Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: January 3 (Genesis 5–6; Psalm 3; Matthew 5)

Main Theme

This episode continues the journey through the Bible in a year by reading aloud passages from Genesis 5–6, Psalm 3, and Matthew 5. The purpose is to offer daily scripture readings, allowing listeners to experience the entirety of the Bible over 365 days. Today’s readings cover humanity’s ancient genealogy, the account of Noah before the flood, King David’s prayer under distress, and the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Genesis 5–6: The Genealogy from Adam to Noah & God’s Grief over Creation

• Lineage and Lifespans:
  • Begins with the generations from Adam to Noah, detailing lifespans (e.g., Adam lived 930 years, Seth 912 years, Methuselah 969 years).
  • The unique story of Enoch who “walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.” (07:09)
• Prelude to the Flood:
  • Describes human multiplication and the troubling union of the "sons of God" and "daughters of men".
  • The increasing wickedness of humanity is highlighted:

    “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the Earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (12:19)

  • God’s grief and resolve to judge the Earth, but Noah “found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” (13:05)
• The Ark Command:
  • God gives specific instructions for building the ark to preserve Noah, his family, and animal life.

    “But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.” (15:30)

  • Noah’s obedience is underscored:

    "Noah did this. He did all that God commanded him." (17:09)

2. Psalm 3: A Cry for Deliverance in Distress

• Historical Context:
  • Written by David as he fled from his son Absalom.
• Lament and Trust:
  • David recognizes many foes and adversaries questioning his salvation.

    “O Lord, how many are my foes? Many are rising against me.” (17:28)

  • Expresses unwavering faith in God's protection:

    “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill.” (18:03)

  • Declares confidence in God’s deliverance and sustenance even in overwhelming odds:

    “I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” (18:32)

  • Final affirmation:

    “Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people!” (19:23)

3. Matthew 5: The Sermon on the Mount

• The Beatitudes (Blessings):
  • Jesus opens his teaching with a series of blessings for the poor in spirit, mourners, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness, the merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and the persecuted.

    “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (20:16) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (21:02) "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (23:21)

• Salt and Light:
  • Followers of Jesus are called to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.”

    “You are the salt of the earth… you are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (23:58-24:23)

• Fulfillment of the Law:
  • Jesus clarifies his purpose regarding the Law and the Prophets:

    “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (25:02) "For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished." (25:19)

• True Righteousness:
  • Jesus raises the standard beyond external acts—anger equals murder, lust equals adultery.

    “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment...” (26:40) “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (28:24)

• Radical Obedience & Reconciliation:
  • Calls for immediate reconciliation and radical measures to avoid sin.

    “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away...” (28:48)

• Teaching on Divorce, Oaths, Retaliation, and Love:
  • Strict teachings on divorce and integrity of speech:

    “Let what you say be simply ‘yes’ or ‘no’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (30:56)

  • Nonretaliation and generosity:

    "But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil...if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also..." (31:29)

  • Love for enemies:

    “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven...” (32:05) "You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." (33:23)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Human Depravity and God’s Sorrow:

  “The Lord regretted that he had made man on the Earth, and it grieved him to his heart.”
  (Genesis 6, 12:45)

• A Model for Prayer in Distress:

  “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”
  (Psalm 3, 18:03)

• The Reversal of Values (Beatitudes):

  “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
  (Matthew 5, 20:48)

• High Standard of Discipleship:

  “You therefore must be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”
  (Matthew 5, 33:23)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------|------------| | Genesis 5–6 (Genealogy, Noah, Ark) | 00:01–17:09| | Psalm 3 (David’s Prayer) | 17:10–19:36| | Matthew 5 (Sermon on the Mount) | 19:37–33:40|

Final Notes

The January 3 episode immerses listeners in key foundational scriptures: the legacy of Adam through Noah and the seriousness of human sin, the plaintive but trusting voice of David, and Jesus’ revolutionary teaching on what it means to live as citizens of God’s kingdom. The readings confront human frailty, affirm God’s faithfulness, and elevate the standards for righteous living. The passages, though ancient, continue to challenge, comfort, and inspire in their call to faith, obedience, and radical love.