Daily Bible Study

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JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE 1 CHRONICLES Day 1 – Ancestry 1 Chronicles 1 Who we belong to is important to us. We typically know who our parents and grandparents are and in most cases, our great-great grandparents, but what do we know about our families beyond that point. For Israel it was important to know their entire family lineage all the way back to the beginning. When Israel returned from exile to re-occupy their land, family records were searched to verify they were who they said they were. If their name could not be found in the record, they were not allowed to take any possession in the land. Extensive lineage accounts exist in several places throughout scripture. Genesis, Numbers, here in 1 Chronicles, Matthew, and Luke. There also may be other lists as well. Typically we don’t read the lists because all they are, are names, but among those names is some interesting information. Among those names you will find the beginning of nations, in particular those who occupied Canaan before Israel took possession of the Promised Land. You see the lineages not only of Adam and Abraham, but you also see the lineages belonging to Abraham’s son, Ishmael, his concubine Keturah, and Isaac’s son, Esau. You also see the lineages of Noah’s sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth. It is a complete accounting of whose who. A lot of people have done extensive research to find their family background. There are a number of web sites we can go to in order to trace our family history. Knowing who we belong to is important. As Christians we also have a heritage as great as that of the Jews because we are linked to Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (KJV) Because we have this heritage with Jesus, God recognizes us as His children, just as He does His people the Jews. He can look through the record – the Book of Life and find our names written there. Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (KJV) Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (KJV) If your name is not in the Book of Life, there is only one alternative for you when God opens the books and judges mankind. Is your name in the Book of Life? Let’s pray: Father, thank you for my lineage in Jesus Christ and finding my name in Your book. I pray that all those I am acquainted with would also find their names in Your Book of Life, so that when You come to judge our place will be with You in heaven. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 19 November 2015 by Valerie Jean Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay