Today’s Reading: Luke 1:39-45; Psalm 126

Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest. – Psalm 126:5-6

In August of 1996, after three miscarriages, I received a promise from the Lord that I would have a baby in one year. Time passed between the promise and the pregnancy. I had the choice to believe God’s promise or to spend time worrying if God’s promise would come true.

THERE IS A BLESSING IN BELIEVING THAT GOD WILL DO WHAT HE SAYS HE WILL DO.

I wonder what it was like for Elizabeth to be past childbearing years when she received her promise. How much time passed between the message from the angel and her first signs of pregnancy? I wonder if she questioned God’s promise, or if she had a staying peace for what her future held.

During his time of silence, Zechariah had plenty of time to consider what the angel had said. He had time to look over the Scriptures and remind himself of all God had promised to the people of Israel. He would have been able to take this new piece of the puzzle and fit it into the big picture.

The angel had said Zechariah’s son would prepare the way for the coming of the Lord, and many people would turn to the Lord because of John. Zechariah had spent his whole life preparing for the priesthood, studying the prophecies about the coming Messiah, and now he would have the privilege of knowing the role his son would play in the fulfillment of the prophecies.

“HOW CAN I BE SURE THIS WILL HAPPEN?”

Zechariah struggled to find confidence in the promise he had just received from the angel and there was a consequence to his lack of faith.

Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” – Luke 1:19-20

Luke 1:24 says that Elizabeth went into seclusion for five months after she became pregnant. There is no evidence that this was an Old Testament custom or command, so many theologians believe that Elizabeth took time to have a spiritual retreat of sorts to honor God for answering her prayer. God had seen the desire of her heart to be a mother, and so she clung to His promise as she experienced the magnificent miracle of pregnancy.

Mary received a similar promise from an angel — the promise that she would have a baby even though she was a virgin. Mary asked a question very similar to Zechariah’s. Never in history had a woman become pregnant while maintaining her virginity, and so she spoke the question that was on her heart.

“BUT HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. – Luke 1:35-38

IF GOD’S WORD WILL NEVER FAIL, THEN MAY HIS WORD BE FULFILLED IN ME.

That was the desire of Mary’s heart, and it is the desire of my heart as well. I long to respond to God’s promises just like Mary did — with a heart of submission and willingness to be used by God however He desires. Even when people around me say it’s not possible, even when those I love argue the authenticity of God’s calling, I will forever surrender to God’s plan for my life.

A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. – Luke 1:39-41

Only a few days had passed since the angel had come to Mary. Had she told anyone yet of what the angel had spoken? Did her family know? Did Joseph know? Here she is between the promise and the physical evidence of the pregnancy, and she’s choosing to visit the one person who would understand that God’s word would never fail.

As she steps into their home, she is greeted by Elizabeth, who seems to already know her big news! This moment was most likely more than Mary had even wished for. Mary was not going to be scolded or questioned or accused; instead, Elizabeth greeted her with a blessing for both Mary and her baby. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke what I believe Mary needed to hear – what God Himself was saying to her through Elizabeth (Luke 1:42-45).

“YOU ARE BLESSED BECAUSE YOU BELIEVED THAT THE LORD WOULD DO WHAT HE SAID.”

So here’s a question for you – Do you believe? Is your faith strong enough to believe that God is going to do what He says He will do? Are you willing to trust Him while you wait? Do you choose to stand in confidence that God’s word will never fail?

Lord, will you give us the faith to trust you between the problem and the promise? In the same way, give us the strength to wait patiently for you between the promise and the fulfillment of the promise. Help us to see that you are working all things out in your perfect timing for your perfect plan. Thank you for the reminder that your word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11). Amen.

Today’s Reading: Luke 1:1-25, 57-66; Psalm 94

HAVE YOU EVER ARGUED WITH GOD?

When God answers your prayers, do you find yourself with more follow-up questions than words of praise and thanksgiving? Is your gratitude ever tainted with a spirit of self-pity or impatience? Have you ever heard God’s promise but then lacked the faith to believe that He was really speaking to you? Do you ever struggle to believe that God is truly saying what you have been waiting to hear for so long?

