January 4, 2009

Genesis 9:1-11:9
The pre-history of the Bible continues. Here, God makes a covenant with Noah and every creature on earth, not to flood the world again. God sets down his weapon, his bow (a rainbow), as a sign of God’s covenant agreement with creation. People begin to multiply again on the earth.

Matthew 4
Jesus is led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil for 40 days and nights. Jesus withstands the temptations of food, of fame, and of power. After this, and after John the Baptist is arrested, Jesus begins his ministry, proclaiming “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Jesus also begins to call his disciples to fish for people. Jesus’ ministry in Galilee consisted of teaching, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing the sick.