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From Whom the Ruler Will Come [Family Worship lesson in 1Chronicles 2:3–4:23]

What do we learn from Judah’s genealogy? 1Chronicles 2:3–4:23 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these one hundred nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that history is the story of God’s grace to sinners. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The genealogy of Judah in 1 Chronicles 2–4 serves as a theological narrative pointing forward to Christ, the promised ruler from Judah’s line, Whose coming fulfills God’s redemptive plan across generations. Despite the persistent presence of sin within Judah’s lineage, God sovereignly preserves and advances His purposes. The chronicler emphasizes that belonging to Judah does not guarantee blessing; each person must walk with God personally. Grace includes people from other nations and overturns men's natural characters. Ultimately, this genealogy calls believers—now the spiritual heirs of Judah—to live as priests and kings in Christ—faithfully fulfilling their God-given roles in the world, empowered by grace and awaiting the full realization of God’s kingdom.

2026.04.22 Hopewell @Home ▫ 1 Chronicles 2:3–4:23

Read 1 Chronicles 2:3–4:23

Questions from the Scripture text: Whose sons do 1 Chronicles 2:3-4 cover? What is noted about Er? From whom to whom do 1 Chronicles 2:5-15 trace? Especially focusing upon which family (1 Chronicles 2:13-17)? What branch (cf. 1 Chronicles 2:9) do 1 Chronicles 2:18-24 trace? What branch (cf. 1 Chronicles 2:9) do 1 Chronicles 2:25-41 trace? Including a man of what nationality (1 Chronicles 2:34)? Whose further descendants do 1 Chronicles 2:42-55 trace? Including the origins of what cities (1 Chronicles 2:50, 1 Chronicles 2:51)? And what ingrafted nationalities (1 Chronicles 2:54, 1 Chronicles 2:55)? Whose sons do 1 Chronicles 3:1–9 trace? Focusing upon what (1 Chronicles 3:4)? And what lineage do 1 Chronicles 3:10-16 trace? Then whose (1 Chronicles 3:16) lineage do 1 Chronicles 3:17-24 trace? To whom does 1 Chronicles 4:1 return? Into what lineage do 1 Chronicles 4:1-23 fill gaps? Why was Jabez called that (1 Chronicles 4:9)? Upon what was his prayer especially focused (end of 1 Chronicles 4:10)? What tradesmen are highlighted in 1 Chronicles 4:21, 1 Chronicles 4:23? 

What do we learn from Judah’s genealogy? 1 Chronicles 2:3–4:23 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these one hundred nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that history is the story of God’s grace to sinners.  

Among the sons of Israel, the chronicler focuses first, and primarily, on Judah (1 Chronicles 2:3). Reuben sinned away his birthright, which fell to Judah instead (cf. 1 Chronicles 5:2). As 1 Chronicles 3:10–24 underscore to us, at the time of writing, the promised ruler from Judah had not yet appeared. The King (and Priest and temple) to whom Chronicles looked forward is Jesus. This is why Judah and Levi are the most featured in the genealogies, and why so much of Chronicles is focused upon the preparation of the temple. It’s all about Jesus.

Jesus is your King. Jesus is your Priest. Jesus is your Temple. In Jesus, you draw near to God. Jesus is your Liturgist, your Worship-Leader. What Chronicles longs for, you actually have, dear Christian reader!

So, these nearly three chapters focus on the tribe of Judah. One of the main things we see in the genealogy is that being from a tribe of blessing didn't mean that, for every individual, they were automatically blessed of God and a blessing to others. Whether it’s Er, Onan, and Shelah (1 Chronicles 2:3, cf. Genesis 38:3–10), or Achan being called by his nickname “Achar” (i.e., trouble, 1 Chronicles 2:7, cf. Joshua 7:26), or several of the kings listed in 1 Chronicles 2:10-16, we see that the line of Judah is full of scoundrels. Those from the line through which others would be blessed, are still in danger of being cursed. Even 500 years later, this was a lesson that the descendants of Judah needed to remember as the Lord continued to bring Christ into the world. And 2500 years after that, it is a lesson that each of us still need, dear reader. Each of us, individually, need to walk with God for ourselves through personal faith in Jesus Christ. Each of us, individually, must be blessed by God. 

They also needed to hear that, although the glory days of David and Solomon were in the distant past, the Lord was still working in the world—and their service of Him, in the midst of that work, is meaningful. Several of the “father of” statements in the genealogy refer not to men but to cities (1 Chronicles 2:21–23, 1 Chronicles 2:24, 1 Chronicles 2:51, 1 Chronicles 2:54. And the genealogy reminds them that some of them were from lines of linen workers (1 Chronicles 4:21), and others potters (1 Chronicles 4:23). Now, they were returned from exile, living in those cities again, and needing to take up trades again. The work of the Lord continues in the world, and we continue to participate in it (cf. Ecclesiastes 11:1–6).

