A Rose of a different color...

Recently, one of my granddaughters called me with some questions about her genealogy.  As I am the family historian (or at least the one who has the most interest in it) I told her what I could remember so that she could complete her college term paper.  I was amazed at what she did not know, but was glad I could help.  Not just so that she would get a good grade, but also that she could learn something about herself!!!  Within obvious limitations, we are who we come from.  So, in a way, if you know your ancestors, you begin to understand things about your own makeup.  I chose this picture of a Rose because not only is it beautiful, but it bears my last name as well.  Naturally, when I think of Jesus, I think of his lineage as well and the gospel of Luke gives one account of his origins.

Luke 3:23-38 (WEB)
23) Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years old, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,
24) the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,
25) the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai,
26) the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah,
27) the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,
28) the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er,
29) the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,
30) the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim,
31) the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,
32) the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon,
33) the son of Amminadab, the son of Aram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,
34) the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,
35) the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,
36) the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
37) the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan,
38) the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

No, I am NOT going over each name; that would simply take too long and for some of you, would prove way too boring.  But, just notice two things; first its about Jesus and second, God is involved!!!  There are many people in between, but just hold on to this thought... Jesus is descended from God!!!  This was a living, breathing, thinking, feeling member of the human race who was (is) a direct descendant of the the Almighty creator of the entire universe.  Talk about a lineage!!!!!!  Consider the implications and marvel at the nature of God, that HE would condescend to even do this.  Somehow, mere words aren't enough and our intellect and emotions can't truly fathom the concept.  But, it is true.  It is wonderful.  If we spent a thousand years we would never fully understand all that it means.  So, when I look at this picture of a neon Rose, I think of my own ancestry and extensive as it is, it is nothing compared to the most beautiful Rose; the Rose of Sharon.  One more thing... as a Christian, I am adopted into this same family; I didn't deserve it, I can't earn it, but nonetheless its true.  And that is more wonderful that the most beautiful flower that ever was.  Now, all I have to do is to try to incorporate this into my genealogy program, but that may be a bit difficult!!!  But, I am sure I will have fun trying!!!