Genesis 3-4:16
- The serpent/shining-one was of higher intelligence than any creature God had made. Note: is it always "serpent" or is it sometimes "shining" or "luminous"? Lots of Biblical scholarship to point towards the idea that it wasn't quite the reptilian beasty we often think of. But, I digress...
- He contradicts God's clear command and judgment, confounding Eve in the process.
- Since all the other "edible" trees in the garden looked good, Eve just now sees - "Oh, yeah - this tree and its fruit look good too!"
- Adam was apparently right there, or nearby when Eve gave him the fruit; Adam didn't even question "What's for dinner, honey?"
- They suddenly had an awareness of themselves, and were ashamed (unlike in the previous chapter).
- God calls, they're afraid, God confronts.
- The blame game - down the chain it goes; the curses come back up the chain. We see the proto-evangel as soon as the curse is pronounced!
- Animals died to clothe them - God provided!
- Tree of Life blocked - apparently had been reserved to keep them alive forever.
- Cain and Abel are born of their parents.
- Cain is a farmer, Abel is a shepherd. Each presents his offering to the Lord.
- The Lord looks favorably upon Abel's offering, but not on Cain's; Cain is upset and despondent.
- The Lord tells Cain to do what is right, that sin was waiting to defeat him.
- Cain acts on his jealousy and kills his brother; God confronts him.
- God cuts off his relationship with Cain and condemns him to be a wanderer (nomad?) the rest of his life. Cain is afraid that he will be killed by others (?). Where are the others? Cain's wife?
- David's progeny - he seemed to have no problems with a bunch o' wives. Yikes.
- The kings of Judah: [David], Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Ahaziah, Joash, Amaziah, Azariah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, Josiah, Jehoiakim, Jeconiah.
- David's line after the split.
- John the forerunner directed his disciples to Jesus as the Lamb of God; Jesus questions their motivations.
- Andrew bring his brother Cephas to Jesus; Jesus prophesies his (Cephas/Peter) place in the kingdom.
- Jesus calls Philip; Philip finds Nathaniel, who is skeptical; Jesus embraces Nathaniel's honesty and prophesies to him; Nathaniel believes and Jesus says, wait until you see what's ahead!
- Quick to hear, slow to speak and get angry. Our anger isn't useful for God's work.
- Let the word do its work in you.
- Listening to the word and not obeying shows self-deceit; keep looking at the law of freedom.
- Our tongues betray our wickedness; remember those who are without provision and protection.
- Enemies attack and mock trust in God.
- He trusts in God for protection and encouragement, and God answers.
- He can rest fearlessly because God protects him.
- He enjoins God to show his power and wrath, and acknowledges God as the source of salvation.
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