Scripture Passages for Today
GENESIS 25:1-4, 1 CHRONICLES 1:32-33, GENESIS 25:5-6, GENESIS 25:12-18, 1 CHRONICLES 1:28-31, 1 CHRONICLES 1:34, GENESIS 25:19-26, GENESIS 25:7-11
"Here is a list, by their names and clans, of Ishmael’s descendants:" (Genesis 25:13 NLT)
Observation
Here’s my confession: I don’t like reading Biblical genealogies. I think they’re boring.
Other than in the most general way, I don’t care who Ishmael’s descendents were. Oh, I understand that most would declare that Ishmael’s descendents are the Arabs of today, and I “get it” that the conflict in the Middle East is as old as the feuding between Isaac and Ishmael (or more properly the feuding between their mothers!). But the truth is, at passages like this one my eyes glaze over. Who can pronounce these names? Who cares—who can picture in their mind—“the region from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt in the direction of Asshur” (Gen 25:18 NLT), where Ishmael’s descendents lived?
Oh, I know some people can. And I admire their sharp minds and solid scholarship more than I can say. But today’s not the first day I’ve been tempted to skim over—or even skip altogether—the reading for the day because of all the “begats” (old King James lingo).
I am, however, glad the lists are there. I do believe they are in the Bible by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Here's why: Even lists I don’t care to read remind me that individuals matter to God. I matter to God. Other individuals matter to God. I can be confident of that because, in Holy Writ, He has included lists of individuals.
I’m on a list of His, too. My name is written in His “Book of Life”. That book, when described in Scripture, is usually mentioned in a negative context:
If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15 NIV)
But the Scriptures make it clear the opposite is true, as well. In Revelation 21:27, entrance into heaven is described as limited to…
…those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. (Revelation 21:27 NIV)
I’m glad my name is written down. I’m thankful Jesus has given me life. I’m grateful for a God who has made note of that. I confess that I’m still yet egocentric enough not to care all that much about lists of *other* names—but I’m really grateful he’s made a note of mine!
4 comments:
I sort of feel the same way about all these list etc and wonder at the importance of them, but as I do our family tree stuff I find myself getting very involved like I can sort of come to know them by the things I learn and also where I came from. I am sure like you there is purpose so will try not to skim over them and hurry on to more exciting reading which I am doing this morn. good thing to do on such a cold day.
One thing I learn from Sarai is that when we take matters into our own hands and don't wait on God's timing we can birth an Ishmael!
Amen Pastor! I too, am thankful that my name is in the Lambs Book of Life. I am also very thankful for the opportunities the Lord gives me to help others (family and others), add their name to the Lambs Book of Life. That is exciting! Thanks be to God, I am seeing great progress with members of my extended family. I just need to always do my favorite thing, obey, obey, obey. :)
I LOVE an honest pastor. You are the best.
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