Chart Your Course: Lineage
I will be at Peace with who I am and Whose I am. I will not allow disappointments in my upbringing, family of origin issues, rejections and hurt, or any other such challenges to limit me in any way. I will not become calloused by hardships nor complacent due to unordinary privilege, ease, or comfort. I will live to fulfill God's Purpose for my life.
DIG
Read Genesis 5:1-32
DISCUSS
What do you see here? What Stands out? Why do you think this passage is included? Why is it important?
This long litany on lineage begs the question: What on earth am I here for? Each of the people mentioned in this long list had a story. Ask yourself, “What’s my story? What’s my purpose in life? What part am I to play?” How would you answer these questions?
Note the reference to Adam's lineage in verse 1. He was made in God's likeness. It started so great but went bad so quickly. Why? Sin. What did Adam miss? Why did he disobey? Did he ever bounce back? Did he fulfill his purpose? Why or why not?
Notice the refrain of the phrase, "and then he died." (vss. 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 27, 31). It pounds home the message that life is temporary. It lasts for a short season. Especially for us today as we don't live as long as they did in those days. For us, 100 years max. More like 90. Probably 80. The average age these days is actually 77.5. So having a finite amount of time should create a sense of urgency in all of us. We need to be fervent about maximizing our time and opportunity. What does this mean to you?
Noah is mentioned in 5:28-32. Adam had a unique role to play as the first man. Noah also had a unique role to play as the first man after the reset. While it is important to know where you came from, I would argue that it matters more where you are going. Lineage can limit those who feel shortchanged. It doesn't have to. Or it can make those who have been blessed become complacent. It shouldn't. Where we have come from is one thing and a part of God's plan for our lives. We don't get to choose that part. But we do get to choose where we go from here. We get to choose our life's direction and determine our legacy. Discuss.
DEDICATE
Take Time to Memorize and Internalize this Verse.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
