Spiritual roots

Matthew 1 : 1 - 17

It helps us connect to our roots when we have some memory of our ancestors. I can only go back to my grandmothers. In fact, I never met either of my grandfathers who had died by the time I was born. And my own children have had only one grandparent alive and she too has passed on. Unfortunately, in today's world we often grow up removed from our extended family. If we were to chart out our genealogy, we would probably find all kinds of people, each very 'human', each with their own life histories, and perhaps even some with 'coloured' reputations. But in the midst of it all, we might find someone who somehow blessed our lives in ways that we could never imagine. Recently, I was doing a reflection on what I am thankful for in the past. The Lord brought my memory back to my maternal grandmother. She was one who showed me 'unconditional' love. I remember her joy and hugs when we visited. I also remember what prayerful woman she was. It had never struck me before - but yes, I do have some form of positive spiritual heritage in my family, even though 'ah ma' did not know Christ. As a child I watched her pray, several times a day, praying selflessly and fervently for her children and grandchildren, trusting in the providence of a God she could not name clearly. I believe we have come to be the persons we are now, due to God's sovereign activity in our lives, and the way he has faithfully brought about his saving plan in our lives, through our very 'human' ancestors, through people who may not even have called him by name.

Jesus' genealogy as charted by the gospel writer Matthew, seems a boring way to start an exciting story of good news. Yet, Matthew, as inspired by God, took pains to note down Jesus' ancestors. The people mentioned were all very 'human', some simple yet godly, by the grace of God; others were kings and yet wicked in character. Through it all, God preserved a line of people, both sinners and righteous ones who were going to be Jesus' ancestors.

This reminds me to be grateful that in my own life, even though I did not even know my grandfathers, God knew all my ancestors, and at every stage, his loving plan came to pass.This reminds me too of the awesome responsibility of being used by God to shape the lives of those who will come after me.