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April 25
Our Bible reading today is in 1 Chronicle 3-5.
The Chronicler, by the Holy Spirit, continues to record genealogy listings for the purpose of reminding the returning Babylonian exiles that God has been in control even up to and through their capture by Nebuchadnezzar.
When Israel returned to bleak circumstances in Judah and Jerusalem, God reminded them from whence they had come...the great King David...their forefathers, Jacob, Isaac, and Father Abraham all the way back to Noah and the great flood and Seth and Adam from the beginning of mankind.
God was telling His children of faith that they had noble roots...deep and long roots. They were not an afterthought to God’s planning. They “were” God’s plan... from the beginning...a people of His pleasure and for His glory...a land that would cradle the nation that would bring forth the King of all Kings...the Lord of all Lords...Messiah...JESUS.
Today’s reading begins with the genealogy of David’s kin. He had 19 sons. Not all were upstanding citizens...not all were spiritual men. His firstborn, Amnon, raped his sister. Absolom, David’s third born, murdered his rapist brother and led a revolt against his father the king. He wound up hanging in a tree by his hair with three of his uncle’s spears taking his life during the rebellion.
David’s home life was filled with heartache. Can you imagine your favorite son breaking your trust with a murderous rebellion? David still grieved Absolom’s death greatly with a Father’s love. Wow.
And it was Solomon who succeeded his father David as King of Israel upon David’s death. For all the wisdom that God gave to Solomon, his disregard for God’s plan for marriage, as laid out in the Law of Moses, is infamous...famous in a bad way...700 wives and 300 concubines. So God ripped the Kingdom of Israel in two and gave the larger part to one of Solomon’s servants.
One more time we see God’s mercy collide with God’s justice...reminds me of the cross of Christ...Jesus taking God’s judgment on sin upon his own body on the tree...all the way to death...while colliding with God’s mercy and grace bestowed upon guilty sinners who believe Jesus. Praise your Name, Jesus!
I'm going to wind up this short podcast today with a name: Nathan, one of David’s final three sons. Perhaps David named him after the prophet Nathan the friend who held David accountable for his sinning.
Wow...that is friendship...telling one another the truth from God...which leads to repentance and renewed faith in the Savior.
Perhaps when young Nathan grew old enough to ask about his name...David could answer...everytime I call your name I remember the goodness of God toward me by giving me a friend that took the risk to love me when it was hard...that day my guilt-laden conscience was cleared!
My Beverly and Jesus ...they were my Nathan 50 years ago...friend enough to tell me the truth that led me to eternal life then now and forever...I'm eternally grateful... my love...my Savior.
Have a great day
