We had a interesting talk last Sunday that mentioned briefly the verse in Timothy and about King Herod burning the records causing consternation amongst the Jews who were trying to make sure of their public genealogy record.
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Titus 3:9
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 1 Tim1:4
In Judea in the time of Jesus it was very important for well placed Jews to know their purity of lineage. Especially if they were priests from the tribe of Levi. That is why it is impressive to see that Jesus lineage goes to Abraham in the beginning of Matthew. That was Joesph's pedigree. Mary, Jesus' mother is found in Luke which was written for the gentiles.
Somewhere in the reign of King Herod, the King had the official registers burnt. He was half Edomite and did not appreciate the Jews looking down on him because of his lineage. So he had them destroyed so no one could prove purer blood then his own. Years later destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD and the unrest surrounding that event destroyed what records that remained. Today it is impossible to establish the Levitical lineage to continue the priesthood to continue the sacrifice. Which is not needed because Jesus was the final sacrifice that atoned for our sins and filled those demands of the Law. Today whosoever will believe in the message of Jesus Christ can be a son of Abraham.
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Gal. 3:29
I am not quite clear on one thing; is it unacceptable for us to trace our own lineage?
ReplyDeleteIt is to my understanding that it is not wrong to have an interest in your fore bearers or have a family register. It is when one puts his confidence or justification in his lineage when really we need to have our confidence and justification in the Blood of Christ--that is what is going to save us. Some conservative groups tend to put their confidence more in lineage, language and tradition than in saving Faith. Thanks for your comments.
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