It’s those verses that generally make my eyes glaze over. Perhaps you know the ones. The list of name, after name, after name, after name. Sometimes they are the begets, other times lists of participants, which was the case in Ezra. Those who traveled with him going up to Jerusalem. And as they took count, Ezra noticed that there were no men from the house of Levi. Which were the ministers of God.
Ezra 8:15-17 KJV
[15] And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi. [16] Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding. [17] And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God.
As I read through chapter 8, I tried, as best my pea brain could, to take note of the names. To see if there were any that struck a chord with me. They did not. But… I thought…. it doesn’t matter if I know who they are, God knows. And He thought enough of them to write their names in the Word of God. How cool would that have been. Of all of the people of the earth, through all of the centuries, knowing that your name was written there and read by men and women throughout the ages; that would be amazing.
While my name, nor yours is in there, if we know Jesus as Lord and Savior, our name is written in the Lamb’s book of life, which is the greatest honor of all. And the scripture says that God makes record of works in Revelation 20:12 where it reads:
Revelation 20:12 KJV
That’s excites me as I begin my day. What will God write about me, what will God write about you? It’s a reminder that we are important to the plan. I don’t want to mess this up. Who will cross my path today that I can be a blessing to, or I can tell of this man called Jesus who writes about me like I write about Him? Oh glory, I just wrote myself happy!
We are every bit as much a part of the plan of eternity as those names written in the book of Ezra. I hope that makes you ponder your part today. And should you have a few minutes, write to me and tell me what God is doing in your life and how He’s blessed you. God is so good! Let’s share that news today.
In His Love and always for His glory, Shari, the Jesus Chick.