This is part of the 66 in 52 Bible Journaling Challenge. Over the course of the 52 weeks in 2018, I plan to focus in on one verse from each book of the Bible with many others who have signed up to join me. Each week I will be posting a summary page with some thought about that week’s book(s) of the Bible along with some links that may help our reflection. Click here to sign up if you want to join us at any point along the journey!
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The Big Picture of 1Chronicles:
As we venture into Chronicles, we start to get a summary of sorts of everything that’s happened so far. Originally these books (1 and 2 Chronicles) would have actually been one book. Also, in the Jewish ordering of Scripture this book would have been at the end, recapping all that had happened. This first book centers around King David’s lifetime, though the first chapter’s genealogy takes us all the way back to Adam. Combined with Ezra and Nehemiah in our ordering we truly get a glimpse of Adam all the way through the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple and the city of Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles takes us through the death of King David and Solomon becoming king.
While reading through 1 and 2 Chronicles sometimes it can feel a bit like a repeat since we have heard many of the stories before, but stick with it; I believe God has each book hear for a reason and we can continue to grow and learn!
The Message and Purpose of Chronicles:
I think the “She Reads Truth” Bible describes well why this book is so important:
“Having resettled in Jerusalem after the exile, the Israelites needed to reconnect with their identity as the people of God. Chronicles met this purpose by reminding them of their heritage and by directing them back to God’s presence in their midst as symbolized by the temple. The important ideas emphasized in 1 and 2 Chronicles are:
- A direct connection to God’s people in the past
- The continuity of the line of David on the throne of Judah
- The centrality of the temple and its rituals in focusing on God
- The importance of music in worshiping God
- The invincibility of God’s people when they obey Him
- The inevitability of punishment when God’s people disobey Him.”
(She Reads Truth Bible, pg 595)
A Few Key Verses and Possible Reflection Questions/Prayers:
Some of us are planning to read through the whole book each week, while others are just focusing in on one verse (two this week since we’re in two books!). This section of the weekly intro post might help you narrow down a verse to reflect on for the week, but you do not have to choose one of these verse, pick any section of the book you want! These are just some ideas.
- “David assigned the following men to lead the music at the house of the Lord after the Ark was placed there. They ministered with music at the Tabernacle until Solomon build the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem.” 1 Chronicles 6:31-32
REFLECTION: What impact has music had in your life and worship? - “O Lord, there is no one like you. we have never even heard of another God like you!” 1 Chronicles 17:20
REFLECTION: This verse comes in the middle of a prayer of thanks and praise by David. What can you thank and praise God for today? - “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.” 1 Chronicles 29:11
REFLECTION: Make a list of where you have seen each of the following recently in your life or the lives of those around you: God’s greatness, God’s power, God’s glory, God’s victory, God’s majesty.
God’s Grace in 1 Chronicles:
If we were in the group of original hearers/readers of Chronicles, I think it would be hard to read. I know hearing the things humans have done throughout history is even hard for me today. To see all the murder, rape, hatred, and destruction in the last few books we read was hard enough, we don’t need it recapped in this one. But maybe we do. Maybe we need to remember the good and the bad. Maybe there is where we see again our desperate need for a Savior. Looking at our past explains, to some extent, who we’ve become. Seeing our scars helps us navigate the future, hopefully better. It reminds me of a new song out by I Am They called ‘Scars’. The chorus says:
So, I’m thankful for the scars
Cause’ without them I wouldn’t know Your heart
And I know they’ll always tell of who You are
So forever I am thankful for the scars
As we reflect on collective history as humankind and on our own pasts, may we see God’s presence every step of the way. May we know that in the times of the deepest wounds and the biggest scars, there we knew God’s heart.
Some Other Resources:
- The Bible Project summary video of 1 and 2 Chronicles
- A Pinterest board with resources and pictures for 1 and 2 Chronicles
- The 66 in 52 Schedule and Tracking Sheet
The Challenge:
So now it’s your turn! Pick a verse and settle in this week, or read through the whole book. If you post any picture or blogs on social media, tag them with #66in52challenge so we can all share in this journey together!
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