Archives for May 2024

OVERVIEW:

A continuation of Israel’s descendants: Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, half-tribe of Manasseh west of the Jordan, Ephraim, Asher, Benjamin; those who returned from captivity; the genealogy of Saul.  

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The genealogy continues today bringing us through the remainder of the descendants of Israel: Issachar (7:1–5), Benjamin (7:6–12), Naphtali (7:13), the half-tribe of Manasseh west of the Jordan (7:14–19), Ephraim (7:20–29), Asher (7:30–40), Benjamin (Chapter 8). Chapter 9, then, gives us the record of those who returned from captivity (9:1–34), and then, the descendants of Saul. (9:35–44)

A particular phrase, that is mentioned twice in chapter 7, is well worth noting: Chapter 7 and verse 11 talks about the number of the “…soldiers FIT to go out for war and battle.” Chapter 7 and verse 40 talks about the number of the “mighty men of valour…that were apt to the WAR and to battle…” You might want to note that the word “apt” is also translated in the Bible as “prepared”; “ready”; and “willing”. You might also want to note that the New Testament is very specific in letting us know that as believers in Jesus Christ, we, too, are SOLDIERS (2^nd Timothy 2:3) who are engaged in an incredible “WAR” or “BATTLE”. (2^nd Timothy 2:4; 2^nd Corinthians 10:3) With that reality in mind, we would do well to consider: If God were making a list today of the number of New Testament “soldiers” and “mighty men and women of valour” who are “fit” and “apt to the war and to battle” like He did here in 1^st Chronicles 7, would our name be included in that number? Ephesians 6:10–18 lets us know that the number includes only those who “STAND” in the victory Christ has already won, having on “THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD”. Are you “FIT” and “APT” for the “WAR” we call the Christian life?

Chapter 9 and verse 2 says, “Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.” The “Nethinims” were very simply the “temple servants”. Their job was simply to do whatever needed to be done. Because of their love for the Lord, they didn’t need the limelight. They were willing to work behind the scenes so that the work of the Lord could go forward! Oh, that God could use us to be as the Nethinims! Verse 28 says of the Levites, “And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale (or, count).” Again, from an earthly standpoint, the job God entrusted to them doesn’t really seem to be all that significant. “Some”, according to verse 29 and 30 “were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices. And some of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices.” Again, from the mind of a natural man, these responsibilities are hardly worth mentioning, but to God, each individual fulfilling their role and completing their personal assignment was well worth mentioning, because God knew that every individual was key for what He intended for the service of the tabernacle! 

Let us learn from these Old Testament servants that whatever God has called us to do in His service, however insignificant it may appear to others, and however insignificant it may sometimes even feel to us, it is extremely significant to Him! He is simply looking for us to faithfully carry out the assignment to which we have been entrusted. The way Paul said it, in Philippians 3:12, “…but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” In other words, “I’m going to live my life in constant pursuit of taking into my possession the purpose God had in taking me into His possession!” The New Testament teaches that God has given all of us a MINISTRY to fulfill in the CHURCH and a MISSION to fulfill in the WORLD. To fulfill these responsibilities according to God’s design, He has entrusted each of us with a composite of key resources to utilize in fulfilling our intended purpose. He has given each of us spiritual gifts, along with our natural, and yet, God-given talents and abilities. He has given to us our individual personality, and within our personality, has made us passionate about certain things. All along the way, through the course of our life, God has allowed us to encounter many different people and experience many different things. All these various components are not random. These are all the specific things God orchestrated, and is orchestrating, in our lives to direct us into an understanding of the specific kingdom assignment He intends us to fulfill. 

Regardless of how insignificant we may think our value to His kingdom may be, God views our responsibility as a sacred trust, and vital to His will and work in and through the body of Christ! We all must play our position! We all must fulfill our role! God has called each of us to embrace the stewardship of these incredible resources, and do one thing with them: be FAITHFUL! (1^st Corinthians 4:1–2) Always keep in mind that you are as vital to the body of Christ in your local church, as any member of your physical body is to you! There are no insignificant individuals and there are no insignificant responsibilities.

