Is Your Name In The Book? | Nehemiah 12:1-26

These are the priests and the Levites who came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, Iddo, Ginnethoi, Abijah, Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah, Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah, Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the chiefs of the priests and of their brothers in the days of Jeshua.

And the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who with his brothers was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving. And Bakbukiah and Unni and their brothers stood opposite them in the service. And Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim the father of Eliashib, Eliashib the father of Joiada, Joiada the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan the father of Jaddua.

And in the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers' houses: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan; of Malluchi, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph; of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai; of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam; of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai; of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan; of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi; of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber; of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah, Nethanel.

In the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua, the Levites were recorded as heads of fathers' houses; so too were the priests in the reign of Darius the Persian. As for the sons of Levi, their heads of fathers' houses were written in the Book of the Chronicles until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib. And the chiefs of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brothers who stood opposite them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, watch by watch. Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers standing guard at the storehouses of the gates. These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra, the priest and scribe. — Nehemiah 12:1-26

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This is another list of names. But this time, it's a listing of holy men.

Priests in the time of Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 12:1–7)
High priests and priests from Zerubbabel and beyond the time of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 12:10–21)
Levites around the same time (Nehemiah 12:22–26)

These genealogical listings in scripture are often difficult for us. But still, they are essential, and here is why:

They Reaffirm Identity and Purpose: These lists helped the exiles rediscover their identity and role as God's chosen people.
They Validate Historical Authenticity: The lists validate traditions lost post-Babylonian exile.
They Demonstrate Fulfillment of Prophecies: The lists confirm God's fulfilled promises and covenants.
They Establish Legitimacy: The lists confirm the tribal lineage essential in national spiritual restoration.
They Direct Continuity: They teach us about God's sovereignty and the importance of faithfulness and obedience.

These lists should remind us that we each live and will leave a legacy. As believers, we are called to be obedient and faithful. When we do, we are joining with a long heritage and generations who have gone before us. We are named and numbered with those who were like these.

Today, live in line with God's legacy. Be obedient and faithful; one day, let's find our name together in the Book of Life. As Jesus said in Revelation 3:5, "The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels."

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ASK THIS:

How can you embrace your role in God's unfolding story, just as the names in Nehemiah's list embraced their identity and purpose? What practical steps can you take to live out your faith legacy?
In what ways do the genealogical lists in Nehemiah remind you of the importance of faithfulness and obedience in your own life? How can you ensure that your name remains steadfastly written in the "Book of Life," as mentioned in Revelation 3:5?

DO THIS: Live and lead a legacy.

PRAY THIS: Lord, as I reflect on the lessons from Nehemiah's genealogical lists, I pray that you guide me to embrace my role in your divine story, to live faithfully, and to leave a lasting legacy of obedience and faithfulness. Help me find my name written in the Book of Life, and may I always honor and confess your name before you and your angels. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Legacy.