This is the story of Zechariah, a Jewish priest. He and his wife, Elizabeth, were righteous in God’s eyes as they carefully observed the decrees and commands of the Lord. They were both very old and had never been able to conceive or have children of their own. We know from Luke 1:13 that Zechariah had prayed to the Lord for a son, but his prayers had not yet been answered. In fact, at this age, it seemed an impossible prayer to keep praying. Have you ever prayed for something that seemed out of reach?

HAVE YOU EVER HOPED FOR THE IMPROBABLE OR PRAYED FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE?

One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. – Luke 1:8-9

There were 24 orders of priests (1 Chronicles 24) and then a large number of priests in each order. On this day, Zechariah’s order was on duty, so they cast lots to see who would have the honor of entering the sanctuary of the Lord to keep the incense burning. It was possible that a priest may never be chosen or that this would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for a priest. Today, the lot fell to Zechariah.

While Zechariah was in the sanctuary of the Lord, he focused on the incense altar. While he was tending to the flame, making sure that it did not go out, an angel of the Lord appeared to him. This was the first time in the New Testament that a person spoke with an angel, and it was at a time when Zechariah was doing what the Lord had called him by birth to do. Luke described Zechariah as shaken and overwhelmed with fear at the sight of the angel.

But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord.” – Luke 1:13-15a

GOD HAS HEARD YOUR PRAYER AND HE IS ANSWERING IN A SPECIAL WAY.

God had a purpose all along. While understanding was beyond the reach of Zechariah and Elizabeth, they continued to serve the Lord. In doing so, they were prepared to be a part of God’s story; they were positioned to be the parents of a very special young man with a very specific purpose in life.

“He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” – Luke 1:15b-17

AT TIMES, GOD’S PROMISES SEEM IMPOSSIBLE AND WE DOUBT HIS WAYS; WE QUESTION HIS TIMING.

Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”

Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” – Luke 1:18-20

Because of their age, Zechariah struggled to believe this amazing message delivered by Gabriel. Instead of praising God, he argued and asked more questions, so God silenced him. Zechariah lacked the faith to believe the angel was really saying what he had been longing to hear for so many years.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN SILENCED BY GOD?

When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” – Luke 1:23-25

When it was time, Elizabeth gave birth to a son and declared his name would be John. When those around her argued that she needed to choose a family name, Zechariah wrote these words: “His name is John.” It was in that moment of obedience that Zechariah’s voice came back and Zechariah began praising God! (Luke 1:57-64)

I wonder if God ever considers silencing us. At times he asks us to be silent in order to spend more time listening for His voice; He asks us to silence the noise so that we can hear His gentle whisper. Perhaps God desires for us to receive His words today without comment, sarcasm, questions, cynicism or doubt.

I wait quietly before God,
for my victory comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will never be shaken. – Psalm 62:1-2

Lord, we wait before you today in silence. Our desire is to hear from you so we ask that you help us block out the distractions in order to hear your voice; help us to silence the chaos and focus on you. Father God, we ask for an increase in faith so that we can believe your promises to be true and trust that your plan is always the perfect plan. Amen.

Unless the Lord had helped me,
I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave.
I cried out, “I am slipping!”
but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.
When doubts filled my mind,
your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. – Psalm 94:17-19

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:18-25; Psalm 142

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. – Matthew 1:18-19

Joseph and Mary had entered into a covenant relationship. She had been promised to him and he planned to soon take her as his wife. The news of Mary’s pregnancy would have been heartbreaking for Joseph. Scripture describes Mary as confused and disturbed, but there is no description for how Joseph accepted the news. We only know that he was kind in his response.

JOSEPH WAS A RIGHTEOUS MAN AND SO HE RESPONDED WITH KINDNESS.

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:20-21

Perhaps the words of the angel give us a glimpse into how Joseph was feeling. If the angel’s first words are any indication, Joseph was afraid to take Mary as his wife. There was a reluctance to step into the unknown. Would people assume that Joseph himself had been with Mary, tainting his reputation of righteousness? Would the community believe Mary’s explanation of her pregnancy or would they cry out for her stoning? Joseph was taking time to consider what his response should be, and it was in that moment of consideration that an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.

We often focus on how special Mary must have been for God to have chosen her to carry the Son of God within her — how righteous she must have been to have the privilege of being his mother. But Joseph was not just a bystander and he certainly was not a victim of God’s plan. Matthew describes Joseph as a righteous man. He also was chosen for this amazing opportunity to parent and protect the Christ Child.

