this lead to? This story climaxes in Christ, in whom God’s fullness dwells. That is why He is called the Alpha and Omega (which are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet). He is worthy of all our worship because Jesus was there at the very beginning of creation just as He will be at the end.
Amen.