Genealogy 101

Dear Readers,

Do you have someone in your family that loves genealogy? I was at my Uncle Levi’s funeral last fall and my cousin Verna's eyes lit up as she began talking about family connections that I, a novice in genealogy, had very much difficulty following. Her sisters at the dinner table just rolled their eyes and laughed lovingly at her as she showed her genealogical acumen.

The Gospels also show a love of genealogy. Matthew, Chapter 1 traces the birth of Jesus forward from Abraham to David, then from David to the Babylonian captivity, then to “Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.” Verse 16

Luke, the doctor, on the other hand tracks Jesus’ genealogy backward. The family tree he pictures goes back through David, to Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham. Then it reverses on to Methuselah, the oldest man who ever lived, through Seth, Adam, and finally God.

The Old Testament also has numerous genealogical listings that that a person like me tends to skim. I wonder sometimes at the rationale of the writers to include such mundane tidbits.

Then I think of Verna, who treasures such listings. She would never think of the history of a family as mundane. To her a genealogical listing tells a very important story of how one person, or a group of persons become who they are.

Finally, an all important genealogical fact exists. It is found in 1 Corinthians 3:21-23. It is a simple genealogical tracing that is the root of a Christian’s family tree that mirrors Jesus lineage to the ultimate end.

"Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: Whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come--all are yours. And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's." (NKJV)

See you next time,
Arlen