“The Lord records as he registers the peoples, “This one was born there.”” – Psalm 87:6
“But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.” – 1 Corinthians 12:18
Scripture reading: Nehemiah 12:1-26
It’s time to test your commitment to reading the assigned Scripture. Did you read through the names that God placed in His Word? What about yesterday? The Bible often has lists and genealogies, and it takes a special patience to read through them. Especially when many of the names are the same from one chapter to the next. While I admit that I don’t love reading out loud the lists of names, I do love the fact that they are there. I am comforted by such lists for two wonderful reasons.
First, God knows them by name, and He gives them a place in His kingdom. Each of these names and clans have registered and seek to serve. We see this in the church as well. The church is not some mishmash of spare parts. We might wonder at times what the Lord is doing, but God is at work bringing together a congregation and each part, like every one of our body parts has a place and a role.
Second, in these lists we notice that family lines are traced. We see the faith of fathers handed down to the children. Parents raised their children in the fear and instruction of the Lord, and the children embraced it. This list is, in part, the fruit of the prayers of a mother praying for her rebellious child and of a father teaching his children what the Scriptures and the covenant means. Through ordinary families and relationships the Lord works, restoring a people for the glory of God.
Suggestions for prayer
Thank the Lord that He knows you by name and for the place He has for you in His Kingdom. Ask the Lord to restore the wayward and bring in others who previously did not know Him, that by many more the Lord may be praised.
Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
