Devo Week 37

Our Place in History -- Fact or Fiction (Part 1) 

In a world with millions of people, nations and governments, for small people groups often their identity is grounded more in their unique history than in citizenship. Their genealogies serve as a compass in a constantly changing world.

Key Concept: A Messiah with Roots

The significance of genealogies came as a revelation to me while living with the Akha and Akeu. "We are concerned that we are becoming a forgotten tribe. That as our generation dies out, our culture will pass away, and our children and the world will not even know we’ve existed.” That was the heart-cry of the Akeu elders which became a divine invitation for us to join them.

Such concern is a real feeling for many minority people groups. Genealogies help ground them in reality and give continuity to their past, present and future. For them, family is their identity. Genealogies are their historical record, an account of when and where their ancestors lived.

The Akha and Akeu helped us better understand the significance of the genealogies included in Matthew, Luke and numerous other places in the Bible. With all the debate about Jesus Christ, one of the indisputable facts about Him was his Jewish genealogy. He had roots. He was a real person. He had great ancestors who experienced historical events, such as Moses and the Exodus, Elijah and his fiery chariot, and Daniel as advisor to the King of Babylon. Jesus was born, lived a sinless life, died, was buried and resurrected as the Messiah for all nations. The God-man Jesus became a part of creation to redeem or bring it back to its original purpose, into a right relationship with God and others. This is the Good News!

Key Word Definition: genealogy (noun)

-- a record or account of the ancestry and descent of a person, family, or group.

Excerpt from Devotional 37 with highlighted word:

"Future generations may question their history, but genealogy is the record of their ancestors who lived on earth."

Scripture: Matthew 1:1

“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham:”