"62 These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. 63 The governor ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food until there was a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim."
I read this verse the other day and it caught me by surprise. I happen to not thoroughly enjoy reading lists of names, however, there are times such as this, where a long list of names can hold a golden nugget. What I gleaned from this passage was the importance of family and heritage.
In history it was very important to know who you were, where you came from and who your relatives where. This was not because it was a fad or something cool to do; it was because to know these things was life or death. This is exemplified in these verses I quote. These Jewish families were unable to find their family records and present them before the Priests so they were excluded from being part of the priesthood. Their identity and what their identity stood for was ripped away from them. They could no longer make a living from the heritage that was passed on from father to son for generations. They were no longer able to usher others into the presence of God. In a horrifying way they were now husks of their former self. Until they could present their lineage before the Priests they were no longer deemed clean.
It hasn't changed since then to present day. If you think about it we as Christians will have to present our lineage before the King of Kings one day. In that moment our very souls will be held in the balance. For some of us, we will search for our papers and unfortunately not find them and in the end be cast out. Others will be able to proudly present their lineage with God as their patriarch and Jesus their brother.
I hope to have all my papers in order.
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