I enjoy the TV show Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr. Each week, Gates traces the family history of his guests, travelling as far back on the family tree as the records allow. What amazes me, and more so the guests, are the surprising twists and turns of the branches of the tree. The uncovered ancestors range from stalwart members of their communities to out-and-out crooks. What is most revealing is when the guests, confronted by their previously unknown ancestors, make comments such as, “So that’s where that comes from.”
The story of Ruth was handed down mainly because of the family tree presented in the final verses. Ruth was an ancestor of Israel’s great king David. Christians trace this family tree all the way down to Jesus.
We can’t pick our families, nor can we climb another’s family tree. But at our Baptism, a wonderful thing happens. God graciously grafts us onto Jesus’ tree. We become children of God, sisters and brothers with Jesus. In effect, we belong to two family trees, one physical, one spiritual, both full of surprises, each bestowing upon us traits and gifts. We truly are blessed.
Loving God, thank you for the gift of family. Amen. —