The Extended Family

I paused… then started counting.

1 Chronicles 1:1-54

Reference: The sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael. (I Chronicles 1:28)

Explore: I remember when my husband’s cousin had his first child. She was a beautiful little girl and treasured by her parents.

When we went to their house to meet the next generation in the family, my husband’s cousin asked if any cousins on my side of the family had any children. I paused… then started counting.

When I had got to double figures he started laughing. Needless to say, my family is a lot bigger than my husband’s family! In fact, I have lost count of how many second cousins and cousins once removed I actually have! I have a few aunties who are now great grandmothers, so our generations have extended considerably.

Application: Whilst my family has extended beyond my memory, I know that each one of them is important to God. He has a plan and a purpose for each of them and, while their names may not be written in the pages of history, they all play an important role in their family and their community.

When I read a whole list of names, like in 1 Chronicles 1, I find there are a few names I recognize, but many I don’t. It’s not that they are insignificant; clearly they played a role in history as their name has been read by millions of people. However, their full story may not have been told.

There are times when I just feel like a name on a page. There are others with greater names, which makes it easy for me to feel insignificant. But we are all children of God.

He created us with an equal amount of love. We mustn’t put ourselves down by comparing ourselves to others, but see ourselves as God sees us.

Prayer: Lord, there are times when it’s hard to see myself as worthy or lovable. May I not concern myself with other people’s opinions, but strive to only be noticed by You. Amen.

How does God see you?

1 Chronicles, children, family, loved, names, self-esteem, significant