Highlights:
David's family born in Hebron and Jerusalem; Solomon to Zedekiah; Judah's descendants. The conquest and captivity of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half tribe of Manasseh.
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob. But, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph . . . and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright (I Chr. 5:1). The descendantsof Reuben settled for less than the best ever since.
The tribe of Reuben preferred to live in the fertile area just outside the promised land (Num. 32). They chose what appeared would bring them a better life. However, with the river separating them from their kindred in the promised land, the Reubenites were among the first tribes to be taken as slaves to Assyria. The God of Israel stirred up the spirit of . . . Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites (5:26). Jacob's prophecy, thou shalt not excel (49:4), truly came to pass; no one from the tribe of Reuben ever became a judge or a prophet.
How satisfying it is to yield oneself to God who uses the men and women who have prepared themselves to serve the Lord. He appoints one person to be king — another, to be a servant. Whatever God has chosen for us, in faith we should rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice (Phil. 4:4).
In the calling of God there is nothing about which we should murmur and nothing of which to be proud, but there is much to praise the Lord for. Furthermore, there should also be no desire to be jealous of other people's "advantages." God always chooses what is His best for those who leave the choice with Him. So there is no need to think we were cheated or left out. It is of utmost importance that we in every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thess. 5:18). There could be nothing more tragic than to come to life's end knowing we chose a self-serving agenda. We have only one life to live, it will soon be past, and only what's done for Christ will last.
Today God wants you to place Him first in your life. Pray for the opportunity to use your talents and time in the ministry of the Gospel. God is always ready to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think (Eph. 3:20).
All who seek . . . first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33) can with the Apostle Paul say: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give . . . them . . . that love His appearing (II Tim. 4:7-8).
Thought for Today:
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh (Matt. 25:13).
Christ Revealed:
Through the genealogy of David (I Chr. 3:1-24). Christ the Son of God was also called the Son of David: The Book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David (Matt. 1:1; Luke 3:23-38; Rom. 1:3).
Word Studies:
3:9 concubines =b> a woman legitimately married to a man but inferrior to the regular wife and excluded with her children from the heritage (Gen. 25:6). Concubines could be taken from among Hebrews, slaves, or war captives; 4:10 coast =b> beach front, border of territory, boundary; 4:40 fat =b> rich, good; 5:11 over against =b> across from.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Stella A. Brown • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Officials: Gov. Dave Heineman (NE), Rep. Frank LoBiondo (NJ), and Rep. Jared Polis (CO) • Country: Israel (6.1 million) in the Middle East • Major languages: Hebrew and Arabic • Witnessing to Jews about Christ the Messiah is actively discouraged • 80.2% Jewish (mostly secular); 14.6% Muslim (largely Sunni); 2.1% Christian; 1.6% Druze; 1.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that it is by the blood of Christ that we have access to God in prayer (Heb. 10:19).
Optional Reading: Romans 15
Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:4