2008-12-08 10:06:00
"The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah" (Matthew 1:1).
How many of you know much about your own genealogy? There's a lot of interest in this subject and the internet has been a valuable source for those trying to find their roots. I don't know a whole lot about mine, although I do know I have German descent on both sides and have heard that one of my ancestors was Abram Clark, who signed the Declaration of Independence. Brooksyne has an Irish background from her father but also some Cherokee Indian from her mother.
There are those who can trace their lineage back hundreds of years and know who their ancestors are. Hope Winchoba, a dear friend from our congregation in Massachusetts went to be with the Lord this last August. She could trace her genealogy all the way back to the Mayflower (the Mayhew family) and in fact all the way back to Norman in 1,000 AD!
But sadly in our broken world with so much immorality and fragmented families there are those who do not even know their own birth father, let alone their grandparents and previous generations. In fact many are so focused on the present and so disconnected to any heritage that they don't even care.
In the next several days I would like to consider the genealogy of Jesus Christ, which both Matthew and Luke record. The genealogies of Scripture are not something most of us would name among our favorite portions. The longest genealogy is found in 1 Chronicles 1-9!
I suspect many of us tend to scan through these genealogies to get past them and get on to the "real" message of the Bible. Although we might be hesitant to say it to others, we may reckon these genealogies as boring. But all Scripture is profitable and even these genealogies are inspired truth and have lessons for us. They also foundationally place the truth presented in Scripture in the context of real history.
Matthew was one of the original disciples and his gospel was primarily intended for those with a Jewish background. Thus Matthew's genealogy begins with Abraham. In contrast, Luke's record (3:23-38) traces the lineage of Christ all the way back to Adam.
Matthew's genealogy, although generally comprised of straightforward phrases such as "Abraham was the father of Isaac", also has several interesting details which call the reader's attention to specific Old Testament events.
In the next several days I want to focus on the specific women who are mentioned in the genealogy, all of whom have quite a story recorded in the Scriptures. The inclusion of their names is quite significant, particularly to the early Jewish readers who would have known the story. I believe each of these stories will provide a lesson in God's acceptance and plan for each of us. As you read these stories may you marvel in God's love for the fallen human race. And may you rejoice in God's love for you!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, regardless of our birth genealogy, whether we're born to peasant or royalty, when we are born into the Kingdom of God we become Your children and all are on equal standing at the foot of the cross. We are not just born into Your Kingdom but we were purchased with the precious sinless blood of Jesus. There is no higher calling and no greater privilege granted to the human race. Thank You for the spirit of sonship that invites each of us to call You Abba Father. This is possible only because of Christ Jesus. He gave His all that we might be born again and receive eternal life. Amen.
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