That's the Book: 1 Chronicles

I received a text yesterday in the middle of church.  I love when people spread good news.

Some people will tell you that the books of 1st and 2nd Chronicles are just repeats of 1st and 2nd Samuel and 1st and 2nd Kings.  I won't.  

I believe these books function like mid sermon texts that say "Hey look there. Look what your heavenly father did!  God is so great!"

The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles are geneologies.  My kiddo would call them boring. The nerd in me thinks it's interesting to track out how many of the names and stories I recognize.  A who's who in the family tree that I can trace to my redemption.  

Tucked into the big long list of what God has done is a side note which shows how a single prayer can change a life. I would never recommend you base your life on one out-of- context verse.  However, I will tell you that in my life, when I pray big bold prayers I've learned to then watch and see what happens because it's never boring.  

"Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying "Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me?" And God granted him what he requested."  I Chronicles 4:10

After the geneologies, much of 1 Chronicles revisits the life of David. The goal is to display his story as foreshadowing for the type of leader who was promised to restore all of humanity.  David was not a perfect person - but he reflects the type that is coming. The key is in verse 11:9 and it's not about David.  It's about whom he trusts.

David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him.  1 Chronicles 11:9

Chapter 16 is my favorite. David and the people bring the ark of God to Jerusalem and celebrate that the presence of God will again dwell in their midst. And David assigns people a job. A big job. The job is to give thanks to the Lord. It makes me want to assign people to give thanks. Hey you over there - new job. Make a a list. Give thanks! I'm serious. If you are reading this I'd love it if you'd post a comment, a photo or a story about what you have seen God do. Share it on Instagram, on Twitter, on Facebook. Text a friend. Send me a Wall of Faith entry. Ascribe to the Lord praise.

"Oh Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name, Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him. Speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name, Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad." 1 Chronicles 16:8

When I pause and look through my photos I see the glory of the Lord displayed in creation.  Behind each of these photos is a story of how I was restored, renewed and encouraged by a gift from God. Take a peek in your photos.  Look for times He spoke. 

"Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods." 1 Chronicles 16:23

You tired of bad news?  Of stories of shame and loss and violence?  Check out a few of these stories.  See what God is doing among the nations.  

Photo credit: The Joshua Fund

Photo Credit: Ndengera Foundation

Photo Credit: Samaritian's Purse

"Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength, Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the Lord in holy array."  I Chronicles 16:28

Just this last week I have seen God help people. I heard of cancelled hearings, reduced bills, clear medical tests, a rescue in the wilderness, resolved conflict, peace in the midst of a storm.  I saw a husband go out of his way to love his wife.  I saw children grow.  I saw God.

"Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting. Then all the people said "Amen," and praised the Lord.  1 Chronicles 16:36

Such a fun song straight from 1 Chronicles 16:36. Turn it up, dance and sing.

"Now therefore, our God, we thank you and praise Your glorious name."  I Chronicles 29:13

You see, the goal of Chronicles is to inspire you to do the same. Raise your voice. Praise God today.  Someone is watching and I know we could all use the encouragement. 

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Resources

Read Scripture: 1st Chronicles. The Bible Project explains nicely how the books of 1st and 2nd Chronicles are not just repeats of the preceeding books in the Old Testament.  In the Jewish scriptures, Chronicles is the last book.  Therefore, the book functions to summarize the entire history and point forward to the coming Messiah. These videos help me see the big picture.  Watch them all.

This book is a fun and challenging look at how applying a story from the Bible to your life can have reaching impact.