What's going on here?
1 Chronicles 9-11 begins by taking us out of chronological order. We jump from the genealogy of Saul in yesterday's reading to the names of all the people who resettle in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. So, if the timing of things is a little confusing to you, no worries. I was confused at first too. My handy dandy study Bible notes point out that the writer of 1 Chronicles uses this space and jump in time to show concern for God's people and their need as a nation to return to what truly makes us all great- God.
After skipping over a giant lapse in time, the writer goes back to the genealogy of Saul and his death. Then, we read through the beginnings of King David's reign.
Something randomly purposeful stood out in the reading today.
"They" in this sentence refers to God's people in Jerusalem. As God's people, it also refers to you and me. We are God's people today.
And, this line of scripture reminds me of the freedom we have in Christ as faithful followers. Faithfulness means surrendering to God's will for our lives, embracing whatever it is God needs us to do moment to moment, day to day, generation to generation.
Jesus came so that we do not ever have to be held captive by our sins. The apostle Paul puts it this way,
1 Chronicles 9-11 begins by taking us out of chronological order. We jump from the genealogy of Saul in yesterday's reading to the names of all the people who resettle in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. So, if the timing of things is a little confusing to you, no worries. I was confused at first too. My handy dandy study Bible notes point out that the writer of 1 Chronicles uses this space and jump in time to show concern for God's people and their need as a nation to return to what truly makes us all great- God.
After skipping over a giant lapse in time, the writer goes back to the genealogy of Saul and his death. Then, we read through the beginnings of King David's reign.
Something randomly purposeful stood out in the reading today.
They were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness.
"They" in this sentence refers to God's people in Jerusalem. As God's people, it also refers to you and me. We are God's people today.
And, this line of scripture reminds me of the freedom we have in Christ as faithful followers. Faithfulness means surrendering to God's will for our lives, embracing whatever it is God needs us to do moment to moment, day to day, generation to generation.
Jesus came so that we do not ever have to be held captive by our sins. The apostle Paul puts it this way,
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
All we have to do is rest in the routine of humbly asking...and then faithfully following our Savior who died to set us free, both now and forever more.
A prayer for today-
Dear God,
I thank You, with all my heart, for the freedom I have in Christ. I pray that You will help me always remember both how much You love me and the price You paid for my freedom. I want to stand firm in my faith.
As I go through my day, give me the eyes to recognize those who are in need of prayers. Lord, give me the words to be instruments of grace in the lives of others.
In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit I pray,
Amen
Love of Christ,
No comments:
Post a Comment