The next few days our readings are lists of names. If you need more inspiration, I suggest that you also read the following passage for your personal devotions today.
Psalm 23
SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 5
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The oldest son of Israel was Reuben. But since he dishonored his father by sleeping with one of his father’s concubines, his birthright was given to the sons of his brother Joseph. For this reason, Reuben is not listed in the genealogical records as the firstborn son. The descendants of Judah became the most powerful tribe and provided a ruler for the nation, but the birthright belonged to Joseph. [1 Chronicles 5:1-2]
“What do you suppose the owner of the vineyard will do to them?” Jesus asked. “I’ll tell you—he will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard to others.” [Luke 20:15-16]
Jesus tells a parable about those receiving special favours losing them because of how they behaved; this parallels what we read today about Reuben, who loses his place and privilege as the firstborn son because he dishonoured his father [Genesis 35:22].
Today’s reading is a reminder and warning that God’s blessing can be lost if we do not honour Him with it.
The great commission of God first given to Abraham [Genesis 12:1-2] was to be a blessing with the blessings received.
Yet too often the people who are blessed (saved or forgiven or healed or helped, etc.) receive the privilege for themselves, and use/abuse it for selfish pleasure or purpose.
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were often the ones Jesus challenged for forgetting that they were supposed to bless others.
Jesus goes so far as saying that the Gentiles receive the blessing and the religious leaders lose it.
Are we using God’s blessing for God’s purpose – to bless others?
Or are we soaking in the blessing while ignoring those around us.
Or worse, are we like Reuben using our advantages to do things that are immoral or uncaring?
There is more than enough blessing in the world to feed the hungry, help the poor, comfort the distressed, assist the sick.
But those that have it do not use it for that purpose…
Is it possible that one day they will lose it, because they do not use it for God’s purpose?
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to direct all that I am, all that I have, to honour You and bless others. Help me to use it (for good), not lose it!
Happy are the people who live together in peace and harmony, trusting the Lord God. Their battle was the Lord’s.
The half tribe of Manasseh were unfaithful to God so that the Lord God stirred up the king and he took the people in exile.
Do this and live, that’s what the Master said. Obey. Love God. Love man as yourself. We are here to serve. Where have you seen God this day? If you don’t have the upward look, you will not find Him but will be a SelfSeeker rather than a SonSeeker.
Love God and be a blessing to others and you will have JOY – happiness – living in His presence today and forever.
The joy of the Lord is my strength,
the joy of the Lord is my strength,
The joy of the Lord is my strength,
the joy of the Lord is my strength.
He heals the broken hearted and they cry no more,
He heals the broken hearted and they cry no more.
He heals the broken hearted and they cry no more,
the joy of the Lord is my strength.
He gives me living water and I thirst no more,
He gives me living water and I thirst no more.
He gives me living water and I thirst no more,
the joy of the Lord is my strength.