The next few days our readings are lists of names. If you need more inspiration, I suggest that you also read the following passage for your personal devotions today.
Psalm 111
SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 7
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
He had a daughter named Sheerah. She built the towns of Lower and Upper Beth-horon and Uzzen-sheerah. [1 Chronicles 7:21-24]
Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. [Luke 1:46-49]
Just a list of names today, with two interesting comments about Ephraim’s family; his two sons killed for stealing livestock and his daughter who built towns.
I was going to highlight the sons that died for stealing, but then I looked again at this comment about Sheerah.
A woman that built towns — in that day, that was quite something!!!
It was all about the sons, all about the men.
And yet we find interspersed in the pages of Scripture stories of women that rose above their lowly status and accomplished great things.
I think God is making a point, and He makes that point again through Mary, a lowly servant girl.
God is not impressed by our status or position in society; God does not look to the biggest or highest or richest in the world’s estimation.
God’s way is to lift up the lowly and bring down the lofty.
This is true for men and women, for adults and children, for rulers and the ruled, for employers and the employed.
God is looking for humble, honest servants who are not focused on their own worldly status or success, but are available to Him and His purpose.
When people make themselves available like this, watch out!
He will take ordinary, untrained and uneducated people who have been with Jesus, and turn the world upside down with them [see Acts 4:13].
Let no one say of themselves, “I’m only just a…” (fill in the blank).
You are what you are, and you can be whatever God can make you to be.
With Him, You can build towns and establish kingdoms!
PRAYER:
Lord, when I feel less than those around me, show me that You are the One that enables me to do great things!
The family tree. One generation after another. Looking for your roots – where did I come from and where am I going? What’s the meaning of all of this? Why am I here?
No greater joy does a man of God have than that his children serve the Lord. The heritage shown here shows that the people live in the land given by God and they were to worship Him there – always from one generation to the next. They were fighting men, ready to lay claim to their inheritance.
We too need to lay claim to our inheritance and be ready at all times for service to our King. The earth is the Lord’s. Serve Him and live for Him always.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.