More Than Names

I have recently begun reading through the Old Testament books of Chronicles, which begin with 9 chapters of genealogies. Beginning with Adam, going through Noah and his sons, following Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and the twelve tribes.

Just like the genealogy in the opening verses of the Gospel of Matthew, the inclusion of names in this genealogy is intentional. They retell the story that has been told in the books of Genesis through Judges of God's working through one family's lives.

As I read through these names, I couldn't help but think about the work I've done of constructing my own family's genealogy. Many of my ancestors are simply a name. I rarely know things about these people besides the year they were born, married, and died (if I even know that much). Other times, I find nuggets of information (e.g. fought in the Civil War, founded the River Brethren, etc.). Other times, I see the struggles they had, as when a father died before his youngest child was born and all the others were placed in foster care.

When I have pictures of and stories about my ancestors, they become more than simply a name on a list. When my relatives share stories about their personality and their accomplishments, again, they grow closer to my reality today. Their stories become alive.

The genealogies in Chronicles are meant to do the same thing -- record and cherish the past, but not just as boring history, but to make the past become alive and meaningful in the present.

Photos: Some of my ancestors from generations ago who have come "alive" by pictures, stories, and names passed down to me.