All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”
When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus. – Matthew 1:22-25

JOSEPH WAS A CHOSEN MAN AND SO HE RESPONDED IN OBEDIENCE.

Not only was Mary chosen, so was Joseph. He would be the earthly father for Jesus, providing everything this precious little one would need to grow up with the knowledge of the scriptures. The words of the prophet were being fulfilled and Joseph had the privilege of being one of the first people to recognize this holy moment in history and respond in faith.

Joseph’s response reflects the righteousness of God in him. He was willing to do what the angel had commanded him to do; he would take Mary as his wife. But he also treated Mary and her pregnancy with respect, protecting the sacredness of her conception and the life growing within her. He chose to protect and care for them both, and he did not claim his marriage rights in bed until after the baby was born.

JOSEPH WAS A HONORABLE MAN AND SO HE RESPONDED WITH RESPECT.

When we surrender our plans to God, allowing Him to be Lord of our life, He begins to do a work within us. The righteousness of God begins to change us into the person He created us to be. Our actions and attitudes begin to reflect this righteousness, shaping our response to what God is asking us to do. God calls us to obedience but He also equips us with what we need to respond in submission to His will. We begin to respond naturally with kindness and respect for those He is calling us to minister to. He is Immanuel, God with us, and His presence in our lives can be evident for all to see!

Lord, this morning we thank you for Joseph. Thank you for this beautiful example of obedience and love. Please fill us with your righteousness as we experience this covenant relationship with you. May our hearts be prepared and ready to respond with kindness and respect, obediently surrendering our plans to your greater plan. Amen.

I cry out to the Lord;
I plead for the Lord’s mercy.
I pour out my complaints before him
and tell him all my troubles.
When I am overwhelmed,
you alone know the way I should turn…
Then I pray to you, O Lord.
I say, “You are my place of refuge.
You are all I really want in life.” – Psalm 142:1-5

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:15b-16, Luke 1:26-56

There are five women in the genealogy of Jesus — five women with stained reputations, but also five women whom God chose to bless by placing them in this royal lineage. What would Jesus have said regarding his precious mother, Mary, the fifth woman in this genealogy recorded by Matthew? Let’s look at her story — a story of a young woman who was the object of gossip, speculation and condemnation, but also the recipient of the love of her son, Jesus.

Matthan was the father of Jacob.
Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah. – Matthew 1:15b-16

Mary — a simple young woman seen by God to be worthy of the task of raising God’s Son.
Mary — a virgin waiting for her upcoming marriage to the carpenter Joseph.
Mary — found to be with child before her wedding day.

Who would believe her when she said an angel appeared to her?
Who would be convinced that she was still a virgin?
Who would be the first to call out for her stoning?

LUKE TELLS THE STORY OF HOW MARY CAME TO BE IN THE LINEAGE OF JESUS.

Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”

Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end! – Luke 1:28-31

Mary could have panicked; she could have argued, “Why me?” She could have worried about her reputation or feared how her community might react. But Mary, precious Mary, responded in submission to God’s holy plan with a humility that is still highly respected today. Listen to the words of her beautiful song of praise:

“…Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed…” – Luke 1:46-48

Mary humbly traveled to Bethlehem in Judea, while far along in her pregnancy, only to arrive in labor with no place but a simple manger to give birth to the Christ child (Luke 2:4-7).

Mary humbly listened to the shepherds’ story of what the angels had said to them and kept all of these experiences tucked away in her heart, thinking about them often (Luke 2:16-19).

Mary humbly presented her baby to the God of Israel while in Jerusalem and was amazed by what Simeon had to say about the baby she held in her arms. Can you imagine what she was thinking when she heard his words:

“This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” – Luke 2:34b-35

Mary humbly responded when the prophet Anna began praising God and telling everyone that this child was the one God would use to rescue Jerusalem (Luke 2:36-38).

At what point do you think Mary began to feel a little overwhelmed? She was human and would have felt the same things we would feel if we thought we had lost our twelve year old in Jerusalem during the crowded Passover festival (Luke 2:48). She was his mother, no wonder she pushed him toward greatness at the wedding in Cana (John 2:3-5). She was his mother, no wonder she interrupted his ministry with the desire to talk with him and spend time with him (Matthew 12:46). He was her son, no wonder she wept as he hung on the cross dying (Matthew 27:56).

What would Jesus have to say about this fifth woman listed in his genealogy? She was his mother and he loved her because he was her son, but also because he was her Savior.

Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother,” and from then on this disciple took her into his home. – John 19:25-27

Jesus said very little while on the cross, but he took the time to respond to his mother’s breaking heart. His love for her must have been so great! Wouldn’t it be great to be loved by Jesus in that way? But wait, we are! Remember this conversation:

Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” – Matthew 12:48-50

This fifth woman in the genealogy of Jesus was no doubt loved and cared for by her son, but that same love and care was poured out for us when Jesus gave His life on the cross so that we might spend eternity with Him. Let’s consider how much Jesus loves us as we finish our morning coffee.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:6, 2 Samuel 11-12, Luke 7:37-50

There are five women in the genealogy of Jesus — five women with stained reputations but also five women whom God chose to bless by placing them in this royal lineage. As Jesus was growing up, I am sure his parents taught him the stories of his ancestors.

What would Jesus have said regarding Bathsheba, the fourth woman in his paternal genealogy? Let’s look at her story — a story that includes foolishness, adultery, intense grief, and finally redemption — a second chance.

David was the father of Solomon (whose mother was Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah). – Matthew 1:6b

The fact that Bathsheba is described in the genealogy of Jesus as the widow of Uriah is a reminder of the sin that brought her into this family tree. Some believe Bathsheba to have been a victim of David’s sexual desire towards her; they believe she did not have the option of refusing the king. But because scripture does not clearly call this incident rape, as it does in several other Old Testament stories, many believe that Bathsheba was a willing participant in what happened that afternoon.

Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home. Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, “I’m pregnant.” – 2 Samuel 11:2-5

David’s first mistake is that he was not where he should have been. It was customary for the king to be on the battlefield with the army, but David chose to send the Israelite army out alone. Perhaps Bathsheba’s mistake was similar — perhaps she was not where she should have been. Even if the weather was warm and a bath that time of day was permissible, she could have set up a covering to prevent anyone from being able to see her. Bathsheba’s decision to bathe where she could be seen from the palace roof led to a moment of weakness which led to a tragic death of an innocent man.

“Stay ever so close to me, and you will not deviate from the path I have prepared for you.” This is great advice from Sarah Young’s book Jesus Calling, and would have been good advice for David and Bathsheba. If they had stayed close to God, they would have been where they were supposed to be and would not have given into sexual immorality. Their union led to shame and an unintended pregnancy, which led to a cover-up attempt, which led to the death of Bathsheba’s husband, which led to their grief when their son died seven days after birth.

David confessed his sin to the Lord and, although there were still consequences, God forgave David his sin (12:11-14). God blessed David and Bathsheba with another son and David named him Solomon.

THIS IS THE STORY OF HOW BATHSHEBA CAME TO BE IN THE LINEAGE OF JESUS.

What would the young man, Jesus, have to say of this woman in his family story — the one with the “scarlet letter”? How would he have responded to a woman whose life experience made others whisper as she walked by?

When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!”…

Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”

Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”

“That’s right,” Jesus said. Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.

“I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven…Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” – Luke 7:37-50

If you can relate to Bathsheba’s story, if you understand the grief and regret she must have suffered, then perhaps these words are what you need to hear from the Prince of Peace himself — “Your sins are forgiven…Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” If you relate more to the Pharisee who stood in condemnation of the sinful woman who was kneeling at Jesus’ feet, if you have focused on the sins of another person or refused to forgive them, then perhaps these words are also for you — “Your sins are forgiven…Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Lord, we praise you for the kindness you displayed while here on earth, setting an example of what grace and mercy look like. We thank you for the many times you have shown us compassion and love as we sat in the shame of our life experiences, whether we were victims of someone else’s greed or willful participants in sinful behavior. Thank you for the freedom we can experience when we stop defining ourselves by our darkest day and start walking in the freedom of your forgiveness and grace. I pray this morning that you will break the strongholds the enemy uses every day to keep us bound to our deepest regrets, giving us the strength to walk in the freedom your death on the cross has provided. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:5, Ruth 2-3, Romans 3

There are five women in the genealogy of Jesus — five women with stained reputations but also five women whom God chose to bless by placing them in this royal lineage. As Jesus was growing up, I am sure his parents taught him the stories of his ancestors.

Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab).
Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth). – Matthew 1:5

What would Jesus have said regarding Ruth, the third of the women in his paternal genealogy? Let’s look at her story — a story that includes the loss of a husband and leaving everything she knows to go to a strange land, only to be treated as an outsider or foreigner. Ruth’s stained reputation had nothing to do with her actions and everything to do with the color of her skin and her ethnic heritage.

Just like Rahab, Ruth was a foreigner who took refuge under the wings of the God of Israel (Ruth 2:12). When given the opportunity to return to her family and their false gods, Ruth said to her mother-in-law, Naomi, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” (Ruth 1:16-17).

Naomi returned to soil that had been inactive in her husband’s absence. With no one there to plant the seed, there would be no harvest. Naomi sent Ruth out to gather what was left after the workers had harvested their fields. But God’s plan for Ruth was not for her to survive on leftovers, but that she would thrive in abundance. She had been faithfully devoted to both Naomi and to the Lord, and He was about to do something for her that was beyond her understanding.

In those days, the nearest relative to the patriarch in the family was referred to as the “Family Redeemer.” Boaz was a wealthy and influential man — a close relative to Naomi’s deceased husband, Elimelech. However, Boaz was not the closest relative, so he went on Ruth’s behalf and arranged to buy the land and take Ruth as his wife.

Like Tamar, Ruth was a widow who was left without children to carry on the family name. But God had a plan of redemption for Ruth, just as He had for Tamar. Not only would Ruth’s family be famous in Bethlehem, Bethlehem would become famous because of Ruth’s family.

The women in the town saw this union of Boaz and Ruth as Naomi’s redemption. She had lost her husband and both of her sons and was left alone with only her daughter-in-law to support her. Knowing that the Christ child was to be born in this family lineage, consider the powerful words of these unsuspecting women as they speak a blessing on Naomi and her descendants.

“Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!” Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own. The neighbor women said, “Now at last Naomi has a son again!” And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David. – Ruth 4:14-17

So Ruth was the great-grandmother to David, the first King of Israel and the one whose lineage would produce the Messiah. From the union of Boaz and Ruth, the ultimate Family Redeemer would be born. We were slaves to our sin, as evidenced by our sinful choices, but Jesus paid the debt and rescued us from slavery with the shedding of his scarlet blood.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:28

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. – Romans 3:23-25a

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. – Ephesians 1:7

THIS IS THE STORY OF HOW RUTH CAME TO BE IN THE LINEAGE OF JESUS.

Though others saw her as less because of where she came from, God saw her as more because He knew where she was going. God’s plan of redemption was not only for Tamar, Rahab and Ruth; God’s plan of redemption is for us. No matter who we are or what we have done, Jesus is our Family Redeemer. Though we are poor and simple, having nothing of earthly value to offer, He has paid our debt and delivered us from our slavery to sin.

Let’s not only receive the truth of this message for ourselves; let’s claim freedom for those around us. Lord, give us eyes to see others as you see them. Help us to see the faithful child of God they could become instead of devaluing their purpose and potential. May our hearts align with yours in such a way that the Spirit leads our attitudes towards others, cleansing us of the ungodly attitudes and judgmental opinions that creep into our minds. Amen.

Friends, let us worship our Family Redeemer — the One who was born and then died to offer us eternal life. Let us humbly bow down and offer to Him all that we are, along with all of our past regrets, so that we can walk into His future and thankfully accept His gift of salvation. May we worship the Lord Jesus in a new way this Christmas.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:5, Joshua 2, John 8:1-11

There are five women in the genealogy of Jesus — five women with stained reputations but also five women whom God chose to bless by placing them in this royal lineage. As Jesus was growing up, I am sure his parents taught him the stories of his ancestors. He would have known Rahab’s story — a story that includes prostitution, deceit, dishonesty and finally REDEMPTION and a new life.

Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab). – Matthew 1:5a

Tamar had disguised herself and acted as a prostitute one time in an act of deceit, but Rahab made a living from prostitution. Rahab opened her home to strangers as an inn or hotel in the walled city of Jericho. It was common for women who owned this kind of business to also offer more than just a place to sleep for the night, but to also offer their body to the strangers passing through town.

