1 Chronicles 7 NLT
The descendants of Ephraim were Shuthelah, Bered, Tahath, Eleadah, Tahath, Zabad, Shuthelah, Ezer, and Elead. These two were killed trying to steal livestock from the local farmers near Gath. Their father, Ephraim, mourned for them a long time, and his relatives came to comfort him. Afterward Ephraim slept with his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. Ephraim named him Beriah because of the tragedy his family had suffered. He had a daughter named Sheerah. She built the towns of Lower and Upper Beth-horon and Uzzen-sheerah. (20-24)
The book of Chronicles is often hard to wade through because the list of names can become monotonous. Yet, it is important to read them carefully because it is the word of God. It is also important because these names represent the lives of people who had a part to play in the Grand Narrative of Scripture. They are in there for a reason; they provide a record of national heritage for the people of Israel, but they also provide examples to us of God’s faithfulness despite our failings. Consider these verses about Ephraim, one of the leading tribes in Israel. The list of his sons includes a note about Ezer and Elead who are forever memorialized in the text of Holy Scripture as being “cattle thieves.” It is one thing for a member of your family to fall into disrepute, but to have that sin forever codified in the history of your nation is something that would embarrass anybody. There was a lot that happened in those days that was not included in the text, but for some reason, the Holy Spirit felt it was important for this to be remembered. I am not completely sure why.
However, some things that I think are worthy to note are… 1) Even the best families have children who go the wrong way. It is not easy and it is embarrassing, but it is not the end of the world. 2) God is faithful even when we have kids who disappoint us. “Ephraim mourned them a long time, but his relatives came to comfort him.” When we go through difficult days, God ministers to us through those who rally around us. 3) The battle and embarrassment will not last forever. He had more children and even though he never forgot the tragedy of losing his sons, there is life after pain. 4) God often surprises us with unexpected blessings amid unexpected suffering. Yes, he had sons memorialized in scripture for being thieves but he also had a daughter memorialized in scripture for building cities! God has a way of creating a silver lining to our clouds and transforming our tragedy into something good. Lean on Him—even when your children disappoint, and trust Him to surprise you with His goodness in the most unexpected of ways.
