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1 CHRONICLES 1:1-2:17 | ACTS 23:11-35 | PSALM 3:1-8 | PROVERBS 18:14-15
We have finally closed the last chapter on the second book of Kings, and we now enter a new book called the first book of Chronicles.
The first couple of chapters offer a long and detailed genealogy—from the very beginning of time, and going down all the way from Judah, one of the sons of Israel, to David, one of the greatest kings of Israel. Later, we will see how from the line of David, a young man and woman by the name of Joseph and Mary have descended, and it is through these two young people that the God of this universe chooses to present himself as God incarnate. These historical records are indeed fascinating!
Turning next to our reading in the book of Acts, we find that there is a serious plot among the Sanhedrin to kill Paul. The Sanhedrin wants blood, just like they did many decades earlier with another Jew by the name of Jesus. And this time, there is a band of forty men who vow to not eat until they have succeeded in killing Paul. And so, Paul is sent off to Caesarea to be tried by Governor Felix, the Roman consul there.
The Roman commander in Jerusalem who holds off the mob from killing Paul also sends a letter to the Governor bearing these words: 27 This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. 28 I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. 29 I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. 30 When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.
We turn now to our reading in the book of Psalms, and find one that was evidently penned by David, king of Israel, when he was being pursued by his own son Absalom. Running for his life, the words that he writes are most likely the words that Paul himself might have taken comfort in when he was pursued by the large crowds calling for his death. David says:
3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the LORD,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.
Finally, a couple of verses from the book of Proverbs that serve as food for thought:
14 The human spirit can endure in sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,
for the ears of the wise seek it out.