We have the Tower of Babel, an example where people used man-made materials (bricks and tar) rather than God-made materials of stone to try and produce something great. If there is one way to really annoy God, it is to build things in a human way. They displayed a lack of humility when Matthew 5 today tells us, "God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth."
We then have the story of Abram's father taking some of the family towards Canaan but stopping short. It is not stated but possibly Terah was supposed to go the distance to Canaan but got too comfortable en-route and stayed in Haran. This would be a strong metaphor of people who start on what is supposed to be a definitive ministry - something with a goal, but get so used to the ministry that it carries on for too long. Simon Guillebaud says in his book, "For what it's worth" that good ministry needs not only to start well but to finish well in order to be productive and worthwhile. Many a ministry has finished with a sense of anti-climax or unfinished business which undermines the valid work that was carried out. Of course, some ministries don't even finish when they should - they are likely to be lifeless and unfruitful.
We then have another example of human wisdom where Abram decides to pretend Sarai is his sister so that he doesn't get killed for her when visiting Egypt. This contrasts strongly with Matthew 5 telling us that "God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs". Abram was fortunate that he survived the encounter since the Pharoah was extremely angry with the situation. We must stick to what is right and true even when it is hard.
Matthew 5 shows the differences between the human and the Godly kingdoms, some or all of these beatitudes contradict the methods of the people we have read about today in Genesis. Psalm 5 then paints the picture of the righteous man who rather than using his own pride and wisdom to plan out their life, looks instead to God and literally begs God to direct his paths.
We are left with the warning for those who choose their own path rather than God's in Proverbs 1:24-28.
I continue to be amazed at how these parallel readings line up, especially since these testaments are being read in order.
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