1 Chronicles 2:1–2: “These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.”

August 21st, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

The statement, “These were the sons of Israel,” begins the genealogy of the sons chosen to inherit the covenant Abraham made with God. Here begins the line of Judah that leads to David and ultimately to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, our only hope of salvation.

We do not put our hope in religion or possessions, nor do we trust in our nation or pedigree. Eternal life is available only through the second birth, a spiritual birth. No matter how great our first-birth privileges or heritage are, they will not help us secure our salvation. The only help we have is in surrendering to Jesus Christ our Redeemer and what He has done for us. However, there is a heritage that is important for us all—the example of a personal, spiritual relationship with Jesus that we pass down to our children.

Two brothers grew up in a country home. When they were adults, they moved away and became wealthy. They occasionally visited their father and mother; but when their parents went to heaven, they did not know what to do with the old house. One said to the other, “If you’ll sell out your interest to me, I’ll tear down the house and build a summer home there, and let you come out to it whenever you want.” The brother agreed, and they took a trip to the old homestead to tear it down. But when they went into the house, they were struck with many sacred memories. One walked up and down in front of the old fireplace, while the other sat down. Finally one said to the other, “You know what I’m thinking about? I’ve changed my mind since I’ve been sitting here. We’re not going to tear down this old house.” “That is a strange thing,” said the other brother. “Because as I’ve been walking up and down, that is exactly what I was thinking.” He looked around and said, “Here is the old chair that father sat in as he read the Bible to us during family worship—the chair around which we knelt as he lifted our hearts to God.” They stayed there 2 hours talking things over, and then they both got down on their knees by the old chair, repented, and wept their hearts out before God. They went back to their lives, saved men. They gave much of their old-god money to God and began to live for their new God, the God Almighty. The old house still stands today. Not a single thing was moved out because the family altar had been established there. May we also come to know and experience that kind of spiritual heritage for our children and grandchildren, down to many generations.

“LORD, please give us the long view of eternity as we serve You this day.”