May 17, 2006 - I Chronicles 1-3 and John 5:25-47.

I Chronicles starts off with several chapters of genealogies. Genealogies can be boring, but they can be fun, too. Think about them as the foundation for understanding all of the players in the story. Imagine that you are sitting with your grandparents in their old country house as they talk about all of their friends and family. Listen closely to what is said, because it gives insight into what is important to God. If you were mentioned in a family tree by God, what would He say about you? Would it be a positive statement like Nimrod, the mighty one? (1:10) Would it be a negative statement like Er, the wicked one God killed? (2:3) Maybe, it would just be your name, because you did not do anything of consequence. Is that what you want for your life? Genealogies are significant, because each individual is important to God.

In John 5 Jesus speaks of life and judgment. He is the source of life, and He has the authority to execute judgment. (v.26,27) His judgment is always righteous. There will be a time when each of us is judged by Christ, either in the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation. What will Jesus say about you? Will He say that you were not willing to come to Him to receive life, so you are in the resurrection of condemnation? (v40) Will He say that you do not have the love of God in you? (v.42) I pray that He will find the love of God in you, because you chose to receive life from Him, so that you are in the resurrection of life. That is the most important thing that can be said about anyone.

Tomorrow, I intend to read I Chronicles 4-6 and John 6:1-21.