Why read 1 & 2 Chronicles

As you are reading through the Bible we are in a tough section for many. 1 and 2 Chronicles at first seems like noting more than lists of names and a retelling of the story we have already read. You might ask yourself why do I care? What difference does it make to my life today? Of course all the Word of God is powerful and life changing, but some parts need more digging to see how it applies.

Of course these books are important for the continuity of the history of God's people. The story is told from the perspective of the priests and it helps us to see the history from a different point of view. Having said that here a few questions and thoughts to ponder as you read through these books:

• When you think of key figures in the Hebrew Bible there are only a few names like David, Moses, Abraham, and such that come to mind. However, there are many lesser known figures that play a significant role. Here are few from 1 Chronicals that are worthy of note and perhaps can make you think about your own spiritual walk.
• Nimrod, the Mighty Hunter (1:10) - Genesis 10:8-10 speaks of this man. The word “hunter” carries the connotation of hunting people, not hunting animals. He rebelled against God and set up the kingdom of Babylon. After the flood it did not take long for sin to come back in force. Why do you think this is the case? How can we teach our children and grandchildren to choose the right path?
• Er, the Wicked Son (2:3) - Genesis 38. It is not clear what Er did to insult God, but we do know that God killed him for his sin. His brother Onan was killed as well.  How seriously do we take the holiness of God?
• Achan, the Troubler of Israel (2:7) - Joshua 6-7. Why was his sin such a big deal to God? How does our sin effect our family and nation today?
• Amnon, the Unclean (3:1) - 2 Samuel 13-14. Why was the sin of Amnon so horrible? How did David handle it? What can we learn from this?
• Jabez, the Undaunted (4:9–10)- Genesis 35:18-19. Jabez was rejected by his family, but he overcame his name and his family issues by turning to God in prayer. We cannot allow our past or family to define who we are in Christ. In what ways have you done this? 
• Reuben, the Uncontrollable (5:1–2) - Genesis 35:22; 49:3-4. Notice how one act of sin caused a lifetime of problems for a man and his family. What is the cost of sin? 
• I could go on but you get the point.
• Many times the books speak of special days of religious celebration. Why are these important to the spiritual life of a religious community? What are some ways we can celebrate God today though we do not have to follow the Law? 
• These books are all about spiritual renew of God's people. Is there a need for spiritual renewal today? What do we learn about spiritual renewal in these books?
• God chastised his people to bring them back to the truth. In what ways do you think in your own life you have experienced chastisement? Did it bring you to God or to more rebellion?  
• What difference dose the morality of national leaders make to a nation?

Those are a couple of questions to ponder. I could go on, but I think that is enough for now.