DESCENDANTS OF ADAM
Ezra, the writer of 1 and 2 Chronicles, began with a lengthy genealogy that began with the first man, Adam. The genealogy continues through chapter nine. Its purpose seems to be to retain a record of all the family lines of Israel, especially that of King David. This need being made more profound by the fall of Israel and Judah and their 70 year captivity in Babylon.
Ezra’s Chronicles began without commentary, just the listing of names. Yet, we are reminded that all people, regardless of color or culture, belong to the human race. And that all of us are descended from Adam, and more specifically from Noah.
The careful record-keeping of the ancient Jews made possible the genealogies of Matthew and Luke that show Jesus to be in the physical line of David as prophesied. It also shows that we are all children of Adam. And as such, we have all been born with Adam’s sin nature.
Yet, Jesus Christ, the second Adam (1 Cor. 15:45-49), makes it possible for us to be born again into God’s family, having our sins forgiven and washed away. As believers in Jesus, we have a new genealogy!
PRAYER: Dear Father, we give You thanks for adopting us into Your family through faith in Jesus. We are children of Adam by birth, but children of God by Your Spirit. Fill us afresh this day that we might live for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.