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What’s in a Name?
Abram; the same is Abraham. The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael. These are their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam, 30 Mishma, and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael. Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: she bare Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan; Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these are the sons of Keturah. And Abraham begat Isaac. The sons of Isaac; Esau and Israel.
2 Chronicles 1:27-34
In today’s reading, we started 1 Chronicles. No one knows who wrote the books of Chronicles, but some believe the scribe and priest Ezra wrote at least some of it. First and 2 Chronicles tells much of the same history as the books of Samuel and Kings, but Chronicles looks at the history through the priests’ eyes.
We ended Kings yesterday with the conquest of Judah and the exile to Babylon, which ended the time of the Promised Land. Chronicles were written from this exile. Exile was a tool used to build empires, and it forced the mixing of people groups. Personal histories were forgotten over time. The Chronicles were written to remind the children of Israel who they were, where they came from, and who God is.
The first nine chapters are genealogy. When we read these lists of hard to pronounce names, we might wonder what the purpose is of including them. But once we understand why the names are there, it will make a difference in the posture of our heart as we read them.
When families were taken into exile, those families were split apart; community groups and relationships were destroyed; and parents, siblings, and even spouses would never see each other again as they were carried away to unknown lands. These names—these genealogies—were written so the people could remember where they came from and who they were. Each name represents a person that lived and went through great sorrow, grief, and much loss.
On September 11, 2006, at the fifth anniversary of what our country knows as 9/11, there was a reading of the names of every single person killed in the events of that tragic day. Someone read each name, paused, and then moved to the next name.
It was during that reading that the conviction of God fell on me, and I cried out to Him – repenting of my sins and confessing Jesus as my Lord and Savior. What was it about those names? For me, I listened and remembered these people. I didn’t know them, but I did know that not one of those listed deserved to die on that day the way they did. It caused me to look at my own life, and to be honest, I wanted to die that day, but I knew that I deserved to die, for my heart was full of sin and anger and bitterness. I also knew that if I did, I would split hell wide open and live eternity there. What do you do when you are at the end but there is nothing? You go back to what you know to be true. Even if you have denied truth and walked away from truth.
So I did. I cried out to God, and He heard me “out of His holy hill,” and He reached down and His glory filled the room I was in. LITERALLY!!!! In that room that day He saved me, delivered me, and filled me with His Holy Ghost. My life has never been the same.
What brought me to my knees was the reality of the life and death behind each name that was remembered. I have never looked at a genealogy the same. Since the Bible says our names are written in a book – we are a part of a great genealogy too. When you hear my name read someday – remember this testimony. When I hear yours, I will remember you and all you have shared with me about your own life in Jesus Christ.
What is in a name? For some of us, everything. Please don’t skip the reading of the genealogies.
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Bound Under a Curse
And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.
Acts 23:11-15
When Paul’s Sister’s Son Heard of They Lying in Wait
And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him. So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee. Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me? And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly. But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee. So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.
Acts 23:16-22
Centurions, Soldiers, Horsemen, Spearmen
And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Cæsarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; and provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
Acts 23:23-24
Nothing Laid to His Charge Worthy of Death or of Bonds
And he wrote a letter after this manner: Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting. This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council: whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.
Acts 23:25-30
Commanded to Be Kept in Herod’s Judgment Hall
Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: who, when they came to Cæsarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall.
Acts 23:31-35
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For the LORD Sustained Me
LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
Psalms 3:1-5
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Heart of the Prudent, Ear of the Wise
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
Proverbs 18:15
Prudent – marked by wisdom or judicious in practical affairs; discreet; sober; careful in providing for the future.
Oh Lord, please help me to be one marked by wisdom and a seeker of knowledge all the days of my life.
