PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 1 Chronicles 1-9
(Because of the long list of names, I am covering 9 chapters today)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness.” (1 Chronicles 9:1)
Although this is a long list of names, there is a story that runs through it.
These books were written after Israel returned from their captivity in Babylon.
It is not just a record of the facts, it is a sermon, a story with a life lesson.
The comfort in this reading, including the list of names, is realizing God’s mercy.
God stays true through it all, even though his people keep messing up.
Human sin is inevitably the reason behind all the world’s misery and troubles.
God wants to bless us and keep us from pain (1 Chronicles 4:10).
But things go bad either because (1) we make unwise or sinful choices or…
(2) Someone else does, and we are paying for their sinful choices.
The Spirit of Jesus is reminding us how choices have consequences (1 Corinthians 10:6).
In Jesus we see how God works through our family tree to save us (Matthew 1).
The moral of this story is captivity… or forgiveness and freedom if we turn to God.
We add to this story (and list of names) by our own choices, but what are we adding?
Thankfully God has added Jesus to our story, and makes it possible for a better ending!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for joining me in my story to work out a better ending. Help me to learn from these stories, and make better choices with your help.
Thank you lord for your wisdom and the way you guide us through the generations. That your plan is not for today but for yesterday and tomorrow – and that we don’t need to worry because you’ve already written it all out.
I’m glad there are people that have the gift of keeping records. It’s a blessing to see how the family of Israel and other members of Abraham’s descendants multiplied through the early history. it is also interesting to note the special incidents recorded – like the way Reuben’s family is recorded out of typical order – out of convention because he defiled his Father’s bed. Or how Jabez’s prayer is recorded: “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.” Out of all this, the line of Judah that led to Jesus – the prophecies made true. It makes me pray for my children that a legacy of faith will live on. Lord help me bear witness with my life – a life as a sinner who clings to Jesus.
In the list of names are those who served the Lord and those who did not. The reading ends with the Levites – those serving the Lord. That is the golden thread throughout all of history. God being with His people then and now. Serve Him wherever and always. His is with His people. Emmanuel. Faithful to His promises and I too need to be faithful to Him.
Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.
2
Love Him, love Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Love Him, love Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.
3
Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.
The next stanza needs to be
Serve Him, serve Him, all ye little children . . . .