Day 14 - 40 Days in the Old Testament

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Old Testament
Day  14 | GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

1 Chronicles 17:16-22

(David prays)
“Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? … Lord God, you have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men … “There is no one like you, Lord, and there is no God but you …  You made your people Israel your very own forever, and you, Lord, have become their God.” (NIV)

The Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) introduces us to the Creation and then to God’s people, the Israelites, and their history until they were about to enter the Promised Land.  This book, 1 Chronicles, mirrors some of the events from 2 Samuel and 1 Kings, especially David’s reign.   First and Second Chronicles also introduce the Israelites who returned to Jerusalem after their captivity and exile in Babylon.   The author (likely Ezra the Scribe) attempts to re-acquaint the Israelites with their history as God’s chosen people.

A theme here is God’s faithfulness. The Lord promised His people – in the previous Books – they would always be His people, have their own land, and much more. God, again, shows His faithfulness to His people even though His people (back then and today, too) have periods of unfaithfulness and sin towards Almighty God.

In today’s verses, we eavesdrop on a bit of David’s heartfelt prayer to the LORD. David is praising God for His being unlike any other and praising Him that He would make the people of Israel His own forever and ever.
 
Consider how unfaithful the Israelites had been to the Lord. They ignored God’s prophets who warned them to return to God and be obedient. But God, faithful to His promises – after letting them suffer the consequences of captivity – now welcomes them back because they were (and are) His chosen people.

How about you? Have you ever been like the Israelites and ignored the Holy Spirit’s whispers to follow the LORD and be obedient to Him? And then, ever get sent to the spiritual “woodshed”? Are you still there, or have you been reconciled to the LORD who loves you?

Prayer: LORD, thank You for your everlasting love and offer to forgive. Thank You that you never give up on us. Amen.