Now this is the genealogy of Perez: Perez begot Hezron; Hezron begot Ram, and Ram begot Amminadab; Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon; Salmon begot Boaz, and Boaz begot Obed; Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David (Ruth 4:18-22).
I SUPPOSE THAT TODAY’S VERSE is not a favorite of any readers of Scripture. However, it is similar to the terrain where, without looking for it, a man finds a hidden treasure. Something like what happened to Charles Handy, the well-known Irish author, when he saw his family’s family tree.
Handy says that shortly before he died, his father handed him an envelope labeled «Family Documents.» When he opened the envelope, he saw a detailed account of his ancestors: who married whom, and the children who were born from each union. He read, for example, Samuel and Ethelreda, and thought, How sad that life may only amount to a name on a family tree!
Then, he says, something interesting happened. Reading through the family tree reminded him of the last verses of the book of Ruth. He immediately realized the great truth before his eyes: Had it not been for these ancestors—Perez, Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, etc.—the great King David would not have been born. And, of course, if it hadn’t been for Samuel, Ethelreda, and all the other ancestors in his family, he himself would not have been born.
Handy had discovered a «treasure.» He reasoned that, perhaps, his purpose in life is simply to become the ancestor of someone important, even if he himself is not. He also came to the conclusion that not being an important person did not prevent him from making a meaningful contribution to humanity.
What Charles Handy understood that day is that he will not have lived in vain if he at least manages to leave this world a little better for his descendants. And while he will surely end his days as part of a «family tree,» it comforts him to think that—who knows!—perhaps «a modern King David» may appear in the line of his descendants; which wouldn’t have been possible if he, Charles Handy, hadn’t existed!
There is a beautiful lesson here for you and me. Although you may not have noticed; and even if the news outlets haven’t published it, there are good things that have happened in this world because of you! There are people around you who have noticed, and appreciate what you’ve done. Above all, God has noticed, and one day you will receive your reward, for the glory of His name.
Thank You, heavenly Father, because I was not born «by accident.» Just as there is a special place where I need to testify about You, there is also a special place for me in the heavenly homeland.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
