He Knows My Name
One Year Bible (July 9)
I Chronicles 7:1-8:40
“He Knows My Name”
“Spent today in a conversation. In the mirror face to face with somebody less than perfect. I wouldn’t choose me first if I was looking for a champion.” (He Knows My Name, Francesca Battistelli)
The opening lyrics to this song bring up a very good point for us to consider. How does God look through that long list of names and pick a champion to serve him?
What does it take to be “In God’s favor” or “Out of God’s Favor”?
Yesterday, we looked at the story of Jabez and how he was blessed because of his prayer in seeking God, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please, be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain! (4:10)
Let’s pick up our story today in I Chronicles 5:1-26. We see the name Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn son. While Jabez was honored and blessed, we read that Jacob was passed over and his birthright was given to his younger brother, Joseph. For this reason, Reuben’s name is not listed in the genealogical records as the firstborn son.
Why did he miss the blessing?
“But since he dishonored his father by sleeping with one of his father’s concubines, his birthright was given to the sons of his brother Joseph.” (5:1) Reuben, like Esau traded his birthright for his physical appetites rather than his spiritual heritage (Gen. 25:32)
Their actions forever would affect their name as well as their destiny and direction. Reuben and Esau would forever be remembered as the sons that lost the blessing of being the firstborn.
In our today's reading, we saw more examples of what God is looking for in a person that he chooses to bless.
What king would be blessed and what nation would win in a war? Does God have a role in all of this? Most definitely!
Let’s look at a couple of important details concerning this principle in I Chronicles 5-6.
“They cried out to God during the battle, and he answee Hagrites were killed in the battle because God was fighting AGAINST them.” (5:22)
What do you think that means as we are talking aboOne Year Bible (July 9)
I Chronicles 7:1-8:40
“He Knows My Name”
“Spent today in a conversation. In the mirror face to face with somebody less than perfect. I wouldn’t choose me first if I was looking for a champion.” (He Knows My Name, Francesca Battistelli)
The opening lyrics to this song bring up a very good point for us to consider. How does God look through that long list of names and pick a champion to serve him?
What does it take to be “In God’s favor” or “Out of God’s Favor”?
Yesterday, we looked at the story of Jabez and how he was blessed because of his prayer in seeking God, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please, be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain! (4:10)
Let’s pick up our story today in I Chronicles 5:1-26. We see the name Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn son. While Jabez was honored and blessed, we read that Jacob was passed over and his birthright was given to his younger brother, Joseph. For this reason, Reuben’s name is not listed in the genealogical records as the firstborn son.
Why did he miss the blessing?
“But since he dishonored his father by sleeping with one of his father’s concubines, his birthright was given to the sons of his brother Joseph.” (5:1) Reuben, like Esau traded his birthright for his physical appetites rather than his spiritual heritage (Gen. 25:32)
Their actions forever would affect their name as well as their destiny and direction. Reuben and Esau would forever be remembered as the sons that lost the blessing of being the firstborn.
In our today's reading, we saw more examples of what God is looking for in a person that he chooses to bless.
What king would be blessed and what nation would win in a war? Does God have a role in all of this? Most definitely!
Let’s look at a couple of important details concerning tut the sovereignty of God?
Was HE out there swinging a sword? Does HE even need to pick up a sword?
Now the same passage is talking about tribes that were leaders of their clan and had a great reputation as mighty warriors and leaders of their clans. (5:22)
How did these mighty warriors do in the battle?
“But these tribes were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors. They worshiped the gods of the nations that God had destroyed. So the God of Israel CAUSED King Pul of Assyria to invade the land and take away the people of Reuben…” (5:25)
I Chronicles is going to continue to remind the people of why they were taken into captivity in the first place and give them an encouragement to be the people that God has called them to be!
There is a pattern that they need to remember, and we do also!
God doesn’t bless the “Great and Mighty”. He blesses those that “Seek and Obey”.
When the kings obeyed and trusted God, they were blessed and protected. When the kings disobeyed or put their trust in something or someone other than God,
He WITHDREW His blessing and protection!
When I look at the genealogies that go for nine looooong chapters, I am in awe of a God who took every piece of the puzzle while administering justice and mercy to bring about a complete picture of his unmerited grace.
The faithful could not accomplish it on their own power, and the unfaithful tyrants could not hinder his glorious plan of redemption.
God would keep his covenant to his people. Even though they had been unfaithful, he would be faithful. Even though many of them would try to thwart his plan he would bring about a remnant through which to bring His son.
He would accomplish HIS SOVEREIGN PLAN.
The question is… Who would choose to be part of that plan?
He called the faithful by name and they came and followed. Their names will be remembered because of their faithful obedience…Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Barak, Samson, David, Samuel, and the prophets.
He called them each by name and they responded… BY FAITH… (Heb. 11)
“I don’t need my name in lights. I’m famous in my Father’s eyes. Make no mistake. He knows my name. I’m not living for applause. I’m already so adored. It’s all His stage."
He knows my name.” (Francesca Battistelli)