Finally, we see the grace of God in the genealogy of Judah. We see the grace of God operating to incorporate those of other nations, such as the Kenites (1 Chronicles 2:55) and Egyptians (1 Chronicles 2:34–35). And we see the grace of God that overwrites our own nature. Jabez, named for the pain he brings to others (1 Chronicles 4:9), is presented as an example, asking God that he would not bring that pain to them (1 Chronicles 4:10). Our hope, dear reader, is that the God Who brought His Son into the world through the line of Judah, would be unto us the God of grace—grace to bring us into Christ, and grace to make us the opposite of what we were in ourselves. By this bookended (n.b. the mirroring of 1 Chronicles 2:3–4 and 1 Chronicles 4:1–23) section of the genealogy of Judah, the God of grace reminds us that history is an account of His work of grace. And we see the work that he does not only in the scope of the whole, but in the lives of individuals. 

What are your biggest obstacles to finding purpose? How does this passage answer that? When have you neglected your personal, spiritual life? How does this passage remind you that that’s dangerous?

Sample prayer: Father, we thank You for Your work in the life of each of the men listed in this genealogy. We marvel at the scope of your work in everyone's life. Forgive us, for when we have wanted to be the center of our own story. Forgive us for when we have neglected our personal, spiritual life, because we have presumed upon being part of the church. Give us to recognize that being part of Christ’s church is a higher honor than being descended from Judah. But, more than that, please give us to believe into Christ, to live as those who are united to Him, to fulfill our duties by Your grace, and enjoy our privileges and adore that grace. Grant it all through Christ, by His Spirit, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP87 “The Lord’s Foundation” or TPH404 “The Church’s One Foundation”

Giving Him What He Loves [2026.04.19 Evening Sermon in Song of Songs 8:13–14]

The true friends of Christ long to hear the voice of His bride. The true bride of Christ gladly gives Him His desire: praise, prayer, and preaching with a voice that is shaped by His. And, the sum of her desire is that He would come quickly for His fruit.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

Delivered by Wrath [2026.04.19 Morning Sermon in Nahum 3:1–7]

The Lord will so completely answer the deceit and destruction of the wicked that there will be no wicked left at the last.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

How Sacraments Work [2026.04.19 Sabbath School lesson in WCF 27.3—Hopewell 101]

WCF 27.3 The grace which is exhibited in or by the sacraments rightly used, is not conferred by any power in them; neither doth the efficacy of a sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it: but upon the work of the Spirit, and the word of institution, which contains, together with a precept authorizing the use thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

The Strength of Wisdom [2026.04.15 Midweek Sermon in Proverbs 24:3–12]

For the priorities the Lord gives us, the Lord Himself must be our strength.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

What God Does for the Elect in His Son [Children's Catechism 49—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 49—especially explaining how God foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and glorified His elect people in His Son.

Q49. What did God the Father undertake in the covenant of grace? To justify and sanctify those for whom Christ should die. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The lesson explores the Father's role in the covenant of grace as revealed in Scripture, particularly through the theological framework of Romans 8, where the Father is portrayed as the sovereign architect of salvation—foreknowing, predestining, calling, justifying, and glorifying believers. Justification, the Father's declaration of righteousness through Christ's atoning work, establishes the believer's right to heaven, while sanctification, the ongoing process of being made fit for heaven, is accomplished through the Spirit's work in the believer's life. The passage underscores the Trinitarian nature of redemption, with the Father's decree, the Son's obedience and sacrifice, and the Spirit's indwelling—all converging in the believer's ultimate glorification. The catechism's answer—justifying and sanctifying those for whom Christ should die—captures this divine orchestration, revealing the Father's eternal purpose to redeem a people through Christ and conform them to His image.

Christ's True Friends and Bride [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 8:13–14]

What is the ultimate desire of Christ in the Song? Song of Songs 8:13–14 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ’s ultimate desire, in the Song, is to hear His bride’s desire for His coming. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional concludes the Song of Songs with a powerful call to spiritual longing, portraying the Church as the bride eagerly awaiting her Bridegroom’s return, echoing the final cry of Revelation: 'Come, Lord Jesus.' Central to this vision is the idea that the Church, no longer in the wilderness but dwelling in the gardens—plural, representing gathered congregations—is called to live in faithful anticipation, producing spiritual fragrance through worship, prayer, and proclamation. The bride’s voice, empowered by Christ’s Spirit, is not merely her own but His, and her worship, discipleship, and evangelism are acts that hasten His coming. The age between Christ’s first and second advent is not a time of despair but of divine purpose, where trials and labor are transformed into 'mountains of spices'—obstacles that yield fragrance as the Bride is sanctified and perfected. The true companions of Christ, those indwelt by His Spirit, are drawn to the assembly not for mere ritual but to hear the Bride’s voice, which is the voice of Christ Himself, and to join in the holy discontent that longs for His return, reflecting the heart of the Bride and the mind of the Spirit.

