Genesis 7 Psalm 3 Proverbs 2:20-22 Matthew 3:1 Mark 1:1-8 Luke 3:1-18 Audio Bible Reading

Genesis 7:
This chapter describes Noah and his family entering the ark along with a pair of every living creature, as instructed by God, to preserve life during the impending flood. Seven pairs of every clean animal and one pair of every unclean animal are brought into the ark. Noah, his wife, his sons, and his sons' wives enter the ark. God then sends rain for forty days and nights, covering the earth with water and causing all living beings not in the ark to perish. The waters prevail upon the earth for 150 days, effectively wiping out all existence from the face of the earth except for those safe within the ark.

Psalm 3:
Psalm 3 is attributed to David during his flight from his son Absalom. David expresses his trust in God despite being surrounded by numerous foes who question whether God will save him. He describes the Lord as his shield, his glory, and the one who lifts his head high. David calls out to the Lord, who answers from His holy mountain. He sleeps and wakes sustained by the Lord, unafraid of the tens of thousands who oppose him. David concludes by asking for salvation and blessing upon God’s people, reaffirming his confidence in God’s protection.

Proverbs 2:20-22:
These verses emphasize the importance of walking in the way of the good and keeping to the paths of the righteous. It promises that the upright will inhabit the land and those with integrity will remain in it, while the wicked will be cut off and the unfaithful will be torn away. The passage highlights the consequences of one's moral choices, contrasting the stability and longevity of the righteous with the eventual removal of the wicked from the land.

Matthew 3:1:
This verse introduces John the Baptist as he begins his ministry in the wilderness of Judea. His message is a call to repentance because the kingdom of heaven is near, setting the stage for the arrival of Jesus’ public ministry.

Mark 1:1-8:
Mark’s Gospel begins by announcing the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It cites prophecy from Isaiah about a messenger preparing the way, which is fulfilled in John the Baptist. John appears in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from Judea and Jerusalem go out to him, confessing their sins and being baptized in the Jordan River. John’s attire and diet are described, emphasizing his prophetic role, and he speaks of one more powerful than he who will come after him, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

Luke 3:1-18:
Luke places John the Baptist’s ministry in a historical context, listing the reigning political and religious leaders. John preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah about making paths straight. Crowds come to him, and he exhorts them to produce fruit in keeping with repentance, advising specific ethical behaviors for different groups, such as tax collectors and soldiers. He warns of the coming judgment and speaks of one mightier than himself who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. This section culminates with John encouraging the people and preaching the good news to them.