Day 138 Reflection
I Chronicles 1-3, Psalm 115, Romans 2
The Rev. Mark Andrew Jones, BSG
Today we leave behind the first and second books of Kings and begin to read the first book of Chronicles. As we do so, we might be challenged by the extensive genealogies to maintain our interest. The genealogies form a shorthand means by which to retell the grand story. Since many names in the Chroniclers genealogies are not familiar one is likely to miss some subtle messages. By sequence and length, the Davidic line and kings of Judah are stressed, while the notion of “Israel” is inclusive of both the Southern and Northern Kingdoms. Soon one realizes that a “whitewash” of sorts is occurring. There is no reference to the civil war that ensued after Saul’s death, or of the violation of Tamar and the rebellion of Absalom. Israeli identity is becoming David-centric or Davidic.
The Chronicler’s good news is that God continues to act down through the generations. And, as we see elsewhere, God continues to work for good through David’s line. “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.”
Yes, we make mistakes and we sin, but the Letter to the Romans makes clear that God’s kindness is meant to lead us in a better way. We cannot judge that Way by outward signs of obedience, however. No, it is first and foremost a matter of the heart.
I Chronicles 1-3, Psalm 115, Romans 2
The Rev. Mark Andrew Jones, BSG
Today we leave behind the first and second books of Kings and begin to read the first book of Chronicles. As we do so, we might be challenged by the extensive genealogies to maintain our interest. The genealogies form a shorthand means by which to retell the grand story. Since many names in the Chroniclers genealogies are not familiar one is likely to miss some subtle messages. By sequence and length, the Davidic line and kings of Judah are stressed, while the notion of “Israel” is inclusive of both the Southern and Northern Kingdoms. Soon one realizes that a “whitewash” of sorts is occurring. There is no reference to the civil war that ensued after Saul’s death, or of the violation of Tamar and the rebellion of Absalom. Israeli identity is becoming David-centric or Davidic.
The Chronicler’s good news is that God continues to act down through the generations. And, as we see elsewhere, God continues to work for good through David’s line. “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.”
Yes, we make mistakes and we sin, but the Letter to the Romans makes clear that God’s kindness is meant to lead us in a better way. We cannot judge that Way by outward signs of obedience, however. No, it is first and foremost a matter of the heart.
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