They Were People

Do your eyes glaze over when you’re reading Scripture and come to a list of lineage? You know … the begats? Mine used to. I struggled to see the relevance these names had on my life until I began looking at them as people. Because they were people.

It happened when I was reading Genesis 10. There, I met Kittim (alternately transliterated as Chittim or Cethim). The son of Javan, the grandson of Japheth, and Noah’s great-grandson.

Initially, I wondered how could I read this chapter and find value in a bunch of names that are too difficult to pronounce, let alone remember?

Where’s the value?

Then, two thoughts came to me. First, God inspired these names to be written. And God saw value in each and every one of the men noted in this chapter. No details were given here, and no details were needed. Simply, these men were valued by God. They weren’t perfect. In fact, some of the names listed were the forefathers of some pretty violent tribes (Amorites and Canaanites). But they all were descendants of Noah, a righteous man.

My second thought was of David Green, my own great-grandfather. He was real, too. He lived, breathed, and loved life. Among his children was a son, Roy, who married and had five children. One of these children was my mother, Janet.

All people. All with value.

Many of the names listed in Genesis 10 have faded into oblivion. Many have never heard of them. But they held an important place in our history.

And God knew them.

“I [God] have engraved you on the palms of my hands ….” Isaiah 49:16,

 

No matter who we are, God has a purpose for our lives. We may not see it … we may be one in a long line of begats … but God’s master plan would not be complete if we weren’t in it.

When you read Genesis 10, know without a doubt, that they were people and loved by God.

Even Kittim.

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.