A LONG LIST OF NAMES
Today's reading: Ezra 1-5

A long list of names, Lord?

Honestly?

Not a stunning revelation? An encouraging bit? A breath of fresh air in a dark, stale world? A stab of conviction even?

But no, a long list of names. Okay, okay, I'll read them.

Wait, it's not a list of begats! It's a list all right, but not of begats...

"Here is the list of the Jewish exiles of the provinces who returned from the their captivity to Jerusalem and to the other towns of Judah. They had been deported to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar." Ezra 2:1 NLT

And then it begins listing all the families that returned.

The families that never lost hope in the God of Israel.

The families filled with determination to survive.

The families dependent upon Someone stronger than their own names or their social status.

The families whose assurances were not wrapped up in their wealth.

The families who knew circumstances change.

The families who had in their hearts the promise, the joy, the peace that surpasses all understanding.

And it hit me--this is a list I'd want my name on.

You see, I've been enslaved, captured and toted off to the far country--and I've come back! I've watched as my choices solicited regrets and my decisions brought about chaos. I've also watched as I offered all I had where I was to the King of Kings and He took it and blessed it!

Thanks for the list, Lord. It was just what I needed to read!