S) "61 Of the sons of the priests: the sons of Habaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, the sons of Barzillai, who took a wife from the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and he was called by their name. 62 These searched among their ancestral registration, but they could not be located; therefore they were considered unclean and excluded from the priesthood. 63 The governor said to them that they should not eat from the most holy things until a priest stood up with Urim and Thummim."
Ezra 2:61-63 (NASB)
O) By meticulous record keeping, the Jews returning from exile were able to re-establish jobs and societal roles based on familial roots. This was especially important for the Levites, because all matters of priesthood and temple service were broken down and defined by family, as far back as Moses. But here, there was a group of people, whose ancestry could not be validated. The beauty of this passage, though, is verse 63. The Urim and Thummim were pieces of the breastplate, worn by the high priest, used for casting lots in order to determine the will of God. What I found so wonderful about this passage, is that it reminds us of the Lord's sovereign will. Even when we can't prove our worth, the LORD will define it for us.
A) This is a humbling passage. I am who He says I am. I might think positively about my ancestry. I can believe I am gifted, talented, smart, etc., all based on my genes. But God will decide my worth for Himself. On the flip side, this verse also gives me hope. I can believe that I am cursed by dysfunction, prone to arrogance, bound by lust, etc., all based on my family history. But God will decide who I am and whom I serve. When He is my Lord, all preconceived identity is pointless and powerless.
P) Father, You are the God of all creation, and You never stop recreating. In Jesus, I celebrate that I am a new creation. Let that be evident to me, proven by the Holy Spirit confirming it, by conforming my life to Your will. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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