Randy and I returned from Oklahoma last night. We took a few days to visit with family members who gathered at a state park to reminiscence the days of our youth with laughter and joy. Everyone God places in our lives plays a part in our story which is a small part of God’s Story. No matter the outcome of these relationships, our lives are affected by all who come and go in this journey.

God’s Story takes a “time out” to list the clans of some of the tribes of Israel, the ancestors of Moses and Aaron, before moving on with the events that lead to the freedom of God’s people from Egypt. We read this and wonder why the listing? Do we need to know where Moses and Aaron came from in the line of ancestors? Yes, apparently we need to be reminded that Moses and Aaron come from the line of Levi…the priests.

“The Aaron and Moses named in this list are the same Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, ‘Lead all the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt, division by division.’ There are the ones who went to Pharaoh to ask permission to lead the people from the land of Egypt.” Exodus 6, NLT

“At that time, the LORD had said to them, ‘I am the LORD! Give Pharaoh the message I have given you.’ This is the same Moses who had argued with the LORD, saying, ‘I can’t do it! I’m no orator. Why should Pharaoh listen to me?'” Exodus 6, NLT

As I read this, I recall many of of who gathered at the family reunion this past weekend, beginning every story with, “Remember (family member), the one who (what they did and who they were)?”

I hear God saying, “Remember Moses, the one who said he can’t…and I said I can?”

Yes, everyone in our lives affects us, challenges us and helps us to become who we are today. Maybe this “list of cast members” in God’s Story is helping us remember that everyone is important to His Story as it relates to our story. Maybe God is telling us, once again, that Moses was the one who said, I can’t, but God accomplished His purpose anyway. How will our families remember us? Are we a good influence? Are we helpful to them as they live their part of God’s Story? I pray we are.

Dear Heavenly Father, You teach us all the time, even in a list of people. We get it. We all are important to You in accomplishing Your purpose in us and through us…even when we say, I can’t. Thank you for reminding us that it is all about You. Help us to continually grasp and understand the depth of Your love for us.
In Jesus Name, Amen