Family Tree


I enjoy working on my family tree; have been working on it since 1995 when I took a course in Marriage and Family in Seminary.  I like discovering when, where and what about my ancestors and wading through periods of time in history in which they lived.  If particularly observant when examining birth, death and census records one discovers their ethnic origins and cultural history; health and medical history; how long people lived and were their ancestors native born or immigrants and why did they migrate. Working on my family tree opens doors of understanding as to who I am, what I inherited and what I believe.  I was thrilled when I heard the following in Church one Sunday morning.
                                                                                                          
Back In November 2017, at Grace Community Church in Herndon, Pennsylvania, Pastor Douglas Weygand gave a message about the genealogical line of Jesus; specifically highlighting Rahab (Joshua 2:1-3; 6:17-25; Matthew 1:1-16).  “Ah, I thought, a brief look at another family tree; that of Jesus the Messiah.”

What amazed me were the following statements given that Sunday in the Pastor’s message.


  1. Rahab’s Profession – Scripture states that Rahab was a harlot, a prostitute who ended up being named in the genealogical line of Jesus.
  2. Rahab’s Position – Scripture names Rahab in the Royal line of Israel’s Messiah (the Anointed One), the King of Israel and the Savior of the world.
  3. Rahab’s Promotion – The writer of the Book of Hebrews lists Rahab as one of the icons of faith and she is also mentioned in the Book of James as one “justified by faith,” (James 2:5).
The Book of Joshua records Rahab lived a life as a prostitute in Jericho and reminds the Jewish people (and us) that Rahab’s life was spared (saved).  Rahab lived in Israel and became the mother of Boaz who married Ruth and had Obed, the father of Jesse who was the father of David the King of Israel.  The point of the message I heard that day in Church, “God takes great delight in redeeming people, no matter what their circumstances,” (Pastor Doug).  What a refreshing reminder; no matter what your sin (offense) or the background from which you come (family history) there is hope for redemption and restoration (salvation).  Although God, Jesus was human and he understands us, he knows us because we are created in God’s image.

I still work on my family tree and I enjoy discovering and piecing together my own family stories.  My maternal grandmother helped me with my first four generations back in 1995.  She could not go back any further.  Today, she would be amazed as to what I have gathered about her family.  Here is a suggestion.  Read the genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew 1:1-17 and in Luke Chapter 3:23-38.  Focus on the names of the persons listed and check out those who have their own stories in the Bible.  Jesus has a family tree much like ours; all the more to fully trust in him because HE knows ME; he knows from whence I came (Psalm 139:14-16).


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