January 13
Genesis 36:1-19; 1 Chronicles 1:35-37; Genesis 36:20-30; 1 Chronicles 1:38-42 Genesis 36:31-43; 1 Chronicles 1:43-2:2
A term used to describe individuals in our society which is very prevalent today would have been almost unthinkable a year ago. Though we live at a time when self-esteem is pumped up, that even the worst athlete is given the same trophy as the best athlete, etc., we have somehow come to accept the designation of humanity as "essential" and "non-essential". During the shutdowns, only the "essential" individuals were allowed to move about freely and work. Though many businesses were shut down, only "essential" businesses were allowed to re-open. So, at one point in time, pet salons were deemed "essential" and our dogs could look beautiful, while human salons were deemed "non-essential" and were forced to remain closed. This continued on when the vaccine was rolled out it and was offered to the "essential" people first. So, healthcare workers were vaccinated in abundance, while the "non-essential" but most vulnerable, such as those in nursing homes, those who are elderly, those who had an abundance of co-morbidities were required to wait their turn. Though the world likes to pick winners and losers, and designate those they deem "essential", God's love is extended to everyone. We are all essential in God's eyes since we were made in His image (Genesis 1:27). We are all essential to Jesus, which is why He didn't allow Himself to be sacrificed only for certain individuals or groups of individuals, but He died for all mankind, breaking the bondage of sin and the sting of death for any who are willing to repent and accept His offer of salvation.
We come to a portion of Scripture which can have the reader ask, "Why am I being asked to read this list of names that I don't recognize?" We must remember that we are readers, and the writers only wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, meaning the Bible is one hundred percent inspired, so we best read it all, and seek God's wisdom throughout. We read in 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right." Though Esau is associated with carnality, and it is Jacob's line which will be blessed and chosen by God to be handed His Word, and through whom the Messiah will come, we still have an entire chapter dedicated to a bunch of individuals whose names remain unfamiliar to the vast majority of readers. You might pick out a name here or there, such as Eliphaz (possibly the character in Job), and Amalek (the constant enemy of the Israelites), but for the most part just names. But to God these individuals are all deemed "essential".
Consider the last graduation ceremony that you attended. There was student after student named, most whom you did not know. It would be rude to talk or get up simply because you did not know the individuals being called and walking across the stage. These individuals might not be important to you, but they are very important to someone else in that audience. For the most part we have the social understanding to know how to behave in such circumstances. But now, we have allowed members of society to be labeled and seemingly have little to no problem with this. For all who have been made to feel less than in these tumultuous times, who have not "made the grade" to be considered "essential", please take heart and know that we should not care how the world sees us, but how our loving Father sees us. May we realize just how "essential" we are to Him. He has not left any of us, though many of us have made the decision to render God "non-essential". The Maker of the universe would not have created you if He deemed you unimportant. Get your eyes onto Him and away from the world. Though He alone is in a position to judge us, He renders grace and mercy and purpose to any and all who seek Him. Stop listening to the world and open up the Bible and allow His words to pour into your heart and soul. You are loved and you are "essential" to Him, and don't allow anyone to convince you otherwise.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: