1 Chronicles 1–9
You see nine chapters of unfamiliar names, many of them hard to pronounce, and you are tempted to skip them and get to the story. But stop to consider the importance of these chapters.
These names belonged to real people who once lived on this earth. Now most of them are forgotten, their names buried in an ancient list. One day you will be a name in a record file somewhere. History may forget you, but heaven never will. Are you living in the light of eternity (1 John 2:15–17)? Make your life count today.
These names were written on earth because these people were born on earth. The most vital listing is in heaven, the names of those who have been born again through faith in Jesus Christ (Luke 10:20;
These names belonged to what we would call “ordinary people.” They were not all great men of faith like Abraham and David, but they all played a part in the working out of God’s plan in this world. You may not consider yourself of consequence, but you are; every child of God has a place in God’s heart and in His plan. Make yourself available to Him for the task He wants you to do, no matter how humble or unrecognized it may seem to you or to others.
These names belonged to Jews, one nation, called of God to witness for Him in a dark and wicked world. They were not always faithful, but through them, the world received witness of the one true and living God. They gave us the written Word of God, and in due time, they gave us the Savior. If nothing else, pause to give thanks for Israel, and “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Ps. 122:6).
For different reasons, some names stand out in this list. Abram had his name changed (1:27). Achan is identified as a troublemaker (
Read these chapters carefully. Here and there, you may meet some people who will warn you, challenge you, and even encourage you.
“There is no such thing [as great people]! The greatest man or woman is 99 percent just like yourself.”
G. B. Shaw