Psalm 89:29 I will establish his line forever,
    his throne as long as the heavens endure.

Modern Jews should have a problem with this verse, because there is no reliable record of the genetic lineage of David today. In fact, the proof of being Jewish is having a Jewish mother, since human morality is what it is and genetic paternity testing is a very modern development. The genealogies listed in the Bible focus on the men, and both Matthew and Luke trace to Joseph, but both of them also state that Mary also was a direct descendant of David, and Luke is very clear in saying that Joseph was “supposed” to be the father of Jesus. (Luke 3:23) After the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, genealogic records essentially went by the wayside for most people. So, how is this verse true? Jesus had no genetic descendants, but as Isaiah says “He shall see his offspring.” (Isaiah 53:10) Those are not biological, but spiritual. As Paul said, by faith all believers today trace all the way back to Abraham. (Galatians 3:7) Sometimes Biblical prophecy seems to fail, as in this verse, but that is only if we limit it to our human perspective. That’s why we need to read the Bible under the guidance of the Author, the Holy Spirit. If we will do that, He will make everything clear.

I have been very familiar with the words of the Bible since childhood, reading it through for the first time by the time I was 10, but I didn’t get tutelage in it until I was baptized in the Holy Spirit in 1974. Thinking about it, that’s been 50 years! I have never been a fan of Biblical commentaries, but I have appreciated some study Bibles that gave me further understanding of linguistic and cultural issues. Today, it is almost painful to hear preachers who simply preach the words, without letting the Spirit speak through them. I strive not to do that! I am certainly not a perfect mouthpiece for my Lord, but I pray that I would be an increasingly faithful one. I am grateful beyond words that His Word is indeed building more and more in me, and I get to speak it out from time to time.

Father, thank You for the Bible, the written record, and thank You for Your Spirit to read it to my spirit. It’s rather like an audio book that’s read by the author! May I hear You accurately every time I read the Bible, not placing my own interpretations on it but letting You bring it to life within and through me, sharing it as You intend, for the blessing of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!