Often in my time in Turkey I was asked a single set of questions by many Turks (mostly taxi drivers). “Where are you from?” To which I would answer, “I am Korean. My father and mother emigrated from Korean to the States in the 80s.” Without fail, the next question was. “North or South?” Some would also then ask, “Do you know Kim Jong Un?” On my best days, I engaged with humor. When cultural stressors were higher, I used a bit of sarcasm mixed with a bit of sharpness. But when I am asked those questions by non-Turks, I do not say, “I am Korean.” I simply say, “I am American,” or “I am Korean-American. I was born in the States.”
Why do I have two sets of responses to a simple genealogical question? Am I lying? No. Am I mistaken? No. It is because I have a purpose in what I want to communicate to the person in front of me.
Some of you may know the history of Korea and Turkey. In the 1950s in the Korean War, Turks came as a support brigade as part of the UN forces. The Turks were especially known for their bravery and courage at the Battle of Kumyangjang-ni, where they held the oppositional forces back effectively. The Turks only incurred about 12 casualties, while they inflicted over 500. (Whether you are for or against, this is simply the history.) Koreans and Turks are still celebrating this bond and memory even today. They call one another “blood brothers.” Turks oftentimes when they discovered I was Korean, their posture toward me immediately was warm and affectionate. (On one occasion, I did tell a Turk I was American… It was a mix of comical and scary…[if you want the details, feel free to ask]).
Anyway, back to the point. My family history has great significance. I can truthfully share my ancestral history in two ways. What determines which one is my purpose and desire for the one who asks.
Matthew’s genealogy is no different. It is full with great significance. It is not merely biological; it is meaningfully theological.
Come and gather with us this Sunday for our last Advent service, as we anticipate Christmas and its Eve!
Brothers and sisters, I give God thanks for each of you. May God be glorified as we seek to satisfy ourselves in him this season.
Love you, all.
Tim