July 5- God's Viewpoint

July 5, 2011

Scripture Readings:
1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17; Acts 23:11-35;
Psalm 3:1-8; Proverbs 18:14-15

Why waste your money looking up your family tree? 
Just go into politics and your opponents will do it for you.  
~Mark Twain

1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17

Today, we begin to read the book of 1 Chronicles.  We see a pattern in Scripture of the Holy Spirit giving an account of history and then coming back to revisit the story with a microscope in order to focus on what is important to God.  In the second chapter of Genesis, the seven days of creation described in the first chapter of Genesis are revisited with an emphasis on the creation of man.  Deuteronomy is a retelling of the Law, after the book of Leviticus, with the idea of seeing the Law applied as the Israelites wander in the desert for forty years.  Now, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings are retold in 1 and 2 Chronicles from God's viewpoint.  Where the first books emphasized the kingdoms of Israel and Judah from the perspective of the palaces, Chronicles looks at the kingdoms from the perspective of the Temple. This is more of a religious history, rather than a political history.  The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles are thought to have been written during the Babylonian captivity by Ezra.  Today, we will begin to read God's viewpoint on this part of Israel's history.

We start with a genealogy.  Remember that tracing the roots of Jesus back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are key.  As a matter of fact, God's promise of a Redeemer Child who will save the world goes back to the Garden of Eden where Eve is given the promise in Genesis 3:15.  After Noah survives the flood with his three sons, Shem is the son who is given the promise of blessing by God.  As we read the genealogies, we see that information about the lines of Noah's sons who are not the chosen one to bring forth the Messiah (Ham and Japheth's lines) are not emphasized in the Bible.  The story of Shem's line is expanded and continued through Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.  The line continues down to David, who is born from Jesse.  As we read, it is good to think back to all of the stories we have learned about these great characters in history through the Biblical accounts. 

Why is God focusing on these people and not all of the other people on earth?  Because this is the story of how the Messiah, who comes and saves the whole world from the problem of sin and separation from God, accomplishes His great victory for humanity.  This Messiah will become the King of Kings on the earth and rule the world forever. It is His genetic line that is important to follow in the story.  That is why the Bible focuses on the ancient people of Israel.  It is through this group that the world receives her Savior.

Acts 23:11-35

Now that Paul has successfully testified about Jesus in Jerusalem, Jesus comes to Paul in another vision and tells him that he must now go to Rome and testify there. 

We see that Paul's persecution continues, as a group of Jewish men vow to neither eat nor drink til they have killed Paul.  Paul's nephew finds out about the plot and thwarts it by informing the Roman officials and having Roman guards escort Paul out of the city, 200 soldiers strong.

They are sending Paul to Governor Felix in Caesarea.  Paul is kept in Herod's headquarters as he awaits his hearing before the Governor.

What do you think about Jesus showing Himself to the Apostle Paul and yet, Paul is bouncing around from persecution to persecution? What does that tell you about how God sees our trials?  Are you surprised that Jesus is with Paul in the trials, rather than rescuing Paul FROM his trials?

How does this change your perspective on your trials?

Psalm 3:1-8

Can't you picture the Apostle Paul saying this psalm aloud to himself in the midst of his trials?

Proverbs 18:14-15

It is hard to endure a crushed spirit.  Intelligent people welcome new ideas.

What did you notice today as you read?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton