Purpose over Promotion

HIGHLIGHT: 1 CHRONICLES 1-4

EXPLAIN: It will be very evident that I did not actually write out the highlighted verses for one main reason. The section of scripture is four chapters long. The scriptures highlighted are the genealogy of Israel. It traces the people from the beginning (Adam) all the way through the post-exilic period (after the exile of the people of Israel was over) including that of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Many read through these names and wonder why in the world the chronicler would consider writing this information down.

APPLY: In the last five years, there have been several companies that have sprung up that help someone to explore their family tree. It is with little effort you can look up ancestry.com, 23andme.com, or even myheritage.com. People are interested in where they have come from and what connects them to their past.

The Israelites were no different. The Chronicler is speaking to a people who have lost touch with who they are because of their time in exile. They are trying to help the people connect with their past. They need to remember where they have come from (God provided a place, purpose and other people with Adam) and their purpose in life (to reveal God to the nations around them).

I will admit that I am always looking forward and that can be to my detriment. It's not because moving forward is a bad thing. However, missional drift is a real thing in life. It can be too easy to become: too busy as a parent to parent your kids...to busy as an employee to invest in your spouse...too busy in purchasing all you can while forgetting you are a human being not a human buying.

It is important for us all to stop from time to time, remember where we have come from and what our is our mission in life. That mission in life is a powerful tool to keep you from drifting.

Years ago, when Tina and I first got married, I wrote out a purpose statement for my life. I declared that I am a disciple of Jesus, a husband to Tina, a dad to my kids (Zac, Luke, Shaina and Jesse) and a pastor in the Church of the Nazarene. Several years ago, when offered a "promotion," I went back to my purpose statement and realized that if I took the promotion I would be going against my purpose and mission in life. I said thank you, but no...I have other things I need to focus on in life right now.

RESPONSE: Heavenly Father...you have gifted me for many things, but you have called me to a few things. Help me to never forget your gifts for me, you're calling for me and give me focus to fulfill those things to the best of my ability.