Bible Passage: “All Israel was listed in the genealogies recorded in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. They were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to resettle on their own property in their own towns were some Israelites, priests, Levites and temple servants.” (1 Chronicles 9:1-2)
Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 9:1-44
Recently, our son had a revelatory moment.
He had been attempting to learn a challenging song on the piano, but he was frustrated with how difficult it was and felt as though he was not getting any better.
Then, one afternoon, he sat down and played it, not flawlessly but markedly better than his previous efforts. He came running out of the room and joyfully asked, “Did you hear that?!”
We had. And we celebrated with him. That moment told him things would be different for that song from then on. He’s at a new frustration point now, but now he knows it’s just a matter of time and effort.
It’s the point in his piano-playing story when we know things are going to be different. It’s not the climax of the story, but it is a significant turning point.
We get a transition like this from the Chronicler.
In today’s verses, we read of both the “before” and the “after.”
Can you see what the Chronicler did?
He told the true story of where Israel had been. Exile had happened due to their sin. There is no revisionist history here. No soft-peddling what had happened or why. Just a simple factual statement.
But it is here that we learn where he is telling his story from:
The other side of the exile.
The return to the land God had promised.
And who is the first to arrive?
Those who serve God most directly. Priests, Levites, and temple servants were among the first to return to the land.
God was not about to replant all His people in the land He had promised them without first preparing the means to help them connect to Himself.
God does not stand far off to see what we will do. He is constantly and consistently walking ahead of us and with us to show His faithfulness to us.
Though the Chronicler is about to rewind time and tell the story that led to the exile, he does it from the point of the return, and we must remember that. The story has turned.
We have heard a new note, and now everything will be different.
Prayer: God of faithfulness who offers us second chances, thank You for the grace You offer us and the ways You provide. Help me see where You have changed my own story through the redemption You have so mercifully given me. Amen.
Reflection: What “new notes” have you heard in your own story that remind you that things are different now?
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