Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni and Haahashtari. These were the descendants of Naarah.
1 Chronicles 4:6 (NIV)
Father God, as I pour through all the names of the individuals in Chronicles, many of whose names I struggle pronouncing, my mind this morning struggled, asking myself why do I need to know these folks? Many of their names only appear in the listing themselves. And only on rare occasions do I know of anything that they have done. The lists are, for all practical purposes, just lists. Yes, I understand their significance for the culture of the ancient Israelites. But for me, I find myself just racing through the names wanting to get on with the redemptive story.
Yet this morning, as my mind wrestled and pressed through the lists, my heart was tugged by You to ponder the names. It was then that You reminded me that though I too am a faceless listed person in the Your redemption story, that You have written my name down in Your Book of Life. Not because of my exploits. But because You love me. And though many will never know what I have done to impact the kingdom, You know and see me. And these names are a reminder of Your individualized care for me.
Father, I am so grateful for this reminder. Like each of those faceless persons named I am important to You. And there is something glorious about the fact that You know my name, that You know me personally, intimately. And, I am not lost in a crowd but am observed and acknowledge by You. I am not just a “commercial” or “station break” in the redemption story but am special, called out by name, Your child, and beloved.
Thank You, Father, for remembering me and declaring I am special. I’m not a footnote in history. I am part of Your greater redemptive story through Christ Jesus. Please use me today and everyday, whether by little things or great, to bring glory to Your Name. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.