Don’t skip over the genealogies when reading the Bible. Anah was a man found in Esau’s genealogical record, thus an Edomite, from a nation which would eventually become bitter enemies of God’s people. Nevertheless, God has been pleased to record Anah’s name in the Bible for our benefit.

It is a wonderful fact that the God who created the universe with its innumerable blazing orbs, the God who lifts up empires and casts them down, is also the same God who notices each sparrow that falls to the ground and who numbers the hairs of our head. And so with Anah. He was known as the Anah who found water in the wilderness. Heaven saw Anah as he cared for his father’s donkeys and found “the warm springs” (jnd).

This reality is especially apt for us who are believers. Mundane events or menial tasks take on a different meaning for the Christian when we connect them with the Lord. Everyday tasks or events of which the world takes no special notice can be done as unto the Lord: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17). And not only this, but if we do them in a way that is energetic, sincerely, with our hearts’ involvement, there is a promised reward: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:23–24).

There is nothing we do in life that is so small that it is unimportant: “a cup of cold water” given in the name of Christ will not lose its eternal reward (Mt. 10:42). Like Anah, our everyday chores and experiences are recorded and have an eternal significance. May this thought encourage and strengthen us as we step forward into the challenges and opportunities of this New Year.