Today: 1 Chronicles 1-2
“What are you? I mean—what’s your cultural background?”
For some reason, I get this question a lot. Perhaps it’s because of my name. Maybe it’s because of how I look. I have no idea.
“I’m an American mutt,” I answer with a smile. “I’ve heard that I have a mix of English, Welsh, German, French…and probably a few other nationalities and races I don’t even know about.”
Perhaps you’re like me with little or no understanding about your family tree. Or maybe you know more—one of your parents or grandparents could be really into genealogy. For many people today, the history of our family trees does not define who we are or our positions in life. But that’s not always the case. Depending on where you live and who you are, your family tree may make a huge difference in your life (that means you, Prince William). :)
From these chapters and others that we’ve read over the past few weeks, I think the Bible sheds light on the importance (or lack thereof) of family trees. Here are a few things I’ve picked up:
- Your family can have a big impact on who you are—especially when it comes to your faith and moral character. Throughout 1 & 2 Kings, I remember continually reading “And So-and-So carried on in the evil ways of his father….”
- However, sometimes great people can come from totally messed up families and horrible situations (and vice versa). For example, King Solomon was the son of David and Bathsheba—a woman David had an affair with. However, King Solomon became known as a wise and good king who built a temple to honor God.
- Don’t underestimate the value of passing on your beliefs to your children—they will emulate what they see (not just what they hear). Solomon was a good king, but he had a weakness for women (perhaps like his dad?). He had hundreds of wives and concubines (translation: mistresses), many of whom worshipped false gods. Their beliefs impacted him and led him to disobey God. But on the positive side, David lived as a “man after God’s own heart”—Solomon must have seen that, too, because though he wasn’t perfect, he lived his life to honor God.
We can’t control where we come from—your family tree may be less than perfect or absolutely amazing. Even though your family may have a big impact on who you are, the impact can be superseded. Because of the sacrifice and love of Jesus, we can be adopted into God’s family—just by believing that His sacrifice at Calvary paid for our sins. I love that the Bible talks about salvation as adoption. It says that we didn’t choose God first, He first chose us. That’s an incredible gift of love. It’s such an amazing family tree that I’m proud to be part of.
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