Today’s Reading, 1 Chronicles 1-2
Focal Scripture: 1 Chronicles 2:12 “Boaz fathered Obed, and Obed fathered Jesse.”
Sometimes what we read is not always the most fun or engaging. However, what we read always tells us a story. These stories matter, even the information that seems insignificant and almost useless. Take into account today’s reading. Nothing but family history of the nation of Israel. This history is vital to the nation and to us as believers.
In today’s reading I could have picked any family line. I picked this one because of the significance of the family in Israel’s history and the future it allowed us to have as believers. We know that Jesse fathered King David. This family history allowed us to have our Savior fulfill prophecy. It allowed us to be able to look at others and declare “ Our God is in the details.”
Even though he is not blood I have a family member that has a rich history. He served faithfully as a pastor for decades. He loved God, his wife, and lead the church with dignity, respect, and reverence to the calling he was given. I have had many conversations with him about life, church, and ministry. His wisdom and memory is quite remarkable, especially at his age. Hearing stories of family and ministry ventures shows why the details in today’s reading make such an impact.
It makes an impact because God uses details to move in people. This man gave me one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. He allowed me to take a filing cabinet that holds his handwritten notes for sermons, marriages, funerals, and miscellaneous notes that he labored over for decades. It might not seem like much to you but this gift tells a story. It reveals his history of ministry.
The challenge for you and me when we read scripture is to savor the details. Even the details that just explain who belongs to whom in a nations history. So today as you read scripture or speak to a seasoned saint don’t be in a rush. Stop, listen, and savor the history. You may very well receive some history that holds a deeper meaning than you can see at first glance.
Never waste a sentence read or a conversation seasoned with wisdom. History is a great teacher.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Chronicles 3-5
