Bible Reading: Genesis 1 | Matthew 1 | Psalm 1

Day One: Genesis 1, Matthew 1, Psalm 1
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Genesis 1

It may be tempting to think that Genesis 1 offers nothing by way of pastoral and devotional material regarding the Christian life. I hope to show you that thought is erroneous. The more you study the opening chapter of the Bible, the more you will appreciate the kindness and power of the Triune God.

Before considering the devotional benefits, let us examine several facts in this chapter. First, the Bible begins with a triumphal indicative: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” There is no effort to prove God's existence; there is only the statement that God made all things, visible and invisible.

Second, all three members of the Godhead are present and working at creation. God the Father decreed the creation of the visible and invisible world before the beginning. God the Son is the word that spoke, “And God said,” (See Col. 1). God the Holy Spirit is the life-giving member of the Godhead who hovered over the face of the waters and gave life to the creatures, including man.

Third, God determined to create all things in six days. Memorizing the days of creation would be a good exercise.

Day One: Light (separating the light from the darkness)
Day Two: The heavens
Day Three: Dry ground, seas, plants
Day Four: Sun. moon, and stars
Day Five: Fish and birds
Day Six: animals, man

Fourth, God made man differently than all the other things because he made them in his image (1:27). Therefore, we are rational creatures. We can think, decide, choose, reason, and solve problems. We have a will. We possess emotions.

Fifth, God provided for man the necessities of life. He gave them a place to live, provided food, and brought them to his presence to fellowship and commune with him.

Drawing on these, we can frame some basic devotional items. First, the fact that God can create out of nothing demonstrates his power and might. If God can do that, he can help you through any issue or problem. Because he is the Almighty, he will bring to pass his promises just as he brought everything into existence by the word of his power. Second, you have the comfort of knowing that the Triune God is good, graciously giving us what we need in this life. Third, you can rest comfortably in his presence if you know the Lord Jesus Christ. You are made to dwell with him and worship him. Therefore, offer your lives as living sacrifices before him today (Rom. 12:1-2)

Matthew 1

The gospel of Matthew opens with a genealogy. It is balanced because each three-part section is divided into fourteen generations. The purpose of this genealogy is to show the reader the line of David culminating in the birth of the true King, the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Savior is our prophet, priest, and king. Therefore, he had to be born in a kingly line, the line of David.

The birth of Jesus is then given to the reader in 1:18-25. A few observations. First, the events are supernatural in their origin. An angel of the Lord convinces Joseph to take Mary as his wife. This work serves to overcome the obvious doubt Joseph felt regarding his betrothed's faithfulness. Second, the name given to the Savior and its reason: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” He came to die. He came to rescue a sin-wrecked world. He came to rescue you from the calamity of sin. Third, Joseph obeys. Fourth, the birth of Christ is not like any other. He was born of a virgin to protect him from the guilt of original sin.

Throughout this chapter, we can see the culmination of God’s promise to bring a Savior into the world, made in Gen. 3:15. The Savior has come! He has conquered sin and the grave. He has brought redemption to a tired, sin-wrecked people.

Psalm 1

The opening Psalm of the inspired songbook is considered a “head Psalm.” It leads the Psalter and functionally makes the argument that if you heed these words you will be a wise man, a tree yielding fruit. If you reject the words expressed, you will be like the chaff tossed aside in eternal ruin.  

The Psalm has two parts (1:1-3 and 1:4-6). The first three verses describe the blessed man. Note the characteristics: He chooses his friends wisely and does not take counsel from ungodly, immature people. Second, he loves God’s law. He loves the Bible. He delights in it, and on it, he meditates and ponders day and night. The fruit of this life is prosperity—not financial but spiritual—because nothing in this life can purchase the eternal kingdom.

The second three verses describe the wicked. They do not delight in God’s word. They do not consider it or obey it. As a result, they are destroyed. They are lost to eternal ruin.

Therefore, child of God, stay close to him by reading and meditating on his Word. Choose your friends wisely because they will lead you astray if you don't.