I Chronicles 4 includes a list of the sons of Judah other than David’s line. Included in this list is Jabez who follows the Lord. He asks God to bless him and increase his lands. God grants him his request. The list also describes the occupations taken up by the family lines.

Also included in this chapter is the line of Simeon. It describes the cities inhabited by their descendants until David becomes king. During the time of Hezekiah some of the Simeonites expanded their territory to pasture their flocks and Mount Seir.

1 Chronicles 5 includes the sons of Reuben. The chronicle explains that although Reuben was the firstborn of Jacob, because of his sin, his birthright is given to Joseph. It notes that even though Judah’s line bears a ruler the birthright is Joseph’s. The Reubenites, Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh were great warriors. They cried out to God who allowed them to claim lands, livestock and bounty. They lived in this part of Israel. Later the lines sinned against God and were taken into Assyria.

1 Chronicles 6 includes the sons of Levi. Some of them are put into the service in the house of the Lord after the Ark of the Covenant is brought into Jerusalem. Aaron’s sons, though, are responsible for making offerings on the altar.  They are listed here as well. They are given the cities of refuge. The Levites are given cities in each of the twelve tribes’ lands.

In 2 Corinthians 11 Paul is concerned that they may be tempted to follow a gospel which is false brought by so called super apostles. The Corinthians are captivated by what these folks have gone through. Paul apologizes for not telling the Corinthians of all the sacrifices he went through in bringing them the gospel. He boasts now of the tribulations he has gone through in order that they will know what his apostolic journey has been.

We seem to be enticed by dramatic stories of faith, thinking them more powerful or truer than those who have day by day walked in the ways of the Lord. Don’t be fooled. Test everyone’s message with the gospel. Only then will we know if it is true.