David, Youngest beyond Seven (Advent 25, 2022)

Let’s return to the idea of a family tree as we continue our look at Jesus’ lineage and the remnant of faith.  Each person in the remnant is rooted back in a family tree, but not all on the family tree are part of the remnant.  That’s an important point of the genealogy in Luke: this goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden, as God pulls His remnant of faith through the fabric of centuries…but it’s not a simple matter of heredity.

Time and again, God reminds us that 1 Samuel 16:7 “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Reading in 1 Samuel 16:10 “Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, ‘The LORD has not chosen these.’” There was a full number, symbolic of completion in seven sons.  Seven not chosen, all sons of Jesse, all part of that same family tree. 

But there was another…and the remnant would be with him.

1 Samuel 16: 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”   12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”  13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David. “

Questions for further thought:

Why might God reject the idea of a family tree and inclusion in the brotherhood of Christ as a function of heredity?

How does heredity lend itself toward a system that is inegalitarian and elitist, a dynasty?

What might be some reasons Jesus never had biological children and we never read of children of the original twelve disciples, though some were married?

Read Matthew 12: 46 “While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” 48 He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

A family of faith—a remnant of faith—is clearly prioritized over heredity?  Why? 

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord, that I don’t have to be born into the right family, born into the right circumstances and privileges, but rather, in Christ, I can be born again and called a child of God.  How great is Your love that You have lavished upon us (1 John 3:1) that we might become Your children by faith in Christ and in His finished work. We praise You and thank You that we have a family of faith with whom we will spend eternity. We praise You and thank You Lord that Your salvation is not works– based on our part– but it’s a gift available to anyone who is willing to receive from You.  We ask, Lord, that You would help us do the good things You prepared in advance as our response to the gracious gift You have given us. Help us to bear much fruit knowing this would be to Your glory. For it’s in Your Name we pray, Amen.