Tues.’s Devo - Judah, Simeon and Reuben

Read: 1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17; Acts 25:1-27; Psalm 5:1-12; Proverbs 18:19 We continue reading the genealogy of Judah and stop to eulogize Jabez for his sincere worship of God. It is recorded in Jewish writings that his reputation as a doctor of the law drew many scribes around him in the town that was named for him (1 Ch. 2:55). His name means “grief” which was experienced by his mother in his birth. His prayer that is recorded is more like a vow that he gave before he went on a critical mission, probably in fighting the Canaanites and possessing his land. He prayed that God would bless him, protect him, and help him take his territory. God answered his prayer and Jabez prospered. *** Next, we have the descendants of Simeon which it says they didn’t have many children so their clan didn’t multiply like Judah’s. When God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, that is still our command. Simeon’s clan didn’t do this for some reason. They were still conquering their land when Hezekiah became king. *** The sons of Reuben were recorded next. Reuben lost his status as the first born when he slept with his father’s concubine. His birthright was given to Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh. Their chief was taken to Assyria by Tiglathpileser. They had opted to live east of the Jordan instead of in the land of Israel. In the days of Saul they defeated the Hagrites and lived in their tents in Gilead. *** The tribe of Gad settled next to the tribe of Reuben in the land of Bashan. They had gotten their land from King Og when Israel was journeying with Moses to the promised land. *** In Acts, it was time for Festus to hear the case the Jews were bringing against Paul. They asked to have the trial moved to Jerusalem with plans to kill Paul on the way. Festus said the trial would be in Caesarea and they had to go there to bring their charge. *** In Caesarea, Paul was ordered to come before Festus and hear the charges brought against him. The Jews brought their false charges against Paul and Festus asked Paul if he would like to go to Jerusalem to be tried. Paul told him that he had not committed any crime against the Jewish law, against the Temple or against Caesar. So since he had done no crime he appealed to Caesar. Festus granted his request and told him he would send him to Caesar. *** Festus had to send a letter telling Caesar what Paul was being charged for and had no idea what to write. Agrippa and his wife were coming to the city so he asked them to meet with Paul and help him write the letter. *** With much pomp and ceremony, Agrippa and Bernice entered the hall of the tribunal and Paul was brought in. Tomorrow we will read about what happened. *** Lord, help us to realize the importance of family and heritage. Help us to understand what really matters in life and keep the main thing the main thing. You are the main thing.