Day 115
Reading: 1 Chron. 6:1 - 1 Chron. 10:14
Reading through the first ten chapters of 1st Chronicles can be tedious if one is not keen to understand why the genealogy is listed. Why would God's Word have the genealogies of many written out? As I pondered on this I realised a few things.
Firstly, the world today is filled with doubters, agnostics, apologists, atheists and every kind of person who has some belief or none existence of belief in God. The genealogy is written to show that God is a God of plan, order and continuity. God is not haphazard in His ways. The book begins with a listing from Adam to the sons of Abraham. From the Creator's first man to the Creator's new man for a new beginning of a nation. We see God listing the genealogy from Adam to Abraham. Adam was created first by God. Abraham would be used to create God's nation. God desires to show us in these first chapters that He is a God of process and order.
Secondly, within the genealogy, we learn different things about the people. We understand how the words of Jacob over his sons came to pass. We learn how the cities were populated not only as they set about possessing Canaan but also when the kingdom of Judah was taken captive. This historical information is important because the Bible is not just a spiritual book but also a historical book.
Yesterday we learnt about Jabez. Someone highlighted in the genealogy as one who called on God and saw his status changed 1 Chron. 4:9-10. This genealogy is full of titbits of various people. Notice how those who put their trust in God in their genealogy are highlighted. The children of Reuben, Gad and half-tribe of Manasseh went to war and when they cried to God they got the victory because they sought help from God. Victory in battle is dependant on our relying on God and not man 1 Chron. 5:20. We learn of a priest named Phinehas whom the Bible records that God was with him. When we meet him earlier he slew a man who had caused a plague to fall on the children of Israel and God did tell Moses that Phinehas was consumed with the zeal of God Numbers 25:6-13. Reading these records provokes a desire that our genealogy should be filled with greatness from God. What would God write about you?
Fourth, we learn of the men responsible for the gates of the House of the Lord. They were appointed to a specific task and they oversaw the opening of the gates of the House of the Lord. This was done early in the morning. Learn to arise early and seek God to open the doors of His blessing over your life.
One final thought as I end. We are made to understand why Saul and his sons died. Saul was found unfaithful to God because he didn't keep the commandments of God and consulted a medium bringing about his demise because he didn't inquire of the Lord culminating in his death and the kingdom was turned over to David. Parents and those in authority let Saul be a lesson that when we are defiant against God death is the result and it affects children and those following you.
Memory Verse: 1 Chron. 10:13-14
Decree
I decree that my genealogy is traceable to God and that I will serve Him all the days of my life. My guidance is from God alone. Men or mediums will not guide me. God is my guide to the place of victory. The Lord is with me.
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