Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Sujitabh Chaudhary

Thoughts on Chapter 1

Chapter 1 begins appropriately with Adam. All of humanity, all our history, begins with him. Adam is the father of all flesh.

From Adam we are taken through the generations to Noah. From Noah came all the different nations and races. One of Noah’s sons was Shem, and from Shem’s line came Abraham. Abraham became the father of the faithful; by blood, the Jewish people. By adoption, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ (See Romans 4:11 and 12).

It’s important to note that the Old Testament is primarily focused on Abraham’s line, the Jewish people, God's chosen people. (More about that in a moment.) Some of the names listed in this chapter don’t play a part in the history of this line and are listed only as a matter of record. 

Now, a word about God's chosen people. For what purpose did God choose Israel? He chose them so He could teach them how to truly worship Him, and then show all the nations what true worship was, and how to live lives pleasing to Him. 

So it makes sense that the Old Testament would focus its attention on the history of Abraham's line, doesn't it?

Thoughts on Chapter 2

There were some very interesting and important men and women listed in this chapter. Israel, Judah, Boaz, Jesse, David…just to name a few.

Some are remembered as the first to settle certain towns and regions. 

But two are going to be remembered throughout time for their sins. We read that “the Lord considered Er, Judah’s firstborn, evil, so the Lord killed Er.” And “Carmi’s son was Achar, who caused trouble for Israel by taking goods that were claimed by God.”

Do you suppose that these men were one hundred percent evil? We don’t know. All we know from this chapter is that they had evil natures. 

How do you suppose that when God someday opens the book on your life, He will summarize you? For what will you be remembered? 

Once in a sermon, my pastor mentioned one of the members who had passed away several years earlier. In his description of this man, the pastor said, “Louis was a sweet man. He always had time for you. And when you talked to him, he would look you in the eyes and smile.”

How will you be remembered? What will other people, and most importantly, what will God say about you?

Thoughts on Chapter 4 

In chapter 4, verses 9 and 10 we read about a fellow named Jabez. Let’s take another look. “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez [Painful], because she said that his birth was painful. 10 Jabez prayed to the God of Israel, “Please bless me and give me more territory. May your power be with me and free me from evil so that I will not be in pain.” God gave him what he prayed for.”

We don’t know much about Jabez, but the fact that this prayer of his is recorded here in 1 Chronicles tells me something. It tells me that it is okay to ask God for things.

I don’t know about you, but I was brought up to put other people before me. I learned very early on that the world does not revolve around me, and “selfishness” is wrong. Not that I am never self-centered. I can be as selfish as the next guy, but I do know that it’s wrong to be selfish. 

So it was always been hard for me to ask God to bless me, to give me things. I’m just happy that he’s forgiven my sins. That’s enough.