More Than a List of Names
The 2026 church directories are available in the foyer. I realize that they are not as critical as in years past since we have access to the online directory through the website and Congregate app. But they are still a good resource and a tool for us to fulfill the “one another” passages given to members of the local church:
- “bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2)
- “let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another” (Heb. 10:24-25)
- “through love serve one another” (Gal. 5:13)
The directory got me to thinking about the many times in the Scriptures where we find lists of names. Usually, they are names that are not only unknown to us but that we’re unsure how to pronounce. Names of people whose stories are also unfamiliar: where they came from, what they did, where they went. And the temptation is to “observe the Passover” and skip reading them to get to the next paragraph. But God chose to include them in the Bible. He knew how to say their names and the events of their life’s story. He knew that the original readers would be encouraged by the memories of their family members. And He preserved them through the ages for our learning.
What, then, are we to make of all these lists of names?
“These are the records of the generations” forms the structure of the book of Genesis. The Hebrew word generations means “descendants” or “successors.” This phrase is found 10 times to list the descendants of people like Adam, Noah, and Jacob (2:4; 5:1; 6:9; 10:1; 11:10; 11:27; 25:12; 25:19; 36:1,9; 37:2). Each generation had its own opportunity to serve God or forsake God. Each family made their own imprint and left a legacy for future generations. Some lines were ungodly (Cain); others were godly (Abraham). And every family went through their own trials of faith. When you look at the church directory, these are the generations of children, grandchildren, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. What will the record show that we did with our time?
“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ” are the first words of the New Testament (Matt. 1:1). In our day, there is a curious interest in family history brought on by websites like ancestry.com or myheritage.com. But to the Jewish people, genealogies were important because of things like birthrights, property rights, and priestly lineage. There are two genealogies specific to the family of Jesus to show that He is both the Son of Man, by being “the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Mt. 1:1), and the Son of God (Lk. 3:38). But just like every family tree, Jesus had some noteworthy relatives: Tamar, Rahab, Bathsheba. And God used them to bring the Messiah into the world. As you flip through the directory, we are the family of Jesus. Each has a part; each has a place. God, the Father, uses all of His sons and daughters for His purposes and to His glory.
“The book of life.” This book that will be opened on the day of judgment (Rev. 20:12). A book that Jesus referenced as being “written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). For strangers, pilgrims, and sojourners who never had a city to call their own, the faithful were finally “enrolled in heaven” (Heb. 10:23). The church directory is not infallible; it is likely already out of date. It is put together by people who make mistakes and don't have all the information. But “the Lord knows those who are His” (2 Tim. 2:19). Do not rejoice that your name is written in the new directory; rejoice that your name is recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life.
So the next time you’re doing your Bible reading, resist the temptation to skip over a list of names. They have been left there for a purpose, and it just might surprise you what connections you can make with the rest of the Scriptures. As to how to pronounce them, we may not know for sure until the roll is called up yonder.
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https://www.southsideonline.org/articles/2026/03/22/more-than-a-list-of-names
