1 Chronicles 7:20-24  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. (NLT)

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Two sons died in a raid on their neighbors. Another son was born later and given a name meaning Unlucky (The Message). 

Separately, and probably more notably, “He had a daughter named Sheerah. She built the towns of Lower and Upper Beth-horon and Uzzen-sheerah.”

Ephraim’s two dead sons died while trying to steal livestock. His other sons did nothing worth recording. His daughter built towns. Sheerah provided Ephraim’s legacy. Legacy means “money or property given to another by will.” It’s something an ancestor or parent passes along to others. 

Ephraim is best remembered for his daughter Sheerah’s city-building rather than his thieving sons. Sheerah lived a productive and exemplary life. 

When God led the author of 1 Chronicles to record genealogies of Israel’s family groups, Sheerah is listed among the men who built the nation. She knew how to get the right things done. She lived the kind of life Jabez prayed for when he said, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.” (See 1 Chronicles 4:10.)

God blesses those who live life-giving lives. He blesses those who build up. (See Ephesians 4:29.)

Each of us has the opportunity to build up today. We can build through our influence, our work, and our words. How will you build a better world today? How will you live a life worth noting and celebrating long after you’re gone?

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I will find a way to build a better world today.

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Our Father, thank you for Sheeran’s story and how it reminds us how you use people like us to enrich the lives of others. Empower us to live lives that edify others and extend your Kingdom. Amen.