DEVOTION / Ties to Your Family Tree
What does your family tree look like?
Ten years ago, I wouldn't have known an answer to that question. But the popularity of sites like Ancestry.com and My Heritage have led many to dig into their family lines. It can be an addictive pastime.
Sandwiched today between Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and Father's Day, it's a good time to ponder on those who came before us. In my family, I have discovered English, Scandinavian, French, and German roots. I can trace some branches of my family back to the times of Shakespeare and Martin Luther. One family member's line claims to go all the way back to the Middle East in Jesus' time.
Researching, some families find big surprises—like being related to royalty. For us, we have lots of farmers and carpenters. I couldn't find a single pastor in all the generations. We owe thanks to our loving Lord and the families he inspired to give us Christian pastors and teachers.
Do you think God cares much about genealogies?
I think he does. He records many genealogies in his Word. There are lines of nations, kings, and even evil-doers. The most important genealogies are those of . . .
Joseph (Matthew 1:1-16).
Mary (Luke 3:23-38).
It was a way that God showed he honored his promises. Being from the line of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David was the lineage of the Savior of the world.
This spring, as we recognize the value of family and those who have gone before, let's use God's Word to focus our celebrations.
It was God who created the family as the basic unit of society (Genesis 1:28 & 2:18).
God values families and watches over them through the generations (Psalm 100:5 & 102:28).
God uses families to pass his Word from generation to generation (Deuteronomy 6:1-9).
He has called believers to be his sons and daughters in the family of the King (2 Corinthians 6:18).
Take a moment today to thank God for his goodness
Praise him for keeping his promises and passing them along to you family. Resolve to share this good news with the families of those in your sphere of life. Finally, pray fervently for those who are trapped in false superstition and fear to find the freedom of the gospel of Jesus. May God grant it. Amen.
Source: Dave Payne