God Is Not Done Yet.

“Now these were the sons of David…” ­– 1 Chronicles 3:1 NASB

Remember, the book of Chronicles was written to a group of Jews returning from exile in Babylon where they had been for 70 years. They are suffering from an identity crisis, so the writer is reminding them of who they are and who God is. He is faithful. These boring genealogical lists mean little to us, but they would have been words of comfort to these people. Chapter three starts out with the descendants of David and traces them all the way into the restoration period in which these people found themselves. The truth is, David’s kingdom had come to en end the moment Jerusalem fell and the Israelites were taken into captivity in Babylon. Yet God had promised that David would always have a descendant on his throne. This promise is summarized in the book of 2 Samuel: “For when you die, I will raise up one of your descendants, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house––a temple––for my name. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:12-13 NLT). It was partially fulfilled in Solomon, but will ultimately be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Part of the Davidic Covenant also promised Israel a permanent homeland. “And I have provided a permanent homeland for my people Israel, a secure place where they will never be disturbed. It will be their own land where wicked nations won’t oppress them as they did in the past” (2 Chronicles 7:10 NLT). They had lost their land for 70 years, but were now being returned to it. God had kept His promise. But this promise will also ultimately be fulfilled completely through the Messiah – Jesus Christ.

By tracing David’s line the writer was giving his original readers hope that God would fulfill His promises. The future did not depend ultimately on the decisions of Cyrus, king of the Persian Empire, but on the faithfulness of Yahweh (cf. Haggai 2:21-22). God is a covenant keeping God. He will do what He says He will do. Solomon was long gone. There was not king on David’s throne at this point. Many of the men who followed David as king had been godless leaders. Israel had done their part. They had not kept their side of the covenant. Yet God was keeping His. He had returned them to the land. He would restore them. But He was far from done. God will one day send His Son again to restore things completely. He will sit on David’s throne and rule in Jerusalem. He will fulfill every promise of God completely and fully. There is on name not on the list in this chapter, but we know who it is. Jesus Christ. He is the coming King!

Father, thank You for reminding me of Your plan. Sometimes things look bleak, but I can always count on the fact that You are in control and are working Your plan to perfection. I have nothing to fear. Amen

Ken Miller
Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org