ODJ: a heavenly lineage
August 12, 2014
READ: 2 Chronicles 34:1-8
He did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right (v.2).
Simon’s mother was 18 when she fell in love with a man who showered her with the affection she lacked at home. Their relationship was short-lived, however, and he quickly returned to his wife and family when he discovered that she was pregnant.
This shows that our future doesn’t have to be determined by family members or authority figures who have treated us wrongly. In Christ we become a new creation—the old life is gone (2 Corinthians 5:17). Josiah chose not to continue in the evil ways of his father. Instead, he laid claim to his lineage in King David, a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; 2 Samuel 7:13-16). Josiah walked in obedience to the one true God all his days (2 Chronicles 34:33).
In Christ we’re children of God, and can lay claim to a heavenly inheritance and lineage (Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 1:18; 1 Peter 1:4). We’re anchored by our faith in a perfect Father—
a divine lineage! (Hebrews 6:19). —Ruth O’Reilly Smith
365-day plan› Luke 14:1-14
Read 2 Chronicles 17:1-6. Note how King Jehoshaphat was devoted to serving God and following the ways of King David rather than the ways of his biological father King Asa.
What can you do to focus on your new identity in Jesus and rise above any examples of poor parenting that you might have experienced? How can you help bring light and life to future generations of your family?