But this night was different. Her guests served the God she had heard so much about, the God who drew her to Himself in a way that perhaps made her feel loved and worthy for the first time. So when she received orders from the king of Jericho to bring out the spies, Rahab lied and said the spies were no longer there. To protect these godly men, she hid them beneath bundles of flax she had laid out on the roof and lied about their whereabouts. She lowered them to the ground out her window using a scarlet rope in order to help them escape safely.

Rahab’s desire was to live. But beyond the idea of escaping death, Rahab desired to REALLY live — to experience the kind of life the God of Israel could give her. She had heard the stories and her heart longed to be a part of what God was doing. This foreign prostitute had developed a faith in God in the midst of a pagan world.

So Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute and her relatives who were with her in the house, because she had hidden the spies Joshua sent to Jericho. And she lives among the Israelites to this day. – Joshua 6:25

THIS IS THE STORY OF HOW RAHAB CAME TO BE IN THE LINEAGE OF JESUS.

In this story, Rahab risked her life in order to spare the life of two men of God. She walked away from everything she had ever known (the sin, the shame, the regret, the scarlet rope) and began worshiping the God who had always loved her.

A man named Salmon (a descendant of Tamar’s son Perez) looked beyond Rahab’s past and gave her a future as his wife. Perhaps Salmon remembered the redemption of Tamar when he looked at Rahab and was willing to offer her the same grace that had been extended to his ancestor. Together they had a son and they named him Boaz. All three of these names can be found in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

What would the young man, Jesus, have to say of this woman in his family story? What would Jesus have to say of this ancestor with a history of sexual immorality? Perhaps Jesus’ thoughts went to Rahab when he knelt down and wrote in the sand:

“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”

They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down and wrote in the dust.

When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

“No, Lord,” she said.
And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” – John 8:4-11

Perhaps there is a “scarlet rope” in your past that has kept you in bondage when God wants to use it for your escape. Just like Tamar and Rahab, God’s perfect plan for you includes redemption and forgiveness — new life in Christ. We are all on a journey of grace; we can all look back with regret on choices we have made. Please know this morning that the Lord wants you to keep walking in fellowship with Him, allowing Him to strengthen your faith along the way. He has a beautiful way of redeeming our story for His eternal purposes.

Or perhaps there is someone in your life for whom God intends deliverance but you are using the “scarlet rope” to keep them in bondage, unwilling to forgive or forget the sinful decisions they have made. Instead of helping her find freedom from the strongholds in her life, we sit in judgment of the decisions she has made. Friends, we need to see the hope Christ has for her future rather than forever categorizing her according to her past.

Jesus is stooping down and writing something in the sand. Listen closely. He is saying something. “But let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Let’s put down the stone in our hand, unwrap the scarlet rope from around her reputation and offer her the same thing that God offers her — redemption, forgiveness, and a new life in Christ.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:3, Genesis 38, John 4:1-42

There are five women in the genealogy of Jesus — five women with stained reputations, but also five women whom God chose to bless by placing them in this royal lineage. As Jesus was growing up, I am sure his parents taught him the stories of his ancestors. We know that Jesus was well studied in the law and history of the Israelites. He would have known the stories of all the names in his genealogy — both the family lineage of the man who was known as his father, Joseph, and the family lineage of his mother, Mary.

Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar). – Matthew 1:3a

What would Jesus have said regarding Tamar, the first of the women in his paternal genealogy? Let’s consider her story — a story that included grief, abuse, rejection, abandonment, prostitution, deceit and finally redemption.

God had a plan — the Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham and a descendant of Judah and a descendant of Perez. But Judah married a Canaanite woman, whose influence on his sons caused them to be evil in the eyes of the Lord. In spite of all of this, God continued to work out His plan. In spite of Judah’s sins of selfishness, God took the unholy union of Judah and Tamar and made something beautiful. Tamar was pregnant with twin boys. Zerah began to come out first, but God’s plan was for Perez to be the firstborn, so he caused Zerah to pull back and Perez to be born first.

