March

We have recently introduced a new Genealogy page on this Web-site and so this month we are going to look at “Roots” and at Jesus as we see him presented in the gospel of Matthew chapter 1, and in so doing, look at what it means for us to be like him.

I think each of us can remember a number of years ago when a man named Alex Haley produced a book and mini-series about his quest for finding his ancestors: Roots. Everyone was thrilled to follow the story of Kunta Kinte. I think deep down inside we all have a quest to find out our ‘roots’.

Many of us, I am sure, take a great interest in tracing our family heritage. We may go to the local Historical Society or Church Records looking for clues to find out where our great, great grandfather came from or where he is buried.

Some times people can find out embarrassing things about their ancestors. Sometimes too much searching will find thieves, “black sheep” or other "skeletons in the cupboard."

Many times as we look at our families, there can be a shame or embarrassment, but many times those same family members are the ones who can teach us the most about life, love, integrity, and serving God. Jesus was a man who knew his roots. We find in Matthew chapter 1, the genealogy of Jesus recorded for everyone to read.

To be like Jesus means to accept our roots: to not be controlled by past failures, but to look at all that has happened in the past as preparation for our life.

Looking at Christ’s Family Tree

The genealogy of Christ is given in the Bible for several reasons:

To show that he was human: Jesus was flesh and blood like you and me

To show he was the promised Messiah: he is the one destined to fulfil God’s plan

To show he is the Saviour of the whole world, not just the Jews

There were outsiders in the family tree –

We see that Jesus had a heritage that included those outside of the Jewish race. Rahab was from the city of Jericho. Ruth was a Moabitess. Bathsheba had been the wife of a Hittite.

Jesus is not limited in any way because he has a multi-ethnic heritage. If the truth were told, we all have a multitude of races represented in our blood, maybe, Scottish, English, Welsh, Irish, Anglo-Saxon or whatever. There are some groups that claim superiority because of their skin colour or race, but the truth is that that is not a blessing or a curse. Far too often people try to excuse themselves on the basis of race. I think it is shameful when the country fails to bring justice because of how an ethnic group will respond to a courtroom verdict. We have grown into a nation that is driven by ethnic heritage and political correctness. While we can take pride in our heritage, we need to accept and love one another regardless of religion, colour of skin or politics.

We also see that there were Black Sheep in the family tree –

Tamar - played the part of a prostitute and seduced her father-in-law

Rahab - was a harlot who was saved by the spies

Ruth - a Moabitess - the nation of Moab came about because of incest of Lot and his daughters

Bathsheba - had an adulterous affair with King David - leading to the murder of Uriah her husband

Of the kings mentioned many were wicked - Rehoboam, Abijah, Joram - all were very wicked kings

Jesus was not hindered in life or ministry because there were ungodly people in his past. Many times we resign ourselves to failure or insignificance because of sinful pasts or families. The truth of the matter is that each one of us determines for ourselves whether or not we will serve God. Do not blame your sinful habits on your parents or your youth. Each one of us has the choice today to serve God or live for self. Jesus was not limited because of a "chequered past."

We see Royalty in the family tree -

Jesus also was not arrogant about how "upper-class" his family was. We see he was a direct descendant of the line of David. There are many kings in his lineage. Yet that is not a reason for boasting. Jesus grows up as a simple carpenter. he is a humble man. Far too many people want to demand certain treatment because of who they are related to. None of us has anything of which to boast. It does not matter how great our family. Our greatness is measured by what we do with our own life.

So, we see in the family tree of Jesus, that we always are responsible for setting the course of our own life. God often uses our heritage, ancestry, and details of our past to prepare us for the life he has in store for us.

Conclusion - Jesus knew his background. He knew his roots. He used his roots to prepare him for the life he would have. He was not hindered or advanced by his background. You may or may not know your family background and history. Don’t let that hinder you from serving God. Choose today to overcome through the power of God, through the power of Immanuel, God who is with us, who is with you to enable you and give you the victory in your life. How has God been preparing you? What does he have in store for you?  The question is not what is in your past, but what is in your future!

Jim Reaney