Sun.’s Devo - The Tribe of Judah

Read: 1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4; Acts 24:1-27; Psalm 4:1-8; Provers 18:16-18 In the chronicles we are still reading about Judah’s line. Judah’s first two sons were killed by God because they were so wicked. He had twins, Perez and Zerah through his daughter-in-law Tamar. It was through the twins that Judah grew so large. And it was through Perez that David and Jesus came. *** David’s descendants came from the town of Hebron which means “communion.” Communion describes David’s relationship with God well. David reigned for seven and a half years in Hebron having six sons there. Then he moved to Jerusalem where he had 13 sons and ruled for another 33 years. *** David’s son, Solomon succeeded him and from him came all the kings of Israel. *** In Acts, Paul was waiting for his accusers to arrive from Jerusalem. Five days later they came: Ananias, the high priest, some of the Jewish elders and Tertullus, their lawyer. *** Tertullus spoke first and praised the governor for his reforms he had made then he gave their accusations about Paul. He called him a troublemaker who was constantly stirring up riots all over the world. He accused him of being the leader of the a Nazarene cult who was trying to desecrate the Temple when they arrested him. The other elders agreed with his testimony. *** Next, it was Paul’s turn to defend himself. He claimed to have arrived in Jerusalem and peacefully gone to the Temple to worship the Lord. He never stirred up a riot or did any of the things he was being accused of. He did admit to follow the Way which worships the God of his ancestors and follows the law given by Moses. He had come to Jerusalem with money to help his fellow believers in Jerusalem and to worship the Lord in the Temple. There was no rioting, the only things he shouted was “I am on trial before you today because I believe in the resurrection of the dead!” *** Felix was familiar with the Way and adjourned and told them they would wait until Lysias, the commander who arrested Paul arrived. Paul was kept in custody but allowed to have visitors. *** Felix and his wife had many meetings with Paul to discuss his beliefs. Paul stayed in prison for two years and Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus who kept Paul in prison to win the favor of the Jews. In prison, Paul was kept safe and was able to write much of our New Testament. He was fed and allowed to have visitors. There, the Jews couldn’t cause him any problems or harm him. *** Because we are in Christ, we are protected in the same way. We are free to move about this world but are totally protected and safe. We have nothing to fear. Our days are numbered in God’s book. Thank you, Lord.