In 1 Chronicles 2:18-4:8, we read the chronicler’s continuing list of names of various individuals and families – here, from Caleb – through the royal line after the exile. In chapter 3, we see the sons of David by his several wives. Then in verses 10-16, we see the kings of Judah who constitute the line of Christ before the Babylonian captivity. Verses 17-24 present the royal line of Christ after the exile – which serves to establish the purpose for recording all these names. In chapter 4, we see the descendants of various clans from the tribe of Judah. By this record, God assures us that names and people matter - they are not lost to history. He keeps books. I often think about how truly unknown each of us is to the large majority of people who have ever lived – whether before us or after us. No matter how popular a person such as the president might be, he or she can only truly know (or be known by) a tiny minority of a few people – compared to all the untold billions of people who have stepped (or yet will) across this world’s stage. Of these billions, we have no knowledge, but I am thankful that no one slips through this life unknown to God. Everyone matters, because He knows and loves each one of us.
Today, we read another ten verses from Proverbs 18:7-16, and we recognize that they have very practical implications for our daily lives. Verse 7 begins with the “mouth of a fool,” and it tells us that “his mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.” The mark that identifies a fool relates to his or her foolish talk. Fools cannot speak from any perspective of truth or wisdom because they possess none, and their vain and empty words reveal their own foolishness. We often recognize this in the silly gibberish of our politicians who love to babble, but they seldom know what they are talking about. Interestingly, many of them expose their own foolishness when they “answer before listening” (verse 13). Verses 8-11 address our words, our work, and our wealth – with a view toward attaining and utilizing wisdom (i.e., “discernment,” verse 15). We also notice the contrast between pride and humility (verse 12). I am thankful that “the name of the LORD is our strong tower” (verse 10) to which we may run and find safety by taking refuge in Him.
In Romans 10:5-11:10, Paul tells us plainly that our salvation, which is secured through God’s grace alone, simply involves an act of our faith - “accepting” (i.e., believing; trusting) the finished work of Jesus Christ (10:9-13). It has nothing to do with works - otherwise grace would no longer be grace (11:7). This shows us that God’s offer of salvation is open to all – “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him” (verse 12); “all those who call on Him (i.e., believe) will be saved” (verse 13). Everyone matters, and, as my granddaughter says, “it’s as simple as that.”
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