[07/31/2023 “teEn-MAIL”]
[This focus was originally sent 05/29/1999 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]
There was an aristocratic social climber who paid a researcher hundreds of dollars to dig into his family tree. Not only does he no longer have an interest in his ancestral pedigree, but he had to pay this researcher hundreds more to keep him silent.
Then there was the lawyer who discovered one of his ancestors had been hanged for stealing cattle. In order to hide this fact, he rewrote his family history in this way: “Grandfather died while taking part in a public ceremony — when the platform gave way beneath him.”
Ancestry information can be very revealing about many lives; some good and some not so good. Many look for what supports an ancestry rich in greatness, one in which pride can be taken. And some people attempt to cover up whatever they find in which they can take no pride.
As Israel prepared to inhabit the land God had promised, spies were sent into Jericho. We read. . .
“(1) And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there. . . . . (8) Before the men lay down, she came up to them on the roof (9) and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. (10) For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. (11) And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.” (Joshua 2:1 & 8-11 ESV)
Here was one we would not consider to have been of good reputation, yet we read of Rahab helping these two spies. We also note her view of God; an acknowledgment that is impressive. How did she gain such a view in accordance with truth? I don’t know, but it is clear she had a fear and respect for God.
Now, what does this have to do with ancestry? Would you have rejoiced in having her as a part of your ancestry? Was she (a prostitute) of the type of character you would boast of in your family tree? Well, for those of us in Christ she is a part of our spiritual heritage! Rahab is listed in the genealogical listing from Abraham to Christ. (Matthew 1:5) She is also listed among the heroes of faith where we read. . .
“(31) By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” (Hebrews 11:31 ESV)
The heritage we have is one of changed lives! And we ought to be encouraged by the fact of what God can do through imperfect people who put their faith in Him and allow Him to use them. That is a part of our glorious ancestry and to be characteristic of our own life.
Yes, we are a part of an ancestry (lineage) of changed people. It is a rich heritage of change and hope! It is one of which we can be proud. It is an ancestry that places us in position to receive an eternal inheritance reserve for us in Heaven as Peter encouraged. . .
(3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (4) to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,” (1 Peter 1:3-4 ESV)
Have a great day KNOWING THE RICH ANCESTRY IN WHICH WE HAVE HOPE!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area.)
