Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles

Monday’s Reading - 1 Chronicles Chapters 1-9

The Book of Chronicles literally means, “things left behind or omitted.” Even though you may think it would contain things not listed in the previous books of history, about half of it isn’t new. The important thing to note is that this book was addressed specifically to those who are returning from captivity. We ended 2 Kings with all of Israel being taken into captivity from either the Asyrians or the Babylonians. At the onset of Chronicles, the captives have returned and now they are trying to rebuild their society. One of the best ways to do that is to remember who you are. So we begin the first nine chapters with a long list of genealogies. I know, I know. You’re thinking, “say begat one more time!” But when you understand how it’s broken down, you’ll see the importance. The first three chapters talk about the lineage of King David. The one who united the kingdom of Israel and God promised a Messiah from his line. Chapters 4-7 talk about the lineage of the Twelve Tribes or, as you’ll see the phrase quite often, “all of Israel.” Chapters 8-9 talk about the lineage of King Saul, the first king of Israel. And then of those in exile and the priests of the temple. By tracing the lineage of King David up to the time of captivity, the writer of Chronicles was giving the people hope that God would honor the promise to send a Messiah that would once again restore Israel.

Tuesday’s Reading - 1 Chronicles Chps. 10-12

Throughout the Books of Judges, Samuel and Kings we see that sin always leads to downfall of both individuals and nations. But in Chronicles we see that faith brings blessings. In these chapters, we’re reminded of the sinfulness of King Saul and of the faithfulness of King David. The writer quite often talks about the contrasts of faithfulness and blessings and sinfulness and judgment. Not only does faithfulness bring blessings, but those around you are blessed as well. The writer shows this by not only talking about David as a “great man” but then goes on to talk about those who worked with David to bring about the first kingdom. It really is true that great people inspire greatness in others.

Wednesday’s Reading - 1 Chronicles Chps. 13-16

There were two major religious movements in the kingship of David. The first is talked about in these chapters. It is bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. It was a symbol of God’s grace to the people, but even more, it was the place that God had chosen to dwell. The Ark was to the people of the Old Testament what the cross is to us. This is a retelling of the story found in 2 Samuel 6 and talks again about one of my most favorite lines in the Old Testament. When King Saul’s daughter Michal tells David he is not being “dignified” because he was dancing in the streets as the Ark made its way into Jerusalem, David responds, “I will celebrate before the Lord and become even more undignified than this!” (2 Samuel 6:22).

Our God is the God of the undignified!

Our God was born in a drafty old cave filled with animals.

Our God had blisters from swinging a hammer and bruised fingers from holding nails.

Our God was made fun of.

Our God was run out of His hometown by the “dignified” people.

Our God ate the wild wheat.

Our God slept under the stars because he had no home.

Our God ate cold meals with sinners.

Our God rode a borrowed burro into Jerusalem.

Our God was arrested for no reason.

Our God was betrayed by His friends.

Our God bled as the whip cracked against his back.

Our God died naked and bleeding on a lonely hilltop.

Jesus died not for the dignified, but for the undignified. For the least and the lost. The lonely and the forgotten.

Jesus’ life was not dignified.

Our undignified God died so that we can become dignified by amazing grace. So if I need to become undignified to receive God’s grace, then let me become even more undignified than this.

Thursday’s Reading - 1 Chronicles Chps. 17-21

David is at the height of his power and prestige and to cement his legacy, he wants to build God a Temple. But, God had chosen someone else. There’s many things in ministry that I would love to be able to do. Singing well is right at the top of the list. But I know that I can’t sing and I know that God has blessed others with the gift of voice and I am always inspired when I see others using their gifts for the glory of God. Even though I can’t do these things, especially singing, I can do everything in my power to encourage others. Even though David couldn’t build the Temple, he did all that he could to ensure that the temple would be built after he was gone.

David knew that everything he had he owed to God. And even though he couldn’t leave a legacy of a temple that was built by him, he was moved in his heart to leave the people something more important. He wanted to ensure that God would be close to his nation.

Friday’s Reading - 1 Chronicles Chps. 22-29

Even though David couldn’t build the temple, he could make sure it was built by others. So, he got all of the money, materials and craftsmen ready to go for his son Solomon. But David knew that God’s church isn’t four walls. God’s church is the people. So not only did he work tirelessly to ensure that the physical building could be built, he also worked to make sure that God would be worshiped by God’s people. David called together the Levites and the Temple priests and got them organized. He called together all the musicians and vocalists and had them practice their songs. Many of the songs he wrote himself. And, finally, David did probably one of the most important things any leader could do. He formally passed the torch onto his son Solomon and gave him his blessings.