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NOTE: This article or series has not been updated recently. As such, it may possibly contain some outdated information, and/or ideas and beliefs which I no longer embrace, or which have changed to some degree.



What you are about to read is what I personally refer to as a "spur-of-the-moment article". Even twenty-four hours ago, I had no idea that I would be writing it. It's not something that I had planned to do. I had in fact begun to write a new article about an entirely different subject; but, as seems to often occur with my writing, I veered off on a tangent, and I suddenly realized that an entirely different article was in the making. So, as I often do, I removed the portion that was a tangent, and I created a new text file.

As is the case with the majority of my work, this series is the result of moment-by-moment inspiration. In other words, I just sit here and begin to type as the words and verses occur to me. Unlike most secular writers, I never create an outline beforehand in which I neatly lay out the points that I wish to discuss in an article. I simply write, and I trust that the Lord will simply fill in the gaps with what He wants to be said. In short, in large part, my articles truly are a work of faith, because I honestly never know where they are going to lead.

Usually, I will write an article or series one section at a time, simply because my eyes and my body become too tired to carry on. I'm not exactly a young man anymore. However, I've often found that these breaks -- which can be anywhere from a few hours, to days, weeks, and sometimes longer -- are of the Lord's doing; because it is during these times that I often receive new thoughts, perspectives, inspirations and verses to add to the article.

Writing new articles is not always accomplished in a linear fashion either. In other words, sometimes I get new ideas or verses to add to the end of the article, even before I have completed the beginning or the middle of the same. I simply type things as they come to me, and trust that the Lord will show me how to piece it altogether by the time I am done. I suppose that is why I am the WordWeaver. It is a God-given talent. Once the main body of an article is completed, I'll go back and polish it up a bit, by editing, spell-checking, perhaps by adding more verses to substantiate a particular point, etc.

One thing which I have learned to avoid doing, is finalizing an article when I am tired; because if I am too hasty, I may end up publishing an article which still contains typos, or perhaps areas where thoughts can be more clearly expressed.

In fact, my experience over the years has taught me that just because I think that an article is done, does not necessarily mean that it really is done. I have found that if I sit on an article for a few days after I have finalized it, sometimes I will still receive new inspirations to add to it. While some people may find my writing technique a bit unorthodox, in my view, it's the best way for a Christian writer to write. Why? Because it allows one to remain open to the inspiration of God's Spirit, and that is what is most important, is it not?

Anyway, I am not sure why I got into all of that, but perhaps it will be of interest to some of you. The main point that I wish to make, is that a day ago, I had no idea that I would be writing a series which centers around two verses where genealogies are very briefly mentioned. So let us continue.

In the world today, there are many people who are interested in discovering their genealogical heritage. This revitalized interest in discovering one's bloodlines seems to have been inspired in part by an American television series that aired a number of years ago called "Roots". With the advent of the computer age, this quest for knowledge of our family trees and past relatives has become all the more easier. There are now many online genealogical sites and services, as well as a plethora of genealogical computer software for the avid family tree hunter.

Keeping genealogical records of bloodlines and family trees is nothing new, however. Even the Bible clearly reveals that genealogical records have been kept since ancient times, some six thousand years ago. From Genesis, to the Book of Numbers, to the New Testament Gospels, we find many such family trees. Of course, from a Christian perspective, the most important genealogical record is the following one:

"The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias; And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ."


Considering how much emphasis humans have placed on keeping genealogical records, I find it rather interesting that in reading the Apostle Paul's first Epistle to Timothy, Paul specifically says in the opening chapter "Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies". Following are the full verses for your consideration:

"As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do."


As you can see, Paul goes to the exact opposite extreme of what one might expect from a Pharisee who was raised in a strict Jewish environment, where maintaining genealogical records was viewed with great importance. Exactly why Paul chose to include the phrase "endless genealogies" in the previous verses is not made clear. However, apparently this particular issue was so important to Paul, and the problem with certain brethren debating about "endless genealogies" so widespread, that in his Epistle to Titus, Paul mentions it again, as we see by the following verse:

"But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain."


If we are all -- Jew and Gentile alike -- one in Christ as Paul amply taught, then why would it be necessary for Paul to even have to bring this to the attention of the brethren? What would cause some of the brethren to become involved in genealogical debates? What purpose could it possibly serve?

