In the genealogy of David we find a man named Amasa who was fathered by an Ishmaelite. That made him half Arab. During our visits to Israel in the last few years, we’ve seen how the Arabs and the Jews live in constant tension with each other. The parts of Jerusalem controlled by the Arabs are often shut down to Jews. Bethlehem was one of them. Our guides had to provide Arab guides and we even had to change bus drivers one time because Jews were not allowed to enter into the city.
To the Jews of Jesus day there were only two races in the world; us and them! Jew or Gentile. If you weren’t of the correct physical heritage you were not, and could no be part of their “in crowd.” But even in their own genealogical structures we see “gentiles” in the mix. Doesn’t that tell us something important about God’s perspective on the various peoples and races of the world? It should!
Paul explains God’s perspective to us in Romans. He says to God there is “No Difference.” This phrase occurs twice. It is used first with reference to our human sinfulness. “?There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God?” (?Rom. 3:22–23? NIV). Second, it is used with reference to God’s grace extended to all who will call on Him. “?For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘?Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved?’?” (?10:12–13? NIV).
One interesting observation from the genealogies in 1 Chronicles should be this truth; to God there is “no difference.”
Unto us, all of us; red, yellow, black and white, is born a savior, from the line of David, who is Christ the Lord!
Chuck
“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:9