When the time came for Tamar to give birth, it was discovered that she was carrying twins. While she was in labor, one of the babies reached out his hand. The midwife grabbed it and tied a scarlet string around the child’s wrist, announcing, “This one came out first.” But then he pulled back his hand, and out came his brother! “What!” the midwife exclaimed. “How did you break out first?” So he was named Perez. Then the baby with the scarlet string on his wrist was born, and he was named Zerah. — Genesis 38:27-30

THIS IS THE STORY OF HOW TAMAR CAME TO BE IN THE LINEAGE OF JESUS.

In this story, Tamar is first a victim of the sinful choices of three men in the lineage of Jacob, but Tamar did not remain innocent in this story. Desperate for love, she devised a plan of deception that included sexual immorality. Instead of trusting God to take care of her, Tamar stepped out of His plan and created her own. What would the young man, Jesus, have to say of this woman in his family story? What would Jesus have to say of the man, Perez, whose birth was the result of an unplanned pregnancy?

Perhaps Jesus’ thoughts went to Tamar when he met the Samaritan woman at the well — a well that was near the field that Jacob gave his son Joseph. Perhaps he was thinking of Jacob’s daughter-in-law who would have perhaps drawn water from this same well at one time.

The story of the Samaritan woman had some resemblance to the story of Tamar — multiple husbands and then union with a man who was not her husband. Her story might have included the same elements as Tamar’s — grief, abuse, rejection, abandonment, prostitution, and deceit. What we know is that her story was one of redemption.

If you have some of these same elements in your story, perhaps these words of Jesus are for you today: “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water…Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” – John 4:10, 13-14

God’s perfect plan for your life did not include a lot of the pain that makes up your story, but His plan for you has always included redemption. He created you and now wants to make something beautiful out of your brokenness. He sent His son to be born of a woman pledged to be married to Joseph — whose family story was far from perfect. That same son died on a cross in order to complete your story — to forgive you of your sins, to redeem your past, and to plan your eternity. He is offering living water to you so that you will never thirst again.

Let us worship the One who was born and who died in order to offer us eternal life. Let’s humbly bow down and offer to Him our past so that we can walk into His future. May this Christmas be a season of healing as we shake off the crippling weight of our unworthiness and embrace the identity of Christ Jesus. May the King born in a humble manger silence the lies of the enemy so that we can be set free by the truth of redemption and restoration.

Pilate said, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” – John 18:37

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:8-11; Isaiah 9, 11

Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat.
Jehoshaphat was the father of Jehoram.
Jehoram was the father of Uzziah.
Uzziah was the father of Jotham.
Jotham was the father of Ahaz.
Ahaz was the father of Hezekiah.
Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh.
Manasseh was the father of Amon.
Amon was the father of Josiah.
Josiah was the father of Jehoiachin and his brothers (born at the time of the exile to Babylon). – Matthew 1:8-11

Although his father committed the same sins that his grandfather had, Asa did what was pleasing in the sight of the Lord. He banished the prostitutes from the land, got rid of all the idols, and even deposed his grandmother as queen mother because of the obscenities she had set up. God’s people experienced peace during the 10 years of Asa’s reign, which allowed them to fortify their cities. They built walls, towers, gates, and bars, while King Asa built up two armies of well-trained fighting men.

Asa’s heart remained faithful to the Lord throughout his life. – 1 Kings 15:14b

Asa led the people of Judah in renewing their covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul. The decision his forefathers had made to serve God was now impacting the entire nation as their example was followed and God was worshiped. They had set an example of what it looks like to fully follow God and their descendants were experiencing the joy of living in a right relationship with God — when someone seeks God and God faithfully responds.

All in Judah were happy about this covenant, for they had entered into it with ALL their heart. They earnestly sought after God, and they found him. – 2 Chronicles 15:15a

But when things started to heat up between the people of Judah and the people of Israel, Asa called upon the King of Aram for help instead of trusting in God. He missed his chance to experience victory and the time of peace ended as Judah went back to war.

The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. – 2 Chronicles 16:9a

Jehosophat sought after God, as his father had at the beginning of his reign. He was deeply committed to the ways of the Lord, and he became very wealthy and highly esteemed. 1 Kings 22:43 says he followed the example of his father, Asa. But his son, Jehoram, made the decision to follow after the examples of the kings of Israel and was wicked. The next few generations of kings rejected God and are not mentioned by Matthew in this genealogy — Jehoram, Ahaziah, Joash, Amaziah.

