Inheritance
Louise Harris
I'm probably showing my age, but one of the most fascinating TV series I watched back in the 70s was Roots, based on the book by Alex Hailey.
It was inspired by the story of the author’s ancestral line - the main character, Kunte Kinte, is based on one of his ancestors who was enslaved in the Gambia and brought America on the 1750s.
Ancestry is an interesting factor in understanding who we are, and where we come from. It can be incredibly emotive, and it is surprising how many traits, interests and even physical characteristics pass down the generations.
Added to that, the availability of DNA analysis offers us even more insight. I had my DNA tested a while ago and was astounded to discover I am approximately 25% Scottish, which was a total surprise. It has also enabled me to see people across the world whose DNA I share.
As I have researched my family tree, I have understood my roots & heritage in a deeper way, uncovering a host of fascinating, inspiring, and sometimes heartbreaking stories along the journey. For some reason it has helped me become more grounded and more thankful.
Genealogy features a lot in the bible, especially that of Jesus, so it’s clearly significant.
So, when we become his followers, what happens with our spiritual DNA and what do we inherit? So much more than an earthly ancestry would deliver.
We are born again into his family and, as the line from the song No longer Slaves puts it, his blood runs through our veins. That’s mind blowing! A new DNA is at work and, as we walk with him, our natural traits & human nature are refined, and we become more like him. Of course we make many mistakes, but something inside keeps drawing us back to who we really are.
We don’t need to ask “who do you think you are” ( another favourite programme), because we know we are his children. That brings an incredible inheritance:
We have a priceless inheritance - an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
1 Peter 1:4
