Bible Reading: Genesis 5 | Matthew 5 | Psalm 5
Devotional for January 7, 2025
Reading: Genesis 5 | Matthew 5 | Psalm 5
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Genesis 5
Genesis Five is the first of the long genealogies found in the Bible. Many people skim through the genealogies of the Pentateuch because they do not understand their purpose and function in the narrative. The genealogy of this chapter serves a few functions. First, it functions as a comparison between the godly line of Seth and that of his brother, Cain. The genealogy of Cain is found in Gen. 4:17-18. His lineage ends with death, while the genealogy of Seth ends in life – eternal life. That is pictured by Enoch, who “walked with God, and he was not, for God took him” (5:24). Second, this genealogy reminds us that the wages of sin are death, but communion with God brings life. Third, Cain is pictured as the seed of the serpent who seeks to destroy the seed of the woman. God protects the godly line through the replacement (Seth), and God protects a lineage of people through him. Fourth, the genealogy sets the stage for the next significant section of Genesis – the Flood narrative.
Applications:
1. The efforts of the Evil One to derail the plans of God to bring a Redeemer are never thwarted but instead established. The godly line of Seth proves God’s faithfulness to the promise of Gen. 3;15.
2. The wages of sin are death and eternal separation from God (the line of Cain). Peace with God only comes through a Redeemer and leads to eternal life and the comfortable presence of God (the line of Seth)
Matthew 5
Matthew Five begins the first major discourse of the book. Running through chapter seven, that section is known as the Sermon on the Mount. The entire Sermon is meant to unpack the real intention of the Law as given to the people of old.
5:1-12
These verses are known as the Beatitudes. Each line (5:3-11) begins with a Greek term translated as “happy.” However, that doesn’t quite explain the word. The idea is far more than an emotional state of being; it is one of contentment and established hope granted to the one who does what Jesus instructs. Each " blessing statement” follows a specific progression leading to the Kingdom of Heaven. Christians would do well to meditate on the meanings of each one and seek to bring forth fruit from it in their lives.
5:13-16
Jesus points out that God’s people are salt and light in the world. Too often, these verses are presented as exhortations or commands to the Christian when they are statements of fact. As a Christian, and by definition, you are salt and light. Jesus is a master of analogy and chooses these two terms on purpose. Salt is a preservative; it is needed because we live in a decaying, dying world. Light removes darkness.
The ungodly are living in darkness; only the light of God’s people and the hope of the gospel will remove the darkness from them. Therefore, live your Christian life before the decaying, dark-ridden world.
5:17-48
The sermon begins in earnest throughout this section as Jesus unpacks the abiding nature of the moral law and then explains the true intention of various commands given to the people of old. For example, he deals with the sixth commandment (5:21-26) to show that murder is not merely taking away the life of another, but it is also anger and bitterness toward another in the heart. Jesus continues that basic theme throughout the sermon, and the reader is alerted to it when he says, “You have heard that it was said, but I say to you.”
Applications:
1. The Beatitudes function as a progressive item, beginning with poor in spirit. The proud and arrogant will never thirst for righteousness or consider it a blessing when persecuted.
2. The Sermon on the Mount offers insight into the deeper meaning of the moral law of God. It demonstrates that the moral law is not merely outward behavior but also the heart. Obedience to God’s commands is not a merely external act but one that must spring from the motives and intentions of the person.
Psalm 5
Psalm Five contains five stanzas and is similar to the preceding Psalm as it is a prayer. It has been ascribed as a “morning prayer” because of the words found in 5:3: “O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice.” The Psalm is a lament which can be defined as “sanctified complaining” though it carries a greater meaning. A lament is a prayer that pours out the agony of the one praying to the God of heaven. The context is unclear. We do not know why David wrote it other than to say it was during a time of great distress. Yet, during this distress, he prays, a theme often seen throughout the Psalms.
5:1-3
These verses introduce us to the lament and show us the importance of prayer in King David's life. He is pleading. He wants to be heard. He wants the attention of the Almighty. It is comforting to know that when we pray, we do have his ear. We are his children, and he listens to the cries of his redeemed people. Note also that David prays and he watches. What is he watching for throughout the day? He is watching for the answer of his King, his God. How often do we pray in the morning for various things and then fail to see how God answers those prayers throughout the day? I suspect it is easy for us to get busy with our callings in life that we fail to stop and notice. But, we should notice and then offer prayers of thanksgiving to God.
5:4-6
This section of the Psalm gives us some insight into the problem. Evil people are attacking David. He appeals to God's justice to rid himself of the aggravation brought on by these people. Note that he leaves that justice to God.
5:7-10
In this section, David compares his behavior to that of the evildoers. He finds peace and safety in God’s presence. The reference to the holy temple is a reference to corporate worship. Each Lord’s Day, we find relief from the onslaught of the world, the flesh, and the enemy of our souls. That is one of the reasons we should labor to keep the Sabbath holy. It is for our good and benefit. David also prays for these evil people to feel guilty for what they are doing. There is nothing wrong with asking God to convict others of their sin.
5:11-12
The Psalm concludes with words of rejoicing. David finds hope in God and refuge in the face of difficult circumstances.
Applications:
1. Begin each day in prayer. Pray and watch for God to work through your prayers.
2. Do not forsake the Lord’s Day. It is a respite for you. It is a time for safety from the world, the flesh, and the Evil One. Do not neglect it.
3. Remember, your God is for you. He opposes those who seek your harm. He will fight for you and defend you.