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

In JERUSALEM (which means, “Foundation of peace”) — 1^st Chronicles 9:3. (Christ is the only foundation of peace upon which man can stand before God – 1^st Corinthians 3:11; John 14:27; 2^nd Corinthians 5:18; Ephesians 2:14)

OVERVIEW:

The descendants of Solomon, Judah, Simeon, Reuben, Gad, Manasseh and Levi; temple singers and keepers appointed; the descendants of Aaron; the cities of the Levites.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we read through what seems to be a never-ending 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! Hallelujah! 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 and mentioned. (Exodus 33:17)

Of particular note in chapter 4 is this man Jabez. God stops when He gets to his name to interject an incredible statement about him. Verse 9 of chapter 4 says that he “was more honorable than his brethren”! One of the reasons he was “more honorable”, no doubt, is not only the fact THAT he prayed, but HOW he prayed. Our Lord reveals to us in this passage that Jabez had a beautiful fourfold request, and it was of such significance that God chose to record it for us in verse 10:

1) “…Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed…” 

2) “…and enlarge my coast…” 

3) “…and that thine hand might be with me…”  

4) “…and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!…”

Verse 10 concludes with this monumental statement: “…And God granted him that which he requested.” Verse 10 is not held up as a “model prayer” as such, but its content is well worth incorporating into our prayers! It is obvious that Jabez was a man who lived in pursuit of God, and that God rewarded him for it. May God strengthen us to follow his example as we continue the “365 Days of Pursuit”!

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

In the CITIES OF REFUGE – 1^st Chronicles 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 the Refuge to whom we must flee to find protection from His judgment against sin — John 3:14–18; 10:24–30; Galatians 2:16; 3:1-14; Hebrews 10:1–18; 1^st John 2:2; Revelation 1:5; Hebrews 6:18)

OVERVIEW:

Jesus’ lineage through Adam, Noah, Abraham, Israel (Jacob), Judah, and David.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

At first glance, it appears that the book of 1^st Chronicles is simply a repeat of 1^st and 2^nd Samuel, and that 2^nd Chronicles is a repeat of 1^st and 2^nd Kings, but there are some significant differences.

Whereas Samuel and Kings emphasize the HISTORICAL side of things, Chronicles emphasizes the SPIRITUAL. Whereas Samuel and Kings are seen from the HUMAN standpoint, Chronicles is seen from the DIVINE standpoint. Whereas Samuel and Kings are presented from the viewpoint of the PROPHETS, Chronicles is presented from the viewpoint of the PRIESTS. Whereas Samuel and Kings show MAN RULING, Chronicles shows GOD OVERRULING.

Chronicles primarily concentrates on the reign of David and his successors, and on the temple and its worship. It includes information not previously covered concerning the priests, the Levites, the musicians, singers, and doorkeepers. It goes into detail concerning transporting the ark to Jerusalem, and the preparation for the building of the temple. The northern kingdom is of little significance in Chronicles. In fact, the northern tribes are only mentioned in connection with their dealings with David’s reign.

The book of 1^st Chronicles opens with the longest genealogical history in the entire Bible. It continues on for nine solid chapters! Needless to say, the next several days’ readings will not qualify for the award for “The Most Heart-Warming and Life-Changing Devotional Passage of the 365 Days of Pursuit!” However, always remember Proverbs 30:5, “Every word of God is pure:” and every word is there for a reason! These chapters are in our Bible to provide us the historical basis of our faith.  As Bruce Wilkinson said, “The opening chapters of 1^st Chronicles form the skeletal framework of the entire Old Testament. They bind the Old Testament together into a unified whole, showing that it is in fact history and not merely legend or myth. From Adam to Abraham, Boaz to Benjamin, the generations are all there in their proper order to show the outworking of God’s plan and purposes through the years and in the lives of men and women of faith.” What these chapters teach us, if nothing else, is that God has a plan: A plan for the earth, the universe, Israel, and your life!

A very basic overview of the first nine chapters of 1^st Chronicles is as follows:

• The genealogy from Adam to Abraham. (1:1–27)

• The genealogy from Abraham to Israel. (1:28–54)

• The genealogy of the descendants of Israel. (Chapters 2–8)

* Judah (2:1–4:23)

* Simeon (4:24–43)

* Reuben, Gad, half the tribe of Manasseh East of Jordan (Chapter 5)

* Levi (Chapter 6)

* Issachar (7:1–5)

* Benjamin (7:6–12)

* Naphtali (7:13)

* Half tribe of Manasseh West of Jordan (7:14–19)

* Ephraim (7:20–29)

* Asher (7:30–40)

* Benjamin (Chapter 8)

• Those who returned from captivity (9:1–34)

• The genealogy of Saul (9:35–44)

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

In the FIRST ADAM –  1^st Chronicles 1:1 (Christ is the LAST or SECOND ADAM.  We have eternal life because the last Adam was a quickening, or “life-giving” spirit – 1^st Corinthians 15:45, 47).

Through the genealogy of DAVID – 1^st Chronicles 3:1–24 (Christ, the Son of God was also called the Son of David – Matthew 1:1; Luke 3:23–38; Romans 1:3)