Bible Reading--I Chronicles 1-29
One of my favorite magazines is Alaska, which I have subscribed to for at least 20 years...with the hopes of one day visiting what I now can only afford to read about! At the end of every issue are a couple of pages that list about 20 residents of Alaska who have died "who have achieved pioneer status through many years in the North, or have made significant contributions to the state." One person is featured with a longer obituary, and the rest are given one short paragraph...their name, age, when they came to Alaska, their occupation, etc. The last sentence of many is just something the person is remembered for. Philip D. "loved fishing and travel." Calvin F. "worked to preserve public lands across the state." Marvin H. "was a New York Yankees fan." Carl H. "was an avid bridge player." Loraine M. "was well known for her needlework." Robert M. "was known for his work ethic and community spirit." Emma O. "was known as an outstanding cook." Etta S. "was active in the community as well as her church." And the list goes on! Reading these always prompts me to wonder what I would read if my life were reduced to one paragraph.
I'm sure some would say, "That's interesting, but what does this have to do with I Chronicles!" Well, this came to my mind as I read the first nine chapters of the book. There hundred's of David's ancestors are listed, and while most of the people are just named with no additional comment one noted exception was Jabez. Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.(I Chronicles 4:9-10) This is the only place in the Bible Jabez is mentioned, and this is all we know about him.
Want an interesting exercise in reflection? What would a one paragraph blurb on your life contain?
I'm sure some would say, "That's interesting, but what does this have to do with I Chronicles!" Well, this came to my mind as I read the first nine chapters of the book. There hundred's of David's ancestors are listed, and while most of the people are just named with no additional comment one noted exception was Jabez. Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.(I Chronicles 4:9-10) This is the only place in the Bible Jabez is mentioned, and this is all we know about him.
Want an interesting exercise in reflection? What would a one paragraph blurb on your life contain?