Today’s reading: Genesis 1-3
As I think about God’s grace and power to mankind in creation, I am convicted by my lack of thankfulness and praise to Him. As I suggested in Cover to Cover, we can gain insight into the source of many problems of society by looking at how we have deviated from God’s original design for us and for creation.
But on the other hand, I would not want to dwell exclusively on all the things wrong with the world. We can miss the praise that is due God who has been so good to us. We must not become a bunch of sourpusses.
What is the cure for such a pessimistic outlook?
Is it not to praise Him more? To thank Him for big and little things that He has given us so that we may exist, flourish, and expect God’s final triumph over the serpent? Even in these opening chapters of the Bible, where the stage is set for human history, we have the certain glimmer of a final, definitive victory over the serpent.
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15
The fact that God said he would put enmity between the woman and the serpent and between her seed and his seed is a tip-off to how human history will unfold. If we see the battle raging, it should not surprise us. It should not even discourage us. For the offspring of the woman, we will learn, is Jesus Christ[1]. He has bruised the serpent’s head.
Let us begin this year with praise and thanksgiving. May it flow from our hearts, minds, and lips throughout the year ahead.
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