Belonging

Daily Scripture Readings

Monday         Genesis 38

Tuesday         Ruth 1

Wednesday   Ruth 2

Thursday       Ruth 3

Friday             Ruth 4

Saturday        Matthew 1:18-25

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus, remind us that You belong to the whole story of Israel and we belong to You.   AMEN

READING:

Matthew 1:1-17 focuses on the genealogy of Jesus, highlighting how Jesus is directly descended from Abraham and King David, signifying his role as the promised Messiah and rightful King of the Jews, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenants throughout history, even through flawed individuals in the lineage; inviting reflection on our own family history and how God works through our lineage to bring about His purposes.

Key Points to Consider:

The Significance of the Genealogy: This list of names isn't just a historical record; it serves as a powerful statement that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham and David, establishing his rightful claim to the throne as the Messiah.

Inclusion of "Unworthy" Individuals: Matthew deliberately includes women like Tamar and Bathsheba, highlighting that God's grace extends even to those who have committed significant sins, demonstrating a God who works through flawed people to bring about redemption.

The Continuity of God's Plan: By tracing Jesus' lineage back to Abraham, Matthew shows how God's plan for salvation has been unfolding throughout history, with Jesus as the ultimate culmination.