Big Family
It’s interesting to research the family tree. Here in the Deep South we have despairing jokes about how some peoples family tree don’t fork. It’s interesting to trace my roots back for several generations. I grew up in Kentucky with deep roots there on my mother’s side. My Dad’s family was from North Carolina. I remember as a kid visiting our relatives in Boone, NC. It was memorable to see where my Dad’s family grew up and did life. At family reunions in Kentucky, we used to get together and all the aunts, uncles and cousins would show up to my grand parents. They were the patriarchs of our family. My mom and dad both came from big families.
As I read this morning in 1 Chronicles, I came across the family tree of David, who later became King of Israel. He was from the tribe of Judah and his dad was 7 generations down from Judah. Check this out….
13 Jesse was the father of
Eliab his firstborn; the second son was Abinadab, the third Shimea, 14 the fourth Nethanel, the fifth Raddai, 15 the sixth Ozem and the seventh David. 16 Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. Zeruiah’s three sons were Abishai, Joab and Asahel. 17 Abigail was the mother of Amasa, whose father was Jether the Ishmaelite. (1 Chronicles 2:13-17 NIV)
David was the seventh (youngest) son of Jesse, yet he became the greatest because of his walk with God. He figured out just how uncomplicated following the Lord is. He sang songs to God while watching the sheep. He trusted in the Lord when he faced an animal that threatened the sheep under his care. David evidently learned at a young age the importance of trusting God. He grew from obscurity to significance because the Lord was with him.
I’m good with being the son of a Kentucky man with North Carolina roots who follows the Lord. I learned about the Lord at a young age, but it took a minute for me to trust Him completely. I want my life to be significant and have a positive impact on others. I don’t have to become a king or president. I simply need to live a life of significance from where I am and the Lord will work through me to accomplish His significant plans.
Pressing On!
Dwayne