Today’s scripture: Luke 3:23-38 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Cheryl Stonestreet):
I’m guessing I was assigned these verses because our editor knows I’m a genealogy addict.
One of my favorite genealogy TV shows was the PBS series Finding Your Roots. In one episode the host, Henry Louis Gates Jr., went to an elementary school in the U.S. and had a classroom of girls of African-American heritage swab the inside of their cheeks for DNA. When their test results came back, each girl was given a map showing her where in Africa her ancestors were likely from, and what tribe her DNA was associated with. If you watch closely, you see each girl raise her chin a little higher and sit up a little straighter, a little taller in her seat. You see self-confidence and pride in each of their faces. Knowing where you come from and who you are related to gives a person an incredible sense of self.
Looking at Jesus’ lineage, there are a lot of big names: King David, Isaac, Abraham, Noah, Seth, Adam, and God! “But wait,” you say, “isn’t this is actually Joseph’s lineage?” Yes, it was, but it was also Jesus’. It was surely imprinted upon him, too. Imagine hearing these family stories told over and over at family gatherings, in the temple, and at the dinner table. Imagine the expectations their stories would form into your own identity. Imagine knowing you are a direct descendent of God! Well, aren’t we?
The stories of King David, Abraham, Noah, Seth, Adam, and all the others are our stories, too. No matter how you interpret or understand them, literally or mythically, they are the stories of and from our ancestors. And when we follow the lineage, we all get our beginnings from God.
Thought for today: Abba, never let me forget where I come from. Let me always remember who my ancestors are. May I walk with confidence knowing I am Your child. Help me make You proud.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.