OT Fire Starters – Day 148: 1 Chronicles 1-2
READ: 1 Chronicles 1-2
THINK: Do you know where you came from? What’s your family history? Is it full of fond memories? Perhaps you know little about it. Or maybe your situation is filled with so much pain and dysfunction that you don’t want to think about it. Whether your family experiences are peaceful, proud, pretentious or painful, God has a greater plan and place for you in His family. Throughout history He’s worked out His plan with you in mind. At just the right time He sent His Son, Jesus, who took your pain and paid the price for your sin with His own life. He now provides forgiveness for sin, freedom from your past and hope for the future. Ultimately He gives eternal life to all who entrust their lives to Him and become part of His forever family.
RESPOND: Why do you think the Bible contains such extensive family histories? What purposes do they serve? (See 1:1 note.) What do they reveal about God’s plan? (See 1:1 note, subpoint 2.) What particular family lines do these genealogies trace, and what’s the ultimate objective of this record? (See 1:1 note, subpoint 4.) How do these records relate to other parts of the Bible, and what do they reveal about previous biblical writings, such as the Genesis account of creation? (See 1:1-4 note.) What family history begins in chapter 2? Who was “Israel” before God gave him that name? (See 2:1 note.) What eventually happened through “the sons of Israel” (2:1)? Through which tribe of Israel did Jesus’ family line come (2:3ff)? (See 2:1 note.) What do these details reveal about God and His plans?
PRAY: Pray for your family members. Give thanks if you have good relationships with them. If not, pray for healing in the relationships. If family members don’t know Christ, pray for their salvation. Give thanks to God for His intricate and loving plan and for the detail and perfection of His Word. Pray for the spiritual salvation of Jewish people who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus.
ACT: Do something specific and practical to help, assist or encourage as many of your family members or people in your household as possible. Be a good example of Christlike character in all you say and do.