Read 1 Chronicles 1
Highlights:
I Chronicles opens with the longest genealogical record in the Bible and covers about 4,000 years before Christ (chap. 1 — 9). Its second chapter is devoted to the descendants of Judah because the promised Messiah would descend from this tribe (Gen. 49:8-12). The record begins with Adam, the first man created by God (I Chr. 1:1); continues to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; then Judah; and on to David. Abraham and David were ancestors of both Joseph and Mary. The royal Davidic lineage of Jesus as the Messiah is traced to Joseph in Matthew and the actual human bloodline is traced through Mary in Luke.
Most readers of the Book of I Chronicles may consider the first nine chapters as monotonous, endless genealogies (I Tim. 1:4) with no real purpose. But this ancient genealogy reveals the exact plan and choices of our Creator in selecting the people who qualified to serve Him, including Adam, Sheth . . . Henoch . . . Noah, Shem. . . . Abraham, Isaac. . . . Israel. . . . Judah. . . . David (I Chr. 1:1,3-4,28,34; 2:1,15). This is the family line of Jesus, who died for our sins.
The Chronicles cover the same history as II Samuel and the two books of the Kings. Their primary purpose is to emphasize the importance of worship and a right relationship of the believer with the One True God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, emphasis is made of the importance of the Law and Temple restorations which are associated with them.
The Chronicles focus on Judah and Temple Worship and the prophetic promises of the Messiah centered on them. God decided who would be included in the genealogy of Christ. He is personally involved in every Christian's life, desiring to guide us through every detail. But He gave everyone a free will either to do His will or to follow the deception of the human mind. God is saying: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths (Prov. 3:5-6).
Although we cannot understand many of the things He brings into our lives, by faith we can be sure that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).
Things that happen to believers are not "accidents;" they are either allowed or sent by our Father, the Master Engineer. He worketh all things after the counsel of His own will (Eph. 1:11). Therefore, recognize that He is allowing the circumstances of your life today, now — this very moment.
That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ (Eph. 1:12).
Thought for Today:
For in time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His Tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock (Ps. 27:5).
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, descendants of; 1:10 begat, became the father of; 2:21 threescore, sixty.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Country: Gabon (1 million) in west-central Africa • Major language: French • Religious freedom • 66% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 3% animism and ancestor worship • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede fervently in prayer for others (James 5:16).
Optional Reading: Romans 14
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 John 3:22
