Dear Sisters,
Did you realize that Jesus was not a direct descendant of Solomon? I didn’t. I simply assumed as Jesus was of the family of David, assuredly He had His lineage through the wisest, most famous, and most powerful Israelite king. He didn’t. The most widely accepted theory is that Joseph’s lineage is recorded in the book of Matthew (which does include Solomon), and Mary’s lineage (Jesus’ actual bloodline) is recorded in Luke—with David’s barely mentioned son, Nathan, as Jesus ancestor. Another irony—this son of David bore the name of the prophet who confronted David about his sin with Bathsheba. God’s use of irony and subtlety never ceases to amaze me. God does not ignore sin—how can a holy God do so? But, He can and does forgive such through His Son’s death on the cross. He redeems those lives ruined by sin.
And here is the exciting part: once we have recognized our desperate need for a Savior, and trusted that Jesus is that Savior, we have been released from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2) and introduced to a new life. This new life is differentiated by the fact that we are not slaves, mere followers, trembling penitents at God’s feet, but: “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’” Romans 8:14-15. Did you catch that? The Jews of the Old Testament were so cautious about the God of their Fathers and His absolute Holiness that they did not even utter His Name. Jesus’ habit of calling God, “Abba!” was unprecedented at that time. Yet, as believers, we have the same privilege as Jesus—calling God, “Daddy!”
As a slave to sin, I was a cast-out, I couldn’t even venture to glimpse into heaven—I was not known as part of the heavenly family, nor invited. The very walls of heaven would shun such a one as me, and the gates certainly wouldn’t open. Jesus did not make me a step-child, blending me into a family that may or may not include familial love. No, He adopted me. We know a number of families who are pursuing adoption or have already adopted children. These families have prayed for and wept for their children, they waited years and spent thousands of dollars, they struggled through mountains of paperwork all for the hope they would sometime be able to hold that precious one. Oh, those children are loved—they are family! And we believers; adopted by God, prayed for, wept for, waited millennia for, paid for by His Son’s life, with our names written in His Book—oh, we are His beloved children, wholly and completely!
As you enjoy this Christmas season, take time to snuggle down into your Daddy’s arms—grateful to Jesus and His willingness to be humble for us, to offer to us not just cleansing but entrance into His family—characterized by our new name (Christian) and a redeemed way of life.
Running with you,
Rebecca