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 103

SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 3
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
These are the sons of David who were born in Hebron: The oldest was Amnon, whose mother was Ahinoam from Jezreel… These were the sons of David, not including his sons born to his concubines. Their sister was named Tamar. [1 Chronicles 3:1,9]
There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.”Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” [Mark 3:32-35]
This is a partial list of David’s huge.
But look who is mentioned first and last – Amnon and Tamar [2 Samuel 13].
Amnon was his son – a cruel rapist; Tamar was his daughter – a poor victim.
David’s huge family consisted of the best and the worst, those that loved and honoured David and those that shamed and harassed him.
They were all family by blood, but not by their lifestyle or behaviour.

Yesterday we saw that every person that has ever existed belongs to God’s family as His children – created and loved by Him.
But not all God’s children live and behave that way.
God’s family on earth has both guilty rapists and innocent victims.
God’s heart breaks for the brokenness and dysfunctionality of His family.
He enters the world through Jesus to restore His family, to bring them back.
But not everyone is willing; many refuse His gracious offer.
And like David, God has to deal with the consequences of the choices His rebellious sons and daughters make – and among those consequences are the many Tamar’s, their innocent victims.

Yes, everyone is God’s child by virtue of their creation; but not everyone will ultimately be honoured as God’s children.
God’s family are those that admit their sin, cling to Jesus as their Saviour, and commit to obeying His will as their Lord.
If I want to be a part of Jesus’ family, I need to consider whether I want to be like Jesus, committed to living God’s way, according to God’s will.
If I do not want to live like Jesus, love like Jesus, obey like Jesus, etc., then do I really want to be His brother?

PRAYER:
Lord, show me how the inappropriate attitudes and behaviours that remain in my life hurt You and Your family, and hinder me from enjoying life in Your family.