Matthew 1:8
8 Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah
And man shall live by every Word of the Bible. Jesus told us this in Matthew 4:4. And then we have Posts where the beautiful and highlighted words flow in us like Living Water. What is the difference? Jesus fulfills every dot and every iota of the Word of God. Jesus tells us this in Matthew 5:18. Does the Word of God conflict. No, the Word of God is Living Water and flows together as the streams and rivers and oceans do. The Word of God makes a fabulous analogy here. There are times streams want water, other times they are filled to overflowing - we well know the Ocean is changeable due to the winds.
John 3:8
8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
Jesus answers this analogy too - the wind and the waves obey Jesus. Solomon called this the hand of woe and the hand of Blessing are from Father God. Saying - the seasons of life and their challenges draw us to the wisdom of God. If we see answers to the questions we have in life - The Bible is going to have a Word to tell us of God and our difficulties.
We could breeze on past Matthew 1:8. And yet Jesus said every Word of God is important. Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni thought so. The Sistine Chapel is not filled with all the people of the Bible. This was important to Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni.
The wind of curiosity. Why? Why is this important to Michelangelo?
The Geneology of Joseph. Through David and the Kings. The Kings of Israel/Judah are simply a family tree and how the generations mix and change.
Preparing us - our parents and our children - cannot count on similar lives. Even in the robe wearing days - the generations wove in and out like needlepoint. God is going to define the generations. This doesn't suggest not loving each other - this is saying prepare for change.
Asa - Asa is a very good man and he is here for 41 years. What changes come from being in one place for a long time. Michelangelo know the Vatican was not going to wrap up quickly.
Asa is a King of Judah know for wholehearted devotion. Michelangelo was known to love his work and grow more devoted to God for preparing these works for His House.
Jehoshaphat - Michelangelo never heard the phrase "Jumping Jehoshaphat" it is a product of entertainment. Michelangelo's interest is going to be deeper. Michelangelo is at the whim of popes, but he was raised - handed out to his nanny and her laborer husband. Michelangelo has seen a wide variety of life and social obligations. He is painting for God and battling for placement and denied his marble for his art.
Jehoshaphat - is a man for our modern age. He isn't orphaned or shoved on the throne too young. He has had time to observe the ways of life before his talents put him forth. He is of age at the throne at thirty-five and reigned for twenty-five years. He spent the first years of his reign fortifying his kingdom against the Kingdom of Israel. A man, a believer, a king of peace and prosperity. How to get things done at the top. Where are the sink holes.
This would grab the attention of Michelangelo.
What happens next - Michelangelo is fifty years away from death when he completes the ceiling. He is going to deal with more Popes, more generations, more artists. What is happening around him as generations change?
Jehoram - Generationally raised in faith, this man is far more interested in power. Perfect for those in Rome swirling around the Vatican for power itself. Out of the blue - Jehoram = remembered as one of the most decidedly wicked kings in Judah's history. His first official act as king was to murder his brothers as rivals. His reign starts out as co-regent as his father and grandfather - but he murders as he is free to do so.
Jehoram throws in with Ahab of Israel.
Abba,
We ask Your Blessings, in Jesus. Your Willing Blessings.
In this season of gifts and gift giving, we give thanks for grace. You have saved us through faith. And this is not our own doing; This is the gift of God.
With Your help, we will be strong and courageous as Michelangelo did in the building of St. Peter's. We will not be frightened of events, nor dismayed. For the Lord our God is with us wherever we will go. Knowing how many generations have looked to God to find their Path.
Cover us with Your Blessings, Love and Mercy. Cover our Loved ones. We lift up the trauma of fire in California and ask You to end the fires. We lift up our Churches. Communities. States. To the Nation. And Your gracious Plan to save the world in Jesus Christ. We ask more Heaven on earth for the people praying around the world. In Jesus. Amen.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †
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