For a full description of the (Y4) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Gen. 6
There is a lot I don’t understand here, and I have so many questions! However, one thing rings out loud and clear. “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Gen.6:5). This is the human condition, and it isn’t good. Clearly, destroying all the evil people was not the solution mankind needed. I know this because many years later God again noted the human condition through Jeremiah. “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jer. 17:9). Nothing had changed.
God of course knew that wiping everything out with a flood was not the solution mankind needed. I don’t believe He ever intended it as a solution. I believe His intent with the flood was the same as with the rest of the Bible story. It highlights our problem (corruption) and begins to paint a picture of God’s true solution for that problem. It involves a trusting, obedient remnant (faith). And it involves God’s covenant with this remnant (grace). By His mercy, God protected this remnant as they passed through the waters from death into a new life.
Matt. 6
Previously in this same sermon Jesus stated, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16). Yet here He states “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:1). So do we let men see our works or not? How do we shine our light if we do everything in secret?
Normally I would brush over such a question, thinking that He is obviously not talking about the same kind of thing in each statement. But I wanted to stop and chew on it this morning. Why, exactly, isn’t it the same thing? The thing that jumps out at me the most is where the spotlight shines in each situation. In the second scenario, I am the one people notice, while in the first God receives the glory. Thus, the two statements actually fit quite well together. Combined, Jesus’ statement could be, “Shine your light in a way that causes people to glorify God rather than you.” In other words, don’t block the light source.
That brings me to another difference I see in these two statements. The statement, “Let your light shine” is passive. This gives the connotation that it is something in you, not from you. “Practice your righteousness”, however, is active, indicating that the righteousness belongs to you. It’s the difference between being the show and being the showcase. Nobody notices the showcase; it simply highlights what’s inside. Thus, I think when we do the things Jesus mentions, like giving, praying, and fasting, for the right reasons and with the right attitudes, the right people will notice the right thing.
Ezra 6
I see two interesting, prophetic things in this chapter. I see those who did not honor God honoring God in spite. As God swore through the prophet, Isaiah, “to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance.” ((s. 45:23). I also see that God is not exclusive to the Jews. Ezra 6:21 says, “The sons of Israel who returned from exile and all those who had separated themselves from the impurity of the nations of the land to join them, to seek the LORD God of Israel, at the Passover.” So while the returned exiles turned away those who claimed to serve God but still followed other no-gods, they accepted those who separated themselves to seek God alone. God is truly the God of every nation, giving grace to all who fully trust in His Promise and subduing all who oppose Him.