New Beginnings

HIGHLIGHT: 1 Chronicles 9:1-2. All Israel was listed in the genealogies recorded in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. They were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. 2 Now the first to resettle on their own property in their own towns were some Israelites, priests, Levites and temple servants.

EXPLAIN: The Chronicler was intent on making sure the people of Israel remembered their past ~ where they had come from and how God had moved among their people. This first verse reminds them that they were in a situation ~ exiled away from their land and under another's rule ~ because they had walked out on God. Their actions had brought brokenness and chaos into their lives.

That is the first verse: a reminder of their past. The second verse begins to be a reminder of God's intent over their failures. They are beginning the process of going back to their land and settling into their new homes on their own property. This is the beginning of a new start in the life of Israel.

APPLY: The story of God found throughout the Bible is consistently showing a relentless God who loves His people with a never failing love. Over and over, He is working in their lives, in the middle of their messes, to bring about new beginnings. God's love (His primary characteristic) shines through in each situation.

In this narrative portion, which is comprised of genealogy and what they were doing, we see a brand new beginning for Israel. They had suffered at the hands of others, lived through a period of exile, and are now beginning over.

New Beginnings can be an exciting time ~ the start of new place to live, with new friends, and new experiences to come. However, many people see it a little different: Will I like this place? Will I like these people? And even, there is no way these experiences can compare to my last experiences!

In each of our moments, even in those new beginnings, it is important to recognize the grace of God being poured out on us. From the one that has served their time in jail - a new beginning is a change at life again. For the one that has found freedom from pornography - a new beginning without shame has come. For the one who has found a new job - a new opportunity to provide for their family. For the college kid who is starting over - a new opportunity to experience the grace of God through friendship with others.

In each of these moments, and so many more, God's grace is leading us toward a new beginning of trust. Trust that God loves us, will walk with us and lead us into days with opportunities to see Him at work in our lives.

RESPONSE: Jesus, there are many scary moments in our lives. May we always know you are with us, walking side by side, and leading us into a life filled with newness each day. Would you grow my trust in you, and in those scary moments, I pray you will bring peace to my soul.