Being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.    (Philippians 2:8-9) NIV

My features resemble my late father. I look a lot like him. Our lips, our smiles, the way we walk & talk; in just about every way, I mimic my dad. I’m fascinated by how each of us, deep within our DNA, carry reflections of our forefathers. As I look at facts and photos of my family tree, I can see reflections of myself in my ancestors faces and hands and the way they sit or stand.
As I study Jesus’ lineage, I again and again notice foretastes of his holy character. Don’t Tamar’s boldness and Rahab’s cleverness point to their future descendent, Jesus? Then there’s David, alone in the fields, gathering his sheep. As he watched over them, he captured God’s heart. Consider Jesus’ closest tie to humanity: Mary, whose spirit defines humility and obedience. We see all those attributes in Jesus.
Researching my past has helped me understand who I am through who I was. It strengthens my sense of identity. But when I shut my laptop, none of those ancestors means as much to me as the One whose name is above every other name — Jesus. He represents my past, my present, and my future. Every attribute I glean from Him transforms me into something else, someone better.
While my dad was a wonderful man & father & example, it’s Jesus I really want to mirror. Can my words help heal a broken soul? Am I willing to serve others with obedience and humility? When others look at me, I hope they see an unmistakable resemblance of Christ. Above all, I am of the Family of God!

Faith Step – Trace your family tree back a few generations. Do you see likenesses?                 Now find ways you resemble the individuals in Jesus’ lineage.