Reading: I Chronicles 1 – 2
And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel. And afterward Hezron went in to the daughter of Machir the father of Gilead, whom he married when he was threescore years old; and she bare him Segub. And Segub begat Jair, who had three and twenty cities in the land of Gilead (I Chr. 2:20-22).
Many modern-day readers feel that the seemingly endless list of names in the first nine chapters of I Chronicles is in no way applicable to our present-day journey with God. They appreciate the historical significance and acknowledge the intent of the Chronicler to reaffirm the connections of the returning exiles to their roots as God’s chosen people, but they see no reason to delve into it personally. They believe their time with God’s Word would be better spent on chapters and verses that contain clear, life-applicable lessons. While on the surface this seems like a reasonable and even responsible time-management decision, the truth is God gave us His Word with the intention that we read and study it in its entirety. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (II Tim. 3:16-17). God has included these lists for a reason (likely many, many reasons). If we give Him the time that is His due and read them with an open heart and mind through the filter of the Holy Spirit, He will lead us to what He wants us to learn.
Each and every man, woman, and child listed here lived and died in God’s world (the same world in which we live), and each and every life was used by God. Some willing served Him, some defied Him, and others never took the time to really know Him, but all of them were His creation and all of them were used for His glory. Reading these lists today brings to mind the fullness and complexity of God’s wonderous plan. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (Jer. 29:11).
In some ways, we are an integral part of His plan. He uses every single one of us in its furtherment; no one is exempt from being used for His glory. The Lord hath made all things for Himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil (Prov. 16:4). In other ways, we are completely inconsequential. God’s plan is not only in motion, the end result of that plan has already been determined. There is nothing we can do that will upset the balance or change the overall outcome. There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord (Prov. 21:30). In all ways, though, we are God’s creation, and our lives are His to do with as He will.
There is no one alive today that God does not know on an intimate level. Whether we know Him or not, He knows all there is to know about us. The same is true for every person listed here. God created them, and one way or another, God was glorified through them. As we read through this genealogical list, let’s take a moment to recognize and appreciate the miracle that is our existence as a planned, wanted and loved creation of God.
For Thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well (Ps. 139:13-14).
Thought for Today: Though some stand higher in worldly estimations of faith, none can claim to stand closer to Him; all stand shoulder to shoulder as His children.
Christ Portrayed: By the first Adam (I Chr. 1:1). Christ is the last Adam . We have eternal life because the last Adam was made a quickening (life-giving) Spirit (I Cor. 15:45,47).
Word Studies: 1:6 sons of = descendants of; 1:10 begat = became the father of; 2:21 threescore = sixty.
Pray For Staff: Jennifer Palafox • Country: Monaco (30,500) Southeastern France • Major Languages: French, English, Italian, Monegasque • Religious Freedom • 90% Roman Catholic; 10% Other (Protestant, Jew, Muslim) • Prayer Suggestion: Keep the Word of God and pray to Him who has given you an open door into His presence (Rev. 3:8).
Optional Reading Romans 12.