2026.04.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 8:13–14

Read Song of Songs 8:13–14

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Song of Songs 8:13a call the bride? Who are listening for what (verse 13b)? Who else wants to hear it (verse 13c)? What does she ask Him to do (Song of Songs 8:14a)? What does she call Him? What does she ask Him to be like (verse 14b–c)? Leaping upon what (verse 14d)?

What is the ultimate desire of Christ in the Song? Song of Songs 8:13–14 prepares us for the opening portion of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ’s ultimate desire, in the Song, is to hear His bride’s desire for His coming. 

How far the bride has come. She was in the wilderness, but as she leaned upon her Beloved (Song of Songs 8:13b), He brought her out of the wilderness (verse 13a). Now, she dwells in the gardens. He got her here. He gave her the moisture of life, instead of dryness and death. He planted the good seed of the Word in her. He brought forth her shoots and buds and blossoms and fruit. Now she is a garden of life. She is a living Eden, not with creaturely life, but with life that is from the Lord Himself, in union with Him. 

Note, also, that “gardens” is plural. The bride of Christ is found in particular congregations. This is where the bride dwells. 

What the companions do. So far, in the Song, the bride has referred to the members of the church as the “daughters of Jerusalem,” and the Bridegroom has referred to them as “friends and beloved” (cf. Song of Songs 5:1). Now, Song of Songs 8:13b calls them “the companions.” This gives us an opportunity to examine ourselves as companions. Do we listen for the bride’s voice? The Lord speaks through her. The Lord declares God’s Name to His brethren; in the midst of the assembly the Lord sings God’s praise (cf. Hebrews 2:12). It’s His voice that we are to hear in the church’s voice. True companions love the assemblies, the gardens, for the voice that they hear there. And the Lord uses that voice give them faith (cf. Romans 10:17), to save them (cf. James 1:21), to make them holy (cf. John 17:17), and to furnish them for every good work (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16–17). When Christ’s Spirit makes someone a true companion, they don’t forsake the assembling together; they desire to hear the bride’s Christ-given voice.

What the Companion desires. A true companion wants to hear the bride’s voice, but this is not the church’s highest motivation for preaching and prayer and reading and singing God’s Word in worship. The Bridegroom Himself desires to hear her voice (Song of Songs 8:13c). How glorious it is that we have opportunity to give Christ what He loves. We have seen, throughout the Song, that He loves the fruit that is produced upon believers in the church. And we have seen that, among that fruit, He loves what is on the lips of His bride and from the mouth of the bride. Now, we hear His loving request, His loving command: “Let me hear it!” Every opportunity that we have to participate in the corporate worship of the church is an opportunity to give the Lord Jesus what He desires.

What the bride desires. He loves to hear her voice, and she immediately gives Him what He wants: she speaks/prays/sings. The situation of the bride in Song of Songs 8:14 is the situation of the bride in this world, between the two comings of Christ: belonging to Him but with some distance between them for a time. The whole of Scripture ends with the bride praying for Him to come, and Him assuring her that He is already coming quickly (cf. Revelation 22:17–20). So, also the Song concludes with her pleading that He would come quickly.

The mountains are no longer mountains of separation (cf. Song of Songs 2:17). His coming quickly is upon mountains of spices, the fragrant fruit of His work in the church. Quickly, He saves all of His elect and prepares them for glory. He hastens His return. And the bride who longs for that return loves to participate in that work. She is zealous and diligent for evangelism and discipleship, which hasten (instrumentally speaking) the coming of the Lord Jesus. A congregation that doesn’t prioritize this, or a professing believer who doesn’t participate in it, is not reflecting the mind of the true bride.

How does it show, in your heart and your habits, that you love to hear the voice of the bride? How does it appear that you want to give Christ the congregational worship that He desires. How much do you desire Christ’s coming? How are you expressing this desire? How are you pursuing it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You that Your bride, in this world, dwells in the gardens that are congregations of the life of Christ, the beauty of Christ, and the fruit of Christ. Give us to be such a garden. Your companions gather to hear the bride’s voice, so give this congregation voice. Come, and declare God’s Name to Your brethren; in the midst of the assembly, sing God’s praise. And take pleasure, Lord Jesus, in the voice of Your bride as she worships You. Delight in her praying, reading, singing, and preaching Your Word. Even so, use her worship, discipleship, and evangelism to gather in all of those whom You have loved with saving love, from all eternity. And thus, come quickly, Lord Jesus, we ask in Your own Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH405 “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord”