Week 1 Tuesday
Today we trace the tragedy of the fall in Genesis 2-3, take refuge in God's sovereign purposes in Psalm 2, and join Mary in wholehearted praise as she visits Elizabeth in Luke 1.
Genesis 2:4-3:24
📖 What are we reading?: God places Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, gives them a calling and a command - and then they fall into sin.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He is a God who gives generously, sets wise boundaries, and does not leave us without hope even when we fail. Notice that 3:15 is the very first hint of a coming Saviour!
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? Adam and Eve's fall sets the pattern for our own struggle with sin. We must recognise God's calling on us - to care for His creation - and lean on the "new Adam," Jesus, who reversed the effects of the fall by His death and resurrection.
Looking for some extra info?
➡️ The bigger picture: Genesis, written by Moses around 1400 BC, is the book of beginnings - and these early chapters explain why the world is the way it is, and why we so desperately need a Saviour.
📝 A week of devotions by Luke about Satan’s Schemes, from Genesis 3.
Psalm 2
📖 What are we reading?: A powerful royal Psalm in which God responds to the nations' rebellion by installing His chosen King - a King who points unmistakably to Jesus.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He is sovereign over the nations. No amount of human rebellion can derail His purposes.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? Pay close attention to the last three verses - we are called to take refuge in the Son, to serve the Lord with fear and trembling, and to find our blessing in Him alone.
Looking for some extra info?
➡️ The bigger picture: The Psalms is a collection of poetry and song by ancient people of God, expressing a wide range of emotional responses to life and to their Lord. Psalm 2 is one of several "Messianic Psalms" which point directly to Jesus.
Luke 1:39-56
📖 What are we reading?: Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, whose baby leaps in the womb at the sound of Mary's greeting. Mary then breaks into the magnificent song of praise we know as the Magnificat.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He lifts up the humble and fills the hungry. He is faithful to His promises across the generations.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? Use Mary's song as a springboard into your own worship today. See how these people of God sing His praise even before the promises have been fully realised - that is faith!
Looking for some extra info?
➡️ The bigger picture: Luke's Gospel, written by the physician Luke around AD 60-62, gives us the most detailed account of Jesus' life, with a particular heart for the poor, the outcast, and the unlikely.
🎤 A sermon from Luke about Mary’s calling.
🎵 A beautiful song based on the “Magnificat” of Mary.
A Prayer for the Day 🛐
Lord, we confess that we, like Adam and Eve, so easily fall into sin. Thank You that You are faithful to Your promises, and that You have sent the new Adam, Jesus, to rescue us. May we, like Mary, praise You with humble and trusting hearts today. Amen.
If you’re enjoying this programme, please consider supporting Luke with a prayer, or a donation, here.
