“And Mikloth begat Shimeam. And they also dwelt with their brethren at Jerusalem, over against their brethren” (1 Chronicles 9:38).
TEXT — 1 Chronicles 9:35-44
Message
The book, Roots, by Alex Haley, is a bestseller for many reasons. It tells the story of Kunta Kinte, an 18th century African captured as an adolescent, sold into slavery in Africa and transported to North America. It follows his life and the lives of his descendants in the United States down to Haley. The novel spent forty-six weeks on The New York Times bestseller list, including twenty-two weeks at number one. The book was such a huge success because knowing, recording and preserving family history can have direct impact on one’s family and even future generations.
The genealogy of Saul is the focus of today’s passage. It is to emphasise the fact that God did not wipe out his lineage. His descendants lived to the days of Ezra and the return from exile. The genealogy continues for twelve generations after him. The fact that his dynasty crashed and his kingship was transferred to David did not remove his family’s place in Israel’s history. It is significant that the divine record still noted his generation long after he was gone.
Knowing our historical background can help us develop a strong sense of who we really are. Whether as a church, family or individual, our past history (even if negative) can serve as a lesson for others. The records we keep can be a source of inspiration for many who may be able to serve God better because of our legacy.
Many missionaries of old wrote journals where they kept records of their experiences, which give us adequate information about their daily spiritual and physical discipline. As God helped them to live an organised life, He will help you also today to keep good records of your walk with Him.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
Sweet moment to be more connected to God
To know that God did not cut off the descendants of Saul shows that God, indeed,is merciful.