This thing is nuts! The notes for each verse take up nearly half the page and the thing weighs at least 20 pounds. Not really. But it is heavy. Oh and it's bonded leather so it smells like farm animals. It is also super practical for me right now. I was studying last night for a Biblical Backgrounds test and I was really able to utilize some of the great maps and articles that the Bible has.
We were talking about a pretty cool concept in my Biblical Backgrounds class that I wanted to blog about. We're going through Inter-Testmental culture and we were talking about how important family and your lineage was back then. In modern American culture, someone can have a terrible upbringing, and go on to do incredible things. We aren't limited by the geographical location and economic circumstances that we are placed in by our parents. Back then it wasn't quite like this. You basically did what your father did and would be judged and categorized by your family name. The reason knowing all of this is so important is so that we can fully comprehend the amount that Jesus shook these people up when he started his ministry.
I never realized the importance of Matthew 1:1-17 until now. Our teacher told us that this genealogy is so very important because when a Jewish person sees this, they see in big bold letters "..the son of David, the son of Abraham." Jesus is King! Jesus is King! Jesus is King!
This was huge! He was from the royal line of David! And he's talking to a Samaritan woman? And healing on the Sabbath? Whoa whoa..
It really helped me read the scripture differently and realize the weight of what Jesus did in His ministry. How He, without sin, completely shook up the way things were. It really makes you realize why so many hated Him and wanted Him crucified.
And so, through Christ Jesus.. we now have a new heritage. Because He died, we can be welcomed into the family of Christ. We can be Sons and Daughters of the Most High King of the universe. That's some real powerful heritage. It also really makes me think about how I treat my brothers and sisters in Christ. My love for them really should abound as I realize how closely bonded we are in this new family.
Some good stuff to think about, eh? Thanks Professor Klink :)
Oh and here's a picture of my dog Zoey and a baby. Blogs are always more fun when there are pictures involved.
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