First Chronicles chapter 3.
We have more genealogies and this one focuses on the sons of David and their sons and many who reigned as king in Judah. They even mention a couple daughters.
As I read down the names of the many sons, I recognized some of them from previous books of the Bible. David is the one who was the man after God's own heart except in rare occasions. His sons struggled on the most part. Absalom is the one that stuck out in my mind. He was bitter toward David and hated him and wanted him dead. He was a major thorn in David's flesh. As a result, Absalom was killed in a battle.
There's a story that goes with each son or descendant that followed David.
I thought of my family. We each have a story. Within my family and extended family we've seen or experienced a broken neck, broken back, broken bones, cancer, suicide, surgeries, alcoholism, fights, forgiveness, accidents, bad decisions, good decisions, drugs, sexual immorality, adultery, marriages, divorce, lovers of God, haters of God, non-believers, followers of God who later have turn their hearts away from God or He's no longer a priority. Death in a war, death by old age, death at birth.
My thoughts as I look at all the different life stories:
Life is not easy. Life this side of death is going to be filled with challenges always. God promises He will be with us always (Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5). He'll walk through the days of fire with us. He promises us a life everlasting in heaven if we put our faith in Jesus and trust him daily during the good and bad times. He calls us to persevere through the tough times (James 1:12 – Matthew 10:22). Don't give up. Keep loving him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Don't compromise your faith. Love others and forgive others. Grow in your faith through Bible study, Bible reading, Church fellowship, prayer. In fact, pray constantly throughout the day to ensure that Christ is first. Never no never forget that the Lord is always with us and always loves us. Choose to follow him daily and to the end.
I thought about those names listed in this chapter and the different situations that Pastor Blair has shared today. We may all have a variety of stories that go along with each of our own journeys in this life, but there is only one who can save us and that’s Jesus. He wants for us to not only include Him in our journey of life, but for us to allow Him to lead us each day.
Take a look at Acts 4:11-12.
“This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”