I’ve decided to take a break from the OT. This first chapter gives us a genealogy of Jesus on Joseph’s (His earthly father’s) side of the family.
“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. …and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.” (v1,16-17)
I found it fascinating that there are three groupings of fourteen generations listed. There aren’t coincidences in God’s plans, so we have to assume this was by design. Why God made those even groupings is a little mysterious… I’ll have to ask Him one day.
Another interesting aspect of the genealogy is just how sinful Jesus’ ancestors were – almost every person listed made enormous blunders that are recorded in the Bible (egs. David the adulterer/murderer and Jacob the chronic liar). Yet, God brought the most flawless person of Jesus, His son, God in the flesh, into this world through the checkered, sinful past of His people.
This continues to highlight for me just how forgiving, understanding, and loving God is. He works in and through extremely broken and flawed people (people like me) to bring about redemption and transformation. This is a source of great hope and joy if we embrace it.
Let’s celebrate God’s willingness to work in and through us – for we have all sinned and fallen short of His glory. Let’s be open to the Spirit’s work and joyfully pursue whatever path God has laid before us.
Father God, our Compassionate, Loving, and Forgiving Lord, You are merciful beyond compare. We praise You for Your desire to partner with us, Your flawed and sinful people. Thank you making forgiveness possible through Jesus. Thank you for loving us by working in our lives, and loving others by working through our lives. May we be willing partners in Your ministries, and joyfully participate in building Your kingdom. In the name of Jesus our Savior we praise Your name, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training