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 146
SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 8
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
After Shaharaim divorced his wives Hushim and Baara, he had children in the land of Moab. Hodesh, his new wife, gave birth to Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, Jeuz, Sakia, and Mirmah. These sons all became the leaders of clans. [1 Chronicles 8:8-10]
Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” “Then why did Moses say in the law that a man could give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away?” they asked. Jesus replied, “Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended. [Matthew 19:6-8]
Today’s passage is not much to chew on – just a boring list of names.
The only part that got me thinking was about Shaharaim divorcing his wives and going to “someone else” – some things never change!
No commentary, no opinions expressed, no life-lessons, just the information about what he did, and his new family.
But read between the lines, put yourself in the sandals of poor Hushim and Baara, imagine what it was like for a woman to be abandoned in that male-dominated culture where their very survival depended on men.
Did they marry again? Did they prostitute themselves to survive? How did Hushim provide for her children [1 Chronicles 8:11]?
Divorce always causes damage, there will always be scars.
Someone once observed to me that if you tear apart one body (the two become one), there will be blood.
God did not design for divorce and though He allows it in situations because we are so stubborn and stupid, nevertheless it has never been His intent.
Divorce happens, but just because it happens doesn’t mean we should approve of it or endorse it.
I am not saying that we should outlaw it or condemn those who go through it; there will always be times when it is unavoidable (even God thought so).
But let us drop the idea that divorce is harmless, or that there is no fault.
The negative effect on the husband, wife, children, extended family, friends and neighbours is greater than we realize.
As Christians we need to support those who experience divorce, but we also should do all we can to help couples/families avoid it as much as possible!
PRAYER:
Lord, there will always be broken family lines (like Shaharaim, Hushim, Baara), but help me to do what I can to build a solid family line.
Genealogies. A list of names. Names that are not remembered. This was Benjamin’s line. It was important to him. There were many sons and grandsons. God blessed them. God remembers them and how they lived. The genealogy is important if they are written in the book of life. Their names need to be engraven upon His hands.
It is important to me this day to see my children and children’s children walk in His way. It is my prayer that my ‘tribe’ walks in His Sonshine each and every day. What a blessing it is when the family of God walks in His Way. Praise the Lord! all you children of Him – young men and maidens, old men and children. Let us praise Him for He gives us the power and strength and vision and wisdom to live each day for Him. May that be our history.
I love to tell the story
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I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true;
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
Refrain
I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.
I love to tell the story, it did so much for me;
And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.