As I contemplated those two verses, a very interesting idea occurred to me, which I would like for you to consider. We all know that in a physical sense, Jesus was descended from the lineage of King David, and thus was repeatedly referred to as "the son of David". In fact, we know from the Bible that the Messiah was prophesied to be a descendant of David. For example, consider the prophetic nature of the following verses. Please note that these verses were written hundreds of years after the life of the original King David, so they must be referring to someone else; that is, to Jesus, who is the "son of David", and our one true, eternal Shepherd, Prince of Peace, and King of Kings:

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS."


"And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it."


"And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them. And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever."


"For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim: Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days."


"In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:"


"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."


"Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house."


All of the previous verses are but a small sample of the many Messianic Prophecies concerning Jesus Christ, that are found in the Old Testament. This is precisely why the unbelieving Jews are without excuse. Please note that those final verses from the Book of Isaiah were quoted by Jesus in Luke chapter four, when He began His public ministry in Nazareth. Matthew likewise quoted the same verses in his Gospel, as we see by the following verses:

"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord."


"Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust."


Finally, we have these verses that are found in the Book of Revelation, where Jesus Himself tells us that He is the root and offspring of King David:

"And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof."


"I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."


We know from reading the four Gospels, as well as the Book of Acts, the Epistles, and the Book of Revelation, that in spite of everything that Jesus said and did, which revealed His Divine Nature and Origin, the unbelieving Jews did not accept Christ as the promised Messiah, even though He was clearly the son -- or descendant -- of King David.

Therefore, being as these unbelieving Jews did not accept Jesus as the promised Messiah, it is only natural that they would very much want to keep alive the doctrine concerning the genealogy of the Messiah, so that they would be able to recognize their "messiah" when he eventually arrived on the Earth. The complicity of these unbelieving Jews in the plot to keep alive the unfruitful discussion of genealogies seems to be hinted at by Paul when he includes the phrase "strivings about the law" in that verse to Titus. If there is one thing we know from reading the Gospels, it is that the unbelieving Jews were constantly arguing with Jesus about the law, meaning the Mosaic Law.

But do you understand where I am going with this thought? If you take the time to read such articles as part two of "The Kings Of The North And The South", you will come to realize that the ancient religion of the Pharisees -- or Pharisaism -- is still very much alive in our modern times. However, today it takes the form of modern Judaism, as practiced by Orthodox Jews.

One of the core doctrines of modern Orthodox Judaism, is the belief in the soon-expected arrival of their "messiah", who they refer to as "Mashiach", or "Moshiach ben David", which means "Messiah, son of David". Without repeating everything that I have already stated in "The Kings Of The North And The South", let me just say this: According to the beliefs of the Orthodox Jews, as his title implies, Moshiach ben David must be a direct descendant of the bloodline of King David. That could very well be one of the reasons why even in Paul's day, the unbelieving Jews were striving to keep alive the arguments concerning Jewish genealogies. They had to keep track of who was descended from who, so they would be able to recognize and verify the identity of Moshiach if and when he arrived on the scene, which he may possibly do one of these days soon. Please keep reading.

That these unbelieving Jews would strive to keep alive the arguments concerning Jewish genealogies should really come as no surprise to us. Not only did these same incredulous Jews argue with Jesus concerning the Law, but as I explain in other articles, they likewise strived to keep alive the doctrine concerning the necessity of circumcision, which also contributed to schisms developing amongst the early Christian Disciples. The issue of circumcision was one of the key motivations behind the Apostle Paul writing his Epistles to the Romans and the Galatians, where he heavily expounds upon the issue of Grace versus Law, meaning the Mosaic Law. In one bold statement, Paul declared:

"For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."


One of the primary reasons why circumcision remains very important to the Jews, is because they continue to believe that, based upon the promise given to Abraham, circumcision identifies all Jews as God's Elect, and Chosen People, who are separate from the unclean Gentile nations of the world. Circumcision is very much a matter of national identity to the Jew. Furthermore, it gives Jews an air of superiority, at least so they continue to believe, over Gentiles, and this is obviously very important to them. It is truly sad indeed that even today, due to their pride, a majority of Jews still fail to recognize this Divine Truth, which was so eloquently expressed by the Apostle Paul:

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise."


