The History of Humankind: Everything you need to know

Journal 1 

The chapter narrows down from the history of humankind to that of a specific family. The chapter lays a foundation for the Abrahamic covenant and the promises that God fulfills later on in the life of Abraham. The chapter mainly shows Abraham’s faith in God. He left the life he had set up for himself to follow that which God had laid before him. Despite his age, prosperity, and aristocracy, Abram still heeded the word of God and relocated with his family to a new land leaving his people and religion behind. God puts Abram apart from what he considers sinful and places him on the path to redemption. The chapter mainly focuses on the level of Abram’s faith in the Lord, which is awarded greatly in the later chapters. The chapter reveals that God expects humankind to live as His witnesses and worshipers through obedient faith. 

I found the fact that Abram listened to the Lord without asking questions very bold. He was ready to leave his life behind to do what the Lord had asked him without thinking of how long it had taken him to build himself. Abram showed great faith by believing in God blindly without asking questions, something hard to find, considering the inquisitive nature of humankind. The passage raises questions such as how much God can do for humankind if only we were ready to leave the lives we have imagined for ourselves and embracing the plans the Lord has for us. The story of Abram highlights how, since the beginning, God had plans for me, and he has fulfilled the promises he made. His plans for redeeming humankind have also been a priority, and as such, he materialized them through Jesus Christ. He expects us to trust in him completely without asking questions. 

Journal 2 

The chapter provides the encounter of Moses and God through a burning bush. The story shows how God was concerned about the Israelites and His promise to redeem them from the hands of Pharaoh. God reveals himself to Moses as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showing that Moses was part of the fulfillment He has made to Abraham concerning his people. Moses is part of the greater story of redemption that is fulfilled by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The book presents the theme of redemption and continues to establish God’s covenant with his people. He releases the Israelites from the hands of its oppressors through Moses. The fact that God could use anyone he wanted but chose to use Moses, who was a shepherd and stammerer, as his spokesman, is surprising. The chapter illustrates how God does not forsake His people even in the time of their need, and He keeps His promises. 

I find the fact that God chooses to use Moses to fulfill his promises for Israelites interesting. Moses is just a shepherd who was tending to his father-in-law’s sheep, and the fact that God chose to use him for the greater good is amazing. The name God uses to refer to Himself is also interesting as he says He is Who He Is. Some of the questions that arise are whether or not God knows us by name and whether He talks to us despite the fact that we sometimes forget to follow His word. The chapter helps us understand that God is faithful, and despite the problems we go through in life, He will always be there to redeem us. He fulfilled his promises to the Israelites by using Moses to save them from Egypt. He is faithful and powerful, and we should put all our trust in him. 

Journal 3 

The chapter focuses on the relationship between man and God. God promised to redeem the Israelites, and he did through Moses, who led them from Egypt to the Promised Land. However, he expects them to learn His word and laws and ensure they remember to pass it on to their children. God wants to ensure that the Israelites are ready when they enter Canaan and that they will not be influenced by the Canaanites to worship other gods. God understands that a lack of knowledge about the word of God would cause them to perish, and He wanted to protect them. The most prominent theme in Deuteronomy 6 is the guidance of the people of Israel by God. He mentions how he wants the Israelites to learn His laws and diligently pass them on to future generations. He guides them because of the great affection he has for them. God expects the Israelites to be distinguished from the rest of the Canaanites through their obedience and love for God. The chapter reveals the love and affection God has for his people. 

The way the laws have been spelled out is interesting since it is clear and concise about what God expects from his people. The commandments touch on every aspect of the Israelites’ lives and their relationship with God, which shows how much God values His people. The question that arises is whether or not the Israelites followed the laws that God gave to them through Moses since later in the Bible, some of them take up the practices of the Canaanites. The chapter has provided insight on what God expects from me as His child and the importance of teaching His ways to the next generation. It has also shown how much God loves me and would want to protect me from sin. 

Journal 4 

Judges 2 shows the failure of the Israelites to follow the commandments that God had given them. After the death of Joshua, they went back to the ways of their ancestors and worshiped other gods. An Angel was sent to rebuke the ways of the people and communicate the way the Lord felt about the Israelites’ failure. Despite the fact that the people had forsaken God, he still gave them judges who delivered them from sin. The chapter shows how merciful God is and how His undying love for his people pushes Him to forgive their sins and provide redemption. The generation that comes after that Joshua does not know His teachings, and they end up worshipping the gods of the Canaanite. God is angry, but instead of punishing His people, he raises judges who help redeem them. God had the power to drive out the nations that Joshua had failed to drive out to test whether or not the Israelites would follow His command and worship Him alone. The passage reveals that God is merciful and forgiving. Even though the Israelites forsake Him and worship other gods, He still finds ways to redeem them. 

