I’ve been enjoying a PBS series, “Finding Your Roots” hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. On each show a well-known personality comes with questions about his or her family history, information that for whatever reason has been hidden from him. Using genealogical resources as well as DNA, the mysteries are solved. The reaction is always very emotional, and they’re left with a better understanding of their roots and how they became the person they are today.

The show fascinates me because I am an amateur genealogist, albeit with far fewer resources than those available to Henry Louis Gates, Jr. My grandparents were important to me and I’m excited to find out more about the lives they experienced long before I knew them. I search back as many generations as I can – where they lived, what work they did, how many children they raised, what tragedies affected their lives. And whenever I am fortunate enough to uncover a photo – what a joy that is, looking for any family resemblances.

Perhaps I might look back at my roots in the family of Christians. Who were the “Christian” ancestors who influenced me and led me to a life of faith? Who were the people before them, in my case generations of Germans and what was their faith? Keep searching – saints and martyrs came before them, as well as the humble who fell on their knees asking God to help them. If I open my eyes to the farthest reaches I just may find disciples and apostles – those who knew my Lord Jesus in person, those who wrote His words for me to read.

Mmmh. Now that got me to thinking. If I should happen to find a letter written by a great-great-grandparent, I would be ecstatic. I would pore over the words and treasure them.

Wait, the apostles have written letters about our Lord Jesus. I don’t have to search on Ancestry.com to find these letters. They’re right here in my New Testament. Am I ecstatic to have them? Do I pore over the words? Well, more time and enthusiasm on my part would be very appropriate!

These letters are a treasure. They tell a love story. They tell of an unconditional love. Wow! And this unconditional love comes from our Lord Jesus – for me and for you!

Judy

.. but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8