Today's Passage:  Nehemiah 7-8

There are many times, especially in the Old Testament, where the Bible will have a list such as the one in Nehemiah 7.  Sometimes it is to prove someone's family line...like David, Solomon, or even Jesus in the gospels.  Sometimes it is to record history, such as the time line of the kings of Israel.  When we see a list like this, most of it doesn't make an impression on us, but we need to ask ourselves why it would be important in this circumstance.

So why is this list important?  This list remembers all the people who made it out of captivity and were able to return to the promised land.  They survived the occupation and destruction of Jerusalem...survived being taken from their homes and forced to live in a foreign land...survived living in a place where they were encouraged to worship foreign gods, but instead remained faithful to the One True God.  Times were so tough, but they made it.

The New Testament tells us that one day a list like this will be read, but this time it will be the people who have trusted Jesus in their lifetime on earth.  They will live in a land that is not their home...a land of danger and destruction...a land full of idols to worship, but they will remain true.  When we trust Jesus as our Savior, our name will be added to this list, and we will inherit the promised land once and for all.  I hope that today your name is found on that list...if not, the staff at Bear Creek would love to talk to you about what it means to trust Jesus with your life!  On this Christmas Day, let's remember the gift of a baby born to save the world...and each of us!