Bible Reading: Genesis 6 | Matthew 6 | Psalm 6
Devotional for January 8, 2025
Reading: Genesis 6 | Matthew 6 | Psalm 6
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Genesis 6
Genesis Six sets the stage for the Flood narrative that will be highlighted in chapters 7-9. It sets forth the issues that bring about the flood and the judgment of God on the earth. There are numerous academic items in this chapter that need to be considered. For instance, who are the Nephilim? What is their function in the narrative? Scholars have debated this question, and the short answer is that we do not know. However, we know that men's moral actions are growing worse due to sin and its consequences. That point should not be missed as one reads this chapter. First, note that man is multiplying on the earth (6:1). This parallels the command of God given to our first parents to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. The man obeys this command but with consequences brought on by sin. The second issue is related: the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth (6:5). Due to the nature of sin inherited by everyone, the actions will follow. Third, the highlighting of Noah as a righteous man demonstrates God’s willingness to redeem a people (6:9-22). God commands Noah to build an ark that will save him and his family from the coming judgment. The ark is a picture of Christ, who alone saves sinners from the coming judgment.
Applications:
Sin gives birth to more sin. Due to our fallen nature, we sin. The heart of man is desperately wicked. Without the grace and kindness of God, we would face the consequences of our sin.
The only solution and hope for man is the saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone can rescue us from the coming judgment of God.
Matthew 6
Matthew Six continues the Sermon on the Mount. In this chapter, the Lord Jesus addresses numerous items. First, he discusses the issue of giving to the needy. Of course, all Christians should be doing that, but notice that Jesus says that it should be done without drawing attention to the action. Instead, serve and give to others without fanfare. Second, the Lord teaches his disciples to pray. Again, the emphasis on prayer in the life of Christ is significant. It should be for us as well. If Jesus prayed, how much more should we pray? Third, and closely related, is the subject of fasting. Fasting does not receive much attention in the church today. That should not be the case. Fasting is often helpful for focusing on a particular issue and seeking God’s wisdom during the fast period. Fasting is a deliberate refusal to eat or drink for a specified period of time. It is not meritorious, but it is often referred to in the Bible as useful to help one discern the will of God, spending the time you would ordinarily use for eating to pray. Fourth, Jesus addresses our priorities and our anxieties. The Christian's priority is to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness, storing up treasures in heaven and not on this earth. This world will bring much anxiety, and its care will cause one to worry. On the other hand, God's people should seek the heavenly city and place their trust and hope there.
Applications:
When serving the Lord, you do not need to make that known to others. Instead, serve him and bring no attention to yourself.
Spend time thinking over the Lord’s Prayer. The Westminster Shorter Catechism has a very helpful exposition that will be beneficial.
Remember your priorities! Your priorities are no longer those that burden the world. So think through your week, evaluate those things you give your time to, and make the necessary changes as you seek God’s kingdom.
Psalm 6
Psalm 6 has three stanzas. The first stanza contains three verses (6:1-3). The second is four verses (6:4-7). The final stanza includes three verses (6:8-10). The context of this Psalm is challenging to ascertain, but it appears to be a lament due to an illness of some nature (see 6:2, 5). According to one source, this is an individual lament that ends in an expression of trust in the Lord.
6:1-3
There are several items to note in this opening stanza. First, David appears concerned that what is occurring to him is a rebuke of the Lord. In parallel with the opening verse, he adds that this rebuke is a form of discipline manifesting itself in physical illness. Whether that is true or not is irrelevant. David thought it was true. He thought he was being rebuked, and it was manifesting itself in sickness. The lesson here is not to assume that every illness we endure is because we have sinned in some specific way. It may be that, but it is often difficult to know. However, if you are holding on to some sin, refusing to repent, it may very well be the discipline of the Lord (cf. see James 5:14, 15). Second, this illness does not affect David only physically. He is languishing in his soul. Unrepentant sin may cause one to suffer physically, but it involves one spiritually. That said, illness, especially of the chronic kind, can affect one spiritually, whether it is the result of sin or not. Third, in this challenging circumstance, David pleads with God for relief. He asks, “How long” must I suffer? The answer to his pleas will appear at the Psalm's end.
6:4-7
In this section, David turns from whatever brought about the illness and the struggle of his soul. It seems that David thinks the Lord is against him, so he begs him to turn toward him. He then argues: If I die, I cannot praise you. If I am to go to the grave, I cannot worship you. David is making his case before a Just Judge. The immensity of the struggle is given in 6:6-7. David is in anguish. How often do we find ourselves feeling this way during times of illness and chronic pain? How often do we feel like we are wasting away? If it is due to some unrepentant sin, turn away from it and beg the Lord for relief. If not, beg for relief from the Lord. He may or may not grant that request, but he will sustain you through it.
6:8-10
In this stanza, David’s enemies appear to mock him because of the calamity that has fallen on him. He counters, however, that he has an ear with the Almighty, who has heard his cries for relief. We do not have a clear resolution to the illness, but we do have a clear statement that God has heard him, and he has accepted his prayer (probably a prayer of confession of sin). David is made whole spiritually, at the very least, having confessed his sin and returned to the fellowship of the Lord.
Applications:
Sometimes, illness is a direct result of sin. If sick, you should pause and ask if there is some wicked way in you that you are unwilling to address. If found, repent of it and plead for God’s forgiveness. He will grant it.
Physical suffering often leads to spiritual struggles. When the body hurts, it tends to affect many other things. The solution, however, is to turn to the Lord and plead his mercy. Trust him, though it may be hard to do.