1 Chronicles 1,2-
The genealogies. Each name represents a life; a living, human body who loved and fought. A person who felt heat and hunger; love and loss. The list of names rolls down the page and I study it… with inadequate eyes. The little epitaphs attached after some. What power in few words to live forever in God’s Holy Word?
Cush fathered Nimrod. He was the first on earth to be a mighty man. (1:10 ESV)
OR
The son[a] of Carmi: Achan, the troubler of Israel, who broke faith in the matter of the devoted thing; (2:7 ESV)
The names are more than just a list. But- their puzzle (the full picture of it all) is inexplicable to me.
Psalm 145
One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. ESV
The season of Thanksgiving and the sacred days of Advent are upon me… or so soon to be. My heart quickens… these days offer special opportunity to commend my God to my children. The festivities, traditions, and rituals provide a framework to imbue living faith and a spiritual heritage. I want these days to be… I want my life to be… pouring forth the fame of God’s abundant goodness; singing aloud the glory of His righteousness. In Amos 2, I see the Lord’s anger at His people’s disregard of His holiness and righteousness. O, that I may prize Your holiness, my God- and treasure the purity of Your righteousness. May I never turn away to be given over to the baseness of a flesh that finds its life away from You.
All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
and all your saints shall bless you!
11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
and tell of your power,
12 to make known to the children of man your[b] mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations. ESV
It is a special, slowing time to pause and reflect- this November/December season-but I pray that I will always have a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving. May my heart always lift to speak the glory of Your kingdom and tell of Your real power in my daily every day life.
Hebrews 8
6 But as it is, Christ[b] has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws into their minds,
and write them on their hearts,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor
and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’
for they shall all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities,
and I will remember their sins no more.” ESV emphasis mine
The realization of the much more excellent Way I have in Christ is astonishing. The Old Testament readings show again, again – a people whose heart was far from the Lord. He is relentless in His love and faithfulness. He makes a way for hearts to be for Him. Near Him. The unrelenting mercy is like a cleansing flow. It is clean water wash for my needy soul. To stand in the healing waters, and be mended, whole, restored, …white as snow. How precious to be in the Beloved of God.
Lord, I lift my heart to You. Quicken my heart to Your more excellent Way. Help me live for You each day and may I commend Your works to the next generation with power and faithfulness. Help me draw near to You, that You will draw near to me. Thank You for Your mercy.
The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 The Lord is good to all,
and his mercy is over all that he has made.Psalm 145:8,9 ESV
Rebecca (offeringsbecca)
Sixty-six books in a year 