Highlights In Today's Reading:
The genealogies are very important because they document the promises as well as the prophecies of God regarding Jesus the Messiah (see Matt. 1:1-16; Luke 3:23-38). The journey begins with Adam (I Chr. 1:1), continues to Jesus, the last Adam (I Cor. 15:45), and concludes when He reigns as King of kings, and Lord of lords (I Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14; 19:16).
The first nine chapters of I Chr. reveal the well-planned design of God, who daily controls the destiny of each of His faithful followers and hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4). This ancient genealogy reveals the exact plan and choices of our Creator in selecting the people who were to serve Him, beginning with Adam, Sheth . . . Henoch . . . Noah . . . Abraham; Isaac . . . . and Israel (Jacob) (I Chr. 1:1,3-4,28,34; Gen. 5:1-32). Here Jacob is called by his new name "Israel" in accordance with his status as the greatly-honored bearer of the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant (compare 35:9-12).
The long list of genealogies was to encourage the Israelites, after their captivity, to realize how God foretold their return to Jerusalem. It confirms how He continued to guide the line of the Messiah from Adam, the first man, through Abraham and David.
Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden brought about mankind's physicial and spiritual death, for by one man's offence (sin) death reigned (Rom. 5:17). But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13). That is why Jesus said: Ye must be born again. . . . of the Spirit (3:7-8). Upon acceptance of Jesus' substitutionary death on the cross for our sins, true Christians receive a new spiritual nature, the nature of God, and their names are recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life (Rev. 21:27).
The Lord is personally involved in every Christian's life as we submit to Him. Just as we recognize this in the lives recorded in this history of Israel, we also discover how the Lord is seeking to lead us individually. As we prayerfully continue reading all His Word, He progressively reveals to us His will for our lives.
Things that happen to believers are never "accidents"; they are allowed by our Father, the Master Engineer, to prepare us to be the persons He can use to accomplish the purpose for which He created us. Consequently, it is of utmost importance to the Lord that we accept every opportunity to serve Him, even when it may seem to us that we are not qualified.
Soon the eternal books will be opened (Rev. 20:15) and, at that time, whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15).
Thought for Today:
Every builder knows the importance of a good foundation. Christians must build upon the perfect foundation which is Jesus Christ (I Cor. 3:11).
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 =b> descendants of; 1:10 begat =b> became the father of; 2:21 threescore =b> sixty.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by a family that loves Jesus • Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Darrell Kerns • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Country: Macedonia (2 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Macedonian and Albanian • strongly Orthodox country • 67% Macedonian Orthodox; 23% Muslim; 3% Catholic; 2% Protestant; 5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks to the Lord and praise Him openly, for He has redeemed you through His blood and forgiven all your sins (Col. 1:12-14).
Optional Reading: Romans 14
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:20