M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan - Day 2

Genesis 2:3 "So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy . . ."  I've sort of become obsessed with word studies of late.  What would it mean for God to make a day 'holy'?  One definition Merriam-Webster gives is, 'devoted entirely to the deity,' Strong's Concordance says, 'set apart' and HELPS Word-studies says, 'different.' The Word says that God did this "because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation."

The earth's rotation/orbit was also part of the work of creation, so now we have time - 365.242 days in a year, and every 7th day, we are to set apart a day, treating it differently, why?  Maybe because we are to 'rest in the Lord,' contemplating all the work He did in creation?  If we did this more often, would we be more 'in awe' of Him?  I believe I would.

Genesis 1:10 "A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers." When I read this, I am reminded that we are to 'abide in him (Jesus)' and then in John 7:38, Jesus told us that Scripture says, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'  But why did it divide and become four rivers?  Four corners of the earth? Four gospels, same story, different approach? Could it be to remind us that we, after receiving the 'Water of Life' are to branch out and share that Living Water with the world?  

Matthew 2.  Why did Herod have all the male children in and around Bethlehem under the age of two killed?  If the wise men saw his star when it rose, and have how come to worship him, why would it have taken two years?  Why hadn't everyone is Jerusalem seen it too?  If there was something in the 'stars' that the wise men saw, did they see it as Gabriel was making the announcement to Mary?  Did they wait for nine months only to see another confirmation in the eastern sky at His birth?  Then, did it take a few months to get everything together to form a caravan and undertake the journey?

In Ezra 2, the part that jumps out at me is found in verses 59-62. "The following were those who came up ..., though they could not prove their fathers' houses or their descent, whether they belonged to Israel ... These sought their registration ..., but they were not found there, and so they were excluded ..."  What an example of those whose names are not written in the Book of Life.

And in Acts 2:42-47, I find such an admonition for me. "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles ... , they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."

Lord, help me keep a day 'holy' to you so that I might devote myself to your Word, receiving your teachings with gladness and praise.  Develop in me a generous heart, sharing the Living Water you have given me, so that those I come in contact with will not be excluded from your kingdom. Keep me in awe of You.