Day 2 · January 2

A devotional for today

Today’s readings

• Old Testament: GENESIS 3:1-4:26
• New Testament: MATTHEW 2:13-3:6
• Psalm: PSALM 2:1-2:12
• Proverb: PROVERBS 1:7-1:9

Old Testament

The serpent tempts Eve, Adam joins in rebellion, and sin fractures humanity’s fellowship with God, one another, and creation. Cain then murders Abel, and violence spreads, yet God still marks out a line of worshipers who call on his name.

New Testament

Joseph protects Jesus by fleeing to Egypt, and God brings his Son back in fulfillment of Scripture. John the Baptist then appears in the wilderness, preparing hearts for the coming kingdom through repentance.

Psalm

Psalm 2 declares that earthly rebellion cannot overturn God’s rule. He has installed his King, and wisdom is found in taking refuge in him.

Proverb

Proverbs teaches that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge. Reverence, not self-confidence, is the beginning of wisdom.

Discover

Where Adam failed in a garden and Cain deepened humanity’s ruin, Jesus comes as the true Son who will defeat the serpent and gather the nations under God’s reign.

Reflect

Sin promises freedom but yields shame, blame, exile,

and death. Yet even in judgment God preserves hope, and that hope reaches its fulfillment in Christ.

Fellowship

What parts of the fall narrative still describe human hearts today?

What do you learn from John the Baptist’s call to repentance?

How does Psalm 2 deepen your confidence in Christ’s kingship?

What does it look like to fear the Lord in ordinary decisions?

Prayer

Lord, expose every place where I hide, excuse, or resist you. Lead me into honest repentance and joyful refuge in your Son.

Live

Confess one specific sin to God today without blaming anyone else, and ask for grace to walk in a new direction.