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Matthew 1:1-6 – This is the list of the ancestors of Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who was a descendant of Abraham. From Abraham to King David, the following ancestors are listed: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah and his brothers; then Perez and Zerah (their mother was Tamar), Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz (his mother was Rahab), Obed (his mother was Ruth), Jesse, and King David. (GNT)
I had decided that I would begin Advent by reading the book of Matthew. Of course, like several other books of the Bible, it included the dreaded family tree. Ho hum, what a bore. I was tempted to skip this part until the Spirit nudged me not to cheat. Okay, I thought, if You think it's so important to read, then grant me some enlightenment, Lord, regarding these verses. And He did.
It dawned on me that just as the lineage of Christ is all written down, so God knows my lineage from start to finish. This thought absolutely stopped me in my tracks. Such a thing had never occurred to me before. Since time began, God has known exactly who my ancestors are and who my descendants will be. He knows exactly who the first person in my line was to know Him, as well as who the last one will be before His return. How absolutely incredible!
Then, another thought took root. All those of faith in my line, those whom I have never met or even heard of, will be waiting for me in heaven when God calls me home. My heart leapt within me at this reality. It was astounding to consider such a family reunion, a truth that brought such excitement within my heart that I can hardly wait to meet them all and hear their stories of faith and encouragement. And even more amazing is that God knows everyone in your family tree as well, from start to finish.
So this Christmas, I have already received the most amazing and unexpected gift, and it all came about by reading what I considered to be one of the most boring parts of the Bible, the family tree of Jesus. This just goes to remind me that, indeed, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV 2011)
Prayer: What an amazing and marvellous God You are, O Lord! How blessed we are to be part of Your family. Thank You for all those who have gone before us and all those who will descend from us who have known You and will know You through Christ, our Lord and Saviour, in Whose name, we pray. Amen.
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My dad was also a great believer in reading ALL parts of the Bible. Great insight.
Lynne, I loved this devotional! What a thought-provoking advent message.
Blessings.
The lineages have always been boring to me, but now I have a new outlook on them. Thank you for your insight.
I will be astounded if there’s anyone from my family tree, but when I found out my brother, 3,000 miles away, is a Christian, that’s exactly how I described it: like receiving the best Christmas gift ever! Thanks for your message, Lynne.
Thanks Lynne, as always you really struck a chord with me. I have sometimes felt guilty about not being eager to research my family tree.
Now I won’t feel badly any more because the Lord knows who they are and He knows their faith stories – and so will I one day!
Lynne, you caught me unawares. When I start to read a devotional, I always try to ferret out the writer by clues in the script. It has been such a joy to tramp about the countryside with your horses and dogs.
Now, you pull me up short and mirror my thoughts about sections of the scripture I find less readable, yet highly valuable once I dig in and mine the nuggets.
Thanks for your commitment to bless lives through the vitality of your words.
Hi Lynn,
Read your devotional this morning. I started to read the New Testament while walking on the treadmill early in the morning and in Luke 3 is the same “Boring” list of names of the ancesters of Joseph, Luke 3: 23 – 38 AMAZING!!!
You probably knew this, but your devotional made an impression this early morning of December 1st
Blessings.
Dear Lynne,
Thank you for your devotional, especially for the scripture verse 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and the prayer.
I pray for you and your descendants — all those who will descend from us who have known You and will know You through Christ, our Lord and Savior, in Whose name, we pray. Amen.
Though not married, I pray that in heaven I will have many spiritual “descendants” — as many as God chooses.
Amen.
Keep writing.
Hi Lynne,
Thank you for today’s devotional.
My mom passed away when I was a little girl. My daughters asked where my Mom was. I told her she was in Heaven, decorating for the big party when she finally would get to meet her grandchildren face to face. Many years later my Dad was given the bad news that he only had a year to live. My daughter and I told him that since Grandma had been decorating forever, maybe he could start on the food!
Anyway, I have lived my life looking forward to that great party we will have but your writing made me think of it from another angle. It isn’t enough to look forward to being reunited with those who have gone ahead, but it is our duty to be sure that our children (and their descendants) also get the “invitation”.
So many people say they will let their children decide for themselves. They obviously haven’t thought about how they would feel if those children didn’t make the guest list. I think that, like ages gone by, it is our duty to be sure our children are “seen by the right people”. Only this time it’s far more important than coming out at a debutante’s ball, or meeting an earthly king!!
Thanks for twigging that thought for me!
(ON)
Thanks so much, Lynne. What an awesome God we have!
Thanks Lynne for sharing your thoughts on lineage and our heavenly reunion. Just got this devotional today. Don’t know why. Blessings.
Thank you, Lynne, for telling us about the beautiful insights you received when you reflected on the list of names.