Uzziah was a successful king but gave himself the credit instead of God. He did not recognize God’s generosity, nor was he thankful for it. Jotham did what was pleasing in the eyes of the Lord, but his son Ahaz was a very wicked king. It was during this time of darkness and despair that the prophet Isaiah cast hope for God’s people that a Messiah would come.

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine…
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” – Isaiah 9:2,6-7

We can all probably look back at our own genealogy and see examples of those who made good decisions and those who made bad decisions. We can see the evidence of pride and self-reliance, but we can hopefully also see the evidence of those who followed God. We all have a choice to make — what legacy will we leave behind for those who come after us?

MAY JESUS, OUR WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, GUIDE OUR HEARTS TOWARD HIM.

Like Hezekiah, may it be said of us that we trusted in the Lord and remained faithful in everything we did. May it be said that we sought after God wholeheartedly. We have a choice to make. Like Manasseh, will we have a repentant heart and take the new start God has given us to make some major life changes? Or like Amon, will we refuse to humble ourselves and follow the Lord’s ways? I pray that it can be said of us that we had a heart like Josiah’s:

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for thirty-one years…He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor, David. He did not turn away from doing what was right. – 2 Kings 22:1-2

Lord Jesus, thank you for being my Wonderful Counselor — the One I can go to when I need to share my deepest thoughts. The words you spoke while here on earth continue to teach and to guide me towards the truth, a gift that daily astounds me. You comfort me when I am sad and you give me courage when I am afraid; you wrap me in a blanket of peace when the pressures of this world are too much to bear. I give you everything I am feeling and ask you to reveal any unhealthy thoughts. Guide me in each decision I make, and give me the strength to walk out my faith in everything that I say or do today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:1-7, Isaiah 11

Jesse was the father of King David.
David was the father of Solomon (whose mother was Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah).
Solomon was the father of Rehoboam.
Rehoboam was the father of Abijah.
Abijah was the father of Asa. – Matthew 1:6-7

As we continue through the genealogy of Jesus, we see several familiar names — individuals we have studied over the last 11 months of reading through the Old Testament. Of all the names, David might be the most significant. David was the first king of Israel and it was his son, Solomon, who built the Temple in Jerusalem, which became known as the City of David. Most of the songs or psalms in the bible were written by David, words we continue to use today to sing praises to our God.

There was a reason why Matthew started his gospel with the paternal genealogy of Jesus. The prophet Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would come from David’s family, so it was significant that Jesus was born in the lineage of David — both on his mother’s side and his father’s.

ISAIAH TAUGHT THAT THE MESSIAH WOULD COME FROM DAVID’S FAMILY.

Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. – Isaiah 11:1

In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place. – Isaiah 11:10

Then God will establish one of David’s descendants as king. He will rule with mercy and truth. He will always do what is just and be eager to do what is right. – Isaiah 16:5

I will give him the key to the house of David—the highest position in the royal court. When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them. – Isaiah 22:22

JESUS WAS RECOGNIZED OFTEN AS THE SON OF DAVID.

The angel referred to Joseph as the son of David when he told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20). Two blind men followed after Jesus shouting “Son of David, have mercy on us!” (Matthew 9:27). A crowd was amazed when Jesus healed a demon-possessed man who had been blind and couldn’t speak. They asked, “Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?” (Matthew 12:23).

A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” – Matthew 15:20

Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” – Matthew 20:30-31

Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!” – Matthew 21:9

The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.” But the leaders were indignant. – Matthew 21:15

“What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They replied, “He is the son of David.” – Matthew 22:42

DO I TRULY RECOGNIZE WHO JESUS IS IN MY LIFE?

So many people recognized who Jesus was — that he was the one they had been waiting for, the one who would bring salvation. The question for us is whether or not we truly recognize who Jesus is. We are surrounded by those who deny His supremacy. We are bombarded with arguments that he was just a good man. Many see the bible as simply a history book with no authority for how we live our lives today. But who do you believe him to be? Are you allowing this Son of David to be the Lord of your life?

Lord Jesus, as we begin our study of your earthly life, we want to start by recognizing where you came from and the reason you came. Help us to recognize you as clearly as the blind man did; may we acknowledge your power like the demon-possessed man did. Give us eyes to see you at work in our lives today. Amen.