Readings:
Genesis 5 and 6
Matthew 3
Chapter 5 is a genealogy, with some similarities to the genealogy in chapter 4. Either people lived a really long time back then (Methuselah 969 years!), or something else is going on.
Other cultures in the area also had traditions of people with fantastically long lives. This is most likely a literary device, to make sure you recognize that your ancestors were better than the average ancestor.
Chapter 6--
This is a section that I would guess NEVER gets preached. "The Sons of God" thought the daughters of earth were beautiful and married them? This section preserves the ancient tradition of the creation of the "nephilim", who (according to Numbers 13:33, Deut 2:10-11)were giants.
This story could mean that they believed there were hybrid beings on the earth that were part fallen angel/part human. Or it could be a warning about what happens when heaven and earth get too involved with each other?
"My spirit shall not abide in mortals forever, for they are flesh; their days shall be one hundred twenty years", says the Lord.
This fragment leads into the flood narrative. Probably not a coincidence.
Speaking of the flood....
Why do you think we decorate our nurseries with Noah's Ark pictures? Why is it on the cover of children's Bibles? Is it really a story for children? Discuss.
Matthew 3
Don't be so distracted by the giants in Genesis that you miss this chapter in Matthew. John the baptizer, Jesus' baptism, broods of vipers. Good stuff!
John Calvin reads his Bible too.
About Me
- Marci Glass
- I'm a mom, a wife,a lapsed cellist, and the pastor of Southminster Presbyterian Church in Boise, Idaho. Please join us for worship at 9:30 on Sunday mornings!
And don't forget is it 2 or seven animals... 2 looks better on a bible cover. A male goat and his harem may not be the best for a kids read-a-long.
ReplyDeleteSo I see Ells is reading along with you. This may sound dumb, but are kids ever too young for the Bible? I mean, is it a good idea for a 6yr old to hear all the OT stories? There are some I might have a hard time explaining...
ReplyDeletep.s. I'll give you 5 bucks if you take off the word verification
Kids are never too young for the bible, but some stories are certainly easier to explain and are probably more helpful.
ReplyDeleteWhen they ask you questions about the stories, they may not be looking for as deep an answer as you know to give, so just give them what they need.