Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 2 Samuel 18:18, ” Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up a pillar for himself, which is in the King’s Valley. For he said, ‘I have no son to keep my name in remembrance.’ He called the pillar after his own name. And to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument. “

Background

One of my dear friends from college is the oldest of three sisters. After she married, she and her husband had one daughter, and then another. When she was pregnant with their third child, my wife and I had just had our first son. And I remember something that my friend’s husband related to me as people commented upon their impending delivery. He said others would suppose on his behalf that he must be really hopeful for a boy this time around, as his opportunities were running out to have a son. But he said his response was always that he would love to have another daughter, for his joy was full in how they had completely stolen his heart, and he couldn’t imagine anything better. As providence would have it, his third and final child was a son, whom he promptly named Paul, Jr. Conversely, my dearest friend is the dad of two daughters. There will be no Cliff, Jr. in his line, though. Through no fault of his own, his name ends with him. After 60, 70, or even 80 years of burning brightly, his name shall pass away. And then what?

Application

Jesus had no children of His own. As common as that name is now in certain cultures, though pronounced differently, there was no Jesus, Jr., the grandson of Joseph the carpenter. By God’s perfect design, Jesus lived and died alone. Through no fault of His own, His name would appear to have ended with Him. But God’s plan never had anything to do with genetics. He wasn’t interested in grandsons and granddaughters. He wanted more sons and daughters. But to have them, they needed to be born of Him. That’s why the family tree of God does not look like a normal family tree. It does not stretch down deeper generation after generation. It grows only wider, as each new believer becomes a brother or sister with every other child of God. That’s why the gospel must go forth, like it does in the families of my friends, for there is no legacy to rest upon. Likewise, though, we are no further removed from our King than the One who makes it all possible. And it is this closeness that can reach every tribe and tongue for Him.

Charge

As we seek Him today, look for opportunities from God to add to your heavenly family.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words