Family Tree

By Dwayne Hicks | June 29, 2013 |

Family tree, relatives, people silhouettesI’ve chuckled about my family tree a time or two over the years. When talking with my parents about different family members or ancestors and how they came to be married are lots of fun stories. There are always some “black sheep” in the family lineage and there are also some “giants of faith”. My family tree was probably less “checkered” than some.  I was reminded of grace again this morning when reading Matthew’s account of Jesus’ family tree. It contained Tamar and Rahab – two women who had some “colorful” behavior in their background. They are mentioned in the family tree of Jesus not to mention David’s immoral behavior with Bathsheba. The incredible theme of this to me is Grace. The ONLY Son of God came through the family tree of some regular people who struggled with sin. What a start to the arrival of the Savior of the world. Check this out…

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-24 NIV)

I never get tired of hearing that story. Mary & Joseph’s trust in God drastically affected their family tree. Their heritage of faith would be forever changed. I’m so thankful for my parents who instilled in me faith in Creator God. Their parents and grandparents also poured into them. I believe that the story of restoration is scattered through all family trees. The Grace and Mercy of God is far-reaching and NEVER gets short in supply. I want my part of our family tree to reflect deep faith and obedience as the theme of my life!

Pressing On!
Dwayne
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