REASONS FOR ALL THOSE NAMES

1 Chronicles 1:1-4,28,34
1 Adam, Seth, Enosh, 2 Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, 3 Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah. 4 The sons of Noah: Shem, Ham and Japheth. . . . 28 The sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael. . . . 34 Abraham was the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac: Esau and Israel.

2:1-21 These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, 2 Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad and Asher.


Dalton Conley is a sociologist at New York University. He and his wife Natalie Jeremijenko have two children. They recently sought permission with the city of New York to change their 4-year-old son's name to Yo Xing Heyno Augustus Eisner Alexander Weiser Knuckles Jeremijenko-Conley. Actually, a lot of that name was already his, but his parents added three more middle names. The little boy suggested two of the names, including Knuckles, the name of his father's childhood dog.

The boy's father, Dalton, explained that there are specific reasons for all those names--from honoring ancestors to setting expectations. At home, the boy with the lengthy title is known as Yo, and his sister is simply E.

The list of names in the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles may seem like a bunch of long, boring, unpronounceable, meaningless names. These names, however, serve two practical purposes:

* Genealogies were important in providing the framework within which true Hebrews could establish their family roots, and by which religious purity could be maintained against outside influences.

* For us, these names reflect God's providential design. Particular names (from Adam to Asher, including Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David) serve as reminders of God's dealings in the past and the hope for the future Messiah. When we read these names, we can remember how God's grace, love, mercy, care, discipline, and patience were evident among His people. When we come to these names in the Bible, we shouldn't skim over them; we should let the Holy Spirit remind us of God's faithfulness to His promises and to His people.

As you contemplate your own family heritage, think of ways you can provide a positive spiritual foundation for generations to come. Spend time with other family members identifying spiritual markers in your family's life. As you identify these markers, you will be able to see God's providence and purposes in living color. --Marvin Williams

DESTINATION POINTS

* How can knowing my family history give me a sense of identity, heritage, and destiny?
* How do I want to be remembered by my descendants?
* What spiritual heritage would I want to leave my children?

LINKS:
Name Changes, Both Practical and Fanciful, Are on the Rise teachers.ithsnyc.org/tnellen/nyt/names.html

A Father's Heart
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cpt/2000/003/15.58.html

bottom line: Character is the heritage you leave behind.

soul journey