Genesis 8 Psalm 4 Proverbs 3:13-18 Matthew 3:1 Mark 1:9 Luke 3:21-38 Audio Bible Reading

Genesis 8:
Genesis 8 narrates the receding of the floodwaters after 150 days, and the ark comes to rest on the mountains of Ararat. Noah waits for several months as the water continues to recede. To check if the ground is dry, Noah sends out a raven and then a dove, which eventually returns with a freshly plucked olive leaf, indicating the presence of dry land. Noah, his family, and all the animals leave the ark when God commands them, after being in the ark for over a year. Noah builds an altar and offers sacrifices to God. Pleased with the sacrifices, God vows never to curse the ground again or destroy all living creatures, despite humanity's inherent inclination toward evil from youth. God establishes the seasonal cycles as a perpetual sign of this promise.

Psalm 4:
Psalm 4 is an evening prayer of David, expressing confidence in God’s protection despite distress. David begins by calling on God, recalling past mercies, and seeking further relief. He addresses his adversaries, admonishing them about their dishonor and misplaced love for delusions. David contrasts the joy he finds in God’s favor with the fleeting pleasures his enemies seek through material gain. He ends by celebrating the peace and safety he enjoys under God's care, affirming that he can sleep securely because of his trust in God.

Proverbs 3:13-18:
These verses in Proverbs extol the virtues and benefits of wisdom. They declare that finding wisdom and gaining understanding are greater than acquiring silver, gold, or rubies. Wisdom is described as more precious than jewels, with nothing desirable comparing to her. Long life, riches, and honor are in her right hand; in her left are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peace. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her, and those who hold her fast are called blessed.

Matthew 3:1:
This verse introduces John the Baptist beginning his ministry in the wilderness of Judea. His central message is a call to repentance because the kingdom of heaven is near. This sets the stage for Jesus’ public ministry and establishes John as a pivotal figure in preparing the way for Christ.

Mark 1:9:
This verse briefly narrates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Jesus comes from Nazareth in Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. This significant event marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and is characterized by a moment of divine affirmation that follows, as described in the subsequent verses.

Luke 3:21-38:
This passage covers two major events: the baptism of Jesus and the genealogy of Jesus. After all the people are baptized, Jesus is also baptized, and as he prays, heaven opens, the Holy Spirit descends on him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice comes from heaven, saying, "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." Following this divine endorsement, Luke presents Jesus' genealogy, tracing his lineage back to Adam, emphasizing Jesus' connection to all humanity and his role as the Son of God.