Today's reading:
Genesis 9 and 10
Matthew 5



Such generosity of heart in Matthew (copied and pasted from http://www.blueletterbible.org/):


Matthew 5:39-48
But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor [fn] and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies [fn] and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.



If this is done/asked for, do more...all of these couplets seem to contrast "worldly views" with Jesus' views...ending with "Be perfect...". This makes me think of the section in Mere Christianity that we just finished where Lewis talks about dressing up that results in us becoming like what we dress up as...if I do the things that Jesus is talking about - try to "dress" like him...I'll be moving closer to perfect.



And the verse from Genesis:

Genesis 9:1 Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.



Noah and his sons heard God. The disciples heard Jesus. What do they sound like?



Tomorrow's reading:
Genesis 11 and 12
Matthew 6