TODAY’S READING: I CHRONICLES 4-6
OVERVIEW:
The descendants ofSolomon,Judah, Simeon, Reuben, Gad, Manasseh and Levi;Templesingers and keepers appointed; the descendants of Aaron; the cities of the Levites.
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
As you read through what seems to be an unending genealogy today, rejoice in the underlying message: God doesn’t view mankind as simply a mass of humanity; He is interested in each individual, and knows us all by name! God takes the time in these chapters to make sure that the name of every single priest and Levite, along with the family and tribe to which he belonged, was specifically registered.
Of particular note in chapter 4 is this man Jabez. Jabez has been popularized in the 21st century through the book, “The Prayer of Jabez,” and deservedly so! Verse nine of chapter four says that he “was more honorable than his brethren,” and one of the reasons is, no doubt, not only the fact THAT he prayed, but HOW he prayed. He had a beautiful fourfold request recorded in verse 10:
- “Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed,”
- “and enlarge my coast,”
- “and that thine hand might be with me,”
- “and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!”
Verse 10 concludes with, “And God granted him that which he requested.” Verse 10 is not held up as a model for prayer, but its content is well worth praying about! It is obvious that Jabez was a man who lived in pursuit of God, and he was rewarded. May God strengthen us to follow his example as we continue the365 Days of Pursuit.
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
In the CITIES OF REFUGE – I Chron.6:57, 67, 69 (To find protection from the avenger of blood, a person had to flee to a city of refuge. Likewise, God provided His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ as our Refuge from His judgment against sin – John 3;14-18; 10:24-30; Gal. 2:16; 3:1-14; Heb. 10:1-18; I John 2:2; Rev. 1:5; Heb. 6:18)