Daily devotional - Gen. 2; Matt. 2; Ezra 2; Acts 2

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Genesis 2

  • God rested on the sabbath and made it holy (v2-3)
  • It is evident that since the start of the first human (Adam), we were meant to work and take care of God's creation - not to be lazy (v15)
  • It is important to note that before the fall, there was no shame (v25)
  • Heaven will be like this garden of Eden before sin. There will be no more shame, just like how even now on this earth we can live with no shame because of Christ on the cross.


 Matthew 2

  • God continues to be faithful to his own word and promises (v5, 15)
  • This chapter is full of recounts of Joseph's faithfulness to God (v21) but also of God being faithful to his people
  • God will lead his people to exactly where they need to be and when they need to be there. His timing is perfect

Ezra 2

  • The list shows that the exiled Judeans responded to Cyrus's decree and took it as a fulfillment of prophecy. The return is not just end of the exile but also a reoccupation of their ancient homeland
  • They gave according to their own ability (v69), implying it was with a heart that wanted to give, not one that was reluctant.

Acts 2

  • The Holy Spirit enables us in all that we do (v4)
  • God, through Christ, pours out his Spirit on his people (v17) and as a result, all who call on his name will be saved (v21)
  • God's deliberate plan was to send his son Jesus and to put him to death to save all from sin (v23)
  • Jesus on the cross defeated death when he rose from the grave (v24)
  • Psalm 16:8-11
  • Jesus is the Lord and Messiah (v36)
  • v38 shows us that the one way to heaven is through Jesus on the cross - to repent and be baptised in Christ who forgives sins

Application
  1. Don't be lazy, as even Adam was created to work
  2. Trust God. He is faithful to his people and his plan is perfect
  3. Be comforted knowing that God pours out his spirit on his people - and that through Christ, he has defeated death and we need to have no fear or shame.


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