The Israelites had been warned about interacting with other nations and the implications that would have on their faith, but they did not heed the warning. Instead, they forgot about the word of God and its teaching and joined the ways of the Canaanites who were sinners. The question the scenario raises is how God still has mercy for sinners despite the number of times they fall. He remains steadfast, and His mercy is always there to save our souls. God is merciful and patient with His people. He never gives up on them even when they sin. 

Journal 5 

2 Samuel 7 highlights how David feels guilty about living in a luxurious house while the temple of God is a tent. He wants to build a beautiful temple to put the Ark of the Covenant, and he discusses his plans with Nathan. God approaches Nathan and tells him in a dream how He does not want David to build a temple. He also tells Him about the plans He (God) has for the house of David. The promises God gives to David come to pass through his son Solomon and later Jesus Christ. The themes in the chapter are God’s covenant with David and prayers and thanksgiving. God explains the plans He has for the house of David through future generations. David acknowledges the far God has brought him, and gives thanks to Him; he also asks that God protects his house forever. It is surprising the plans God has for the future of the house of David and how He already knows what the future holds. The chapters show how righteous God is and the power he possesses over the future of humankind. 

God has planned out the future, and he knows who will build Him a temple. He does not want David to do it since one of his sons has been chosen to do it. The fact that God knows the plans he has for his people is amazing. However, the question that is raised is whether or not the life we lead is predetermined, or we have free will to choose the path we will follow. If God has already set out a path for us to follow, then do we have the will to live by His word, or do we end up following the path set out by Him? The chapter teaches us how God keeps the promises he makes to humankind. 

Journal 6 

Nehemiah 1 documents Nehemiah’s prayer for his people since they have gone against the commandments of the Lord. He recounts how God had already warned His people when He gave the commandments to Moses, but they did not listen. Nehemiah seeks to get God’s people from exile and guide them back to God’s commandments. He asks God to guide him and give him success in his endeavor. God uses Nehemiah to redeem the people of Israel from sin. The chapter touches on the theme of repentance. Nehemiah acknowledges that neither he nor the Israelites have been faithful and obedient to God. He pleads for forgiveness and asks God to guide him in redeeming the Israelites from their sinful ways. The way Nehemiah is selfless and is surprising. He stood out among all the other people and chose this path. The passage reveals that God always has a plan to save us no matter how deep in sin we are. 

Selfness and intercession are important for believers. The way Nehemiah steps up for his people reminds me of how we often pray for others. The question of whether the grace by which we live is due to our own prayers arises. For instance, our parents may often intercede in prayer for us. On the other hand, we continue to lead a life of sin. God shows us favor because of the prayers of our parents for us. However, to realize complete forgiveness, we must be willing to leave our sinful ways, and follow Christ, as in the example given by our parents. 

Journal 7 

Isaiah 40:1-11 acts as a comfort to the people of Jerusalem. The passage assures the people of Jerusalem that their sins have been paid for, and now they are offered comfort for their suffering. The people were warned in the earlier chapters about the consequences of their actions, and now it has come to pass, and they are being offered comfort. The main theme in the chapter is new beginnings. The Israelites are offered a new life that is free of sin and suffering. The other prominent theme is the power of God’s word. God had previously warned His people about the consequences of their actions through His words, and it has now come to pass. The passage talks to people whose relationship with God has been dented and who are traumatized by the experiences they have gone through. Therefore God’s presence in their lives was comfort enough. The passage teaches that God is present in our lives despite the magnitude of the sins we commit. 

I wonder if it was my friends given the opportunity to start afresh, how would they respond? Would hey use the new chance to lead a better life? Or would they forget the sufferings they have gone through and continue to live in sin? When God gives us a chance to start again, it is important to first be appreciative of the opportunity. Moreover, one should look back and assess their lives. Often, the previous life is one that would have led to unfortunate results. Through careful assessments, individuals should make a conscious choice and effort to lead a better life thereafter.