| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| January 10, 2025 | ESV (2016) | OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027 |
Genesis 10
Continuing from the previous chapter, the focus on this chapter remains on the progeny of Noah and his sons; Shem, Ham and Jepheth. Interestingly, the order that the descendants of each son are described is not birth order. The youngest of the sons, Japheth, is described first, followed by the middle son, Ham, and then the eldest, Shem. The TGCBC shares that, “This reflects a common pattern in Genesis, where the family details of those in the patriline are placed after those of other siblings.”
Another noteworthy feature within the chapter are the lengths of each account of the sons’ descendants. The section regarding Japheth is the shortest and Ham the longest. Within the section of Ham contains some helpful insights for future Biblical narrative. Through Ham was born Nimrod who “was the first on earth to be a mighty man.” (Gen. 10:8). Nimrod is linked to the building of Babel and Babylon, the former being the people that sought to make a name for themselves and the latter a nation that was the source of Judah’s demise in the early 6th century BC. Also through Ham came Asshur which led to Ninevah, the city “linked to God’s punishment of the northern kingdom of Israel in the late 8th century BC.” (TGCBC)
Key Takeaway
This chapter is crucial in setting the foundation of understanding with regard to the origin of nations whose relevance will be revealed in future chapters as the Biblical narrative unfolds.
Matthew 10
As the ESVEC illuminates, whereas “Matthew 28:18-20 is the Great Commission, [Matthew] 10:1-15 is the first commission.” Jesus called to Himself the twelve disciples (”called”, not “accepted their voluntarily service”) and sets them on a path to be His representatives. The twelve are to go first to the lost sheep of the house of Israel rather than the Gentiles or Samaritans, demonstrating God’s blessing on Israel as “a light for the nations” (Is. 42:6). They were the people God had chosen and thus were to be informed first that the promised Messiah had come.
However, Jesus makes clear to them that this assignment would not be without hardship. Persecution was to be expected and, as His ambassadors today, we are to expect the same. There will be confrontation and reviling but we are not to fear or be anxious in finding words for our defense for what we need to say will be given to us by the Spirit in that hour.
Jesus continues in His discourse that His followers are to have no fear in the face of opposition. We are to proclaim from the rooftops the good news of salvation in Christ and reconciliation of relationship with our Creator. This fearlessness is rooted in the fact that there is nothing covered that will not be revealed and nothing hidden that will not be known. This should empower us to bring the gospel to the nations with courage, acknowledging Christ before men that we may be acknowledged by His Father in heaven.
Jesus also speaks of the divisiveness of His calling. It will cause division among even families, separating fathers from sons, mothers from daughters and the like. Primacy of allegiance must be properly placed on Christ as loving anyone more than Him is to be unworthy of Him. The reward of our faithfulness is to receive Christ and, by Him, to receive the Father.
Key Takeaway
It is a very difficult road to be a disciple of Christ, wrought with many earthy pains and trials, but the awaiting reward make minuscule this light and momentary affliction.