Allow me to emphasize that point: If you are Christ's, only then are you truly Abraham's seed. Thus, because they reject the profound truths of Romans 2:28-29 and Galatians 3:28-29, most Jews continue to believe that they are the Children of Abraham, heirs of the promise, God's Elect, and the Chosen People, when they are no such thing. As the Apostle Paul wrote in that very same chapter:

"Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham."


In other words, most flesh Jews are not "of faith". That is to say, they have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their only means of Salvation. Thus, as Jesus said of them in the Gospel of John:

"I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."



As I was sitting here re-reading the last few paragraphs, a profound truth was impressed upon me which I don't believe I have ever considered before. In a word, it is this: Sin never grows old. Some people, even Christians, may think that these events and truths no longer matter, because they happened so long ago. However, to God, who dwells in the Eternal Now, the truth remains the truth, and sin remains sin. The passage of time does not change the truth; neither does it change sin, or the consequences of sin. As we are told in the Scriptures:

"LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven."


"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."


To express this point another way, most modern Jews continue to remain guilty of the very same sin of unbelief, as their ancient forefathers of almost two thousand years ago. What God viewed as sin millennia ago, He continues to view as sin today, because sin does not grow old. Furthermore, God's Laws require no updates, contrary to what certain modern, liberal governments and individuals seem to think.

While the Bible indeed teaches us that "I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more" -- Jeremiah 31:34 -- and "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" -- Isaiah 1:18 -- this forgiveness on God's part is totally contingent upon our repentance and our belief in Christ. If we do not repent, and accept Christ, there can be no forgiveness. The sins of the Jews do not just magically disappear, simply because two thousand years have transpired. Sin does not grow old. In similar fashion, God's punishment for sin and unbelief does not grow old either. He does not just forget, or change His Rules in the middle of the game. If the Jews really desire to be the Children of Abraham, it behooves them to repent of their unbelief, and to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as God's one and only Messiah today.

While we have taken a slight detour from our main topic of discussion, let us return now to the subject of genealogical records, and why they may be important to the Jews, insofar as possible future events in the Middle East are concerned.

As I explain in "Who Hindered the Antichrist?", if a third and final Jewish Temple is soon to be built on Mount Moriah in East Jerusalem, as most Orthodox Jews and some Christians believe, it is my current belief that the satanic deceiver who will perform signs and lying wonders in order to convince the foolish Jews of his authenticity, and who will thus be allowed to sit in the newly-constructed temple, and declare himself "God", will be this very same Moshiach ben David. We read about these events in the following verses that can be found in Paul's second Epistle to the Thessalonians:

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"


If this is the case, if Moshiach ben David reveals himself to the world in the not-too-distant future as so many people expect him to do, then based upon everything that I've read concerning this subject, this deceiver will first have to pass the test, by proving that he is a direct descendant of King David, which again demonstrates why the unbelieving Jews would retain a keen interest in genealogical records, even in Paul's day.

Allow me to also add -- as I have stated before -- that some of the preparations for these events have been ongoing for a number of years now. In addition to the anticipated upcoming construction of the final Temple itself, which appears to be spearheaded by such groups as the Temple Mount Faithful, the Orthodox Jews have also been very busy with the construction of the sacrificial altar, as well as the various utensils which will be used for the Temple services. Furthermore, the priestly garments of the "kohen" are also in the process of being fabricated according to Biblical specifications.

Here again is emphasized the importance of keeping track of genealogical records by these Orthodox Jews. According to their beliefs, which are based on events which are found in the Old Testament, the kohen, that is, the priests who are currently being trained to serve in the final temple, must be verified descendants of Moses and Aaron, and of the tribe of Levi. How sad that all of these unbelieving Jews fail so miserably to recognize that our one true, final High Priest, Jesus Christ, has already come to the Earth, and returned to His Heavenly Abode. How sad that they refuse to recognize that the Blood of Jesus Christ was shed once, and only once, for the sins of all men, and that continuing blood sacrifices are no longer required by God. As we are plainly told in the New Testament Scriptures:

"Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin ONCE: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God."


"But this man, [Jesus] because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did ONCE, when he offered up himself."


"But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in ONCE into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."


"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now ONCE in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself . . . So Christ was ONCE offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."
Hebrews 9:24-26, 28 KJV

"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE for all."


"For Christ also hath ONCE suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:"


Please go to part two for the continuation of this series.

⇒ Go To The Next Part . . .

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