Daily Reading: Matthew 1
Scripture Focus: The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. (Matthew 1:1)
Devotional Thought: "Genealogy! Ugh! I needed something more inspiring today!" Admit it. You've felt that way!
But, as you read the genealogy of Jesus, you will encounter some familiar names. Remember Tamar, the woman who posed as a prostitute to entice her father-in-law to impregnate her? Frankly, that story doesn’t really shine a good light on any of the characters. What about Ahaz, the wicked king who participated in the pagan traditions of sacrificing children to the fires of Molech, a demon god? Or Mannaseh, whose wickedness finally resulted in the Babylonian captivity of the Israelites? This is the family tree of the Messiah, God’s Son who was sent to redeem and save the world. And, you thought your family was embarrassing!
God doesn’t use people who have their acts together. He isn’t interested in sharing his glory with a “righteous” person. Throughout scripture, we find that he uses the weak, the sinful, the timid, and the poor to accomplish his purposes. He showcases his mercy and his faithfulness, by using ordinary people to do extraordinary things for his Kingdom. It should give us hope, as we recognize that we too are unrighteous, weak, and ineffective without him. What God calls us to do, he will surely equip us to accomplish through his power. “Now may the God of peace… equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Heb. 13:21).
Jenny
Prayer: Father, equip us! We are unequal to the task of spreading your gospel to our friends and family. But, by your grace, you have given us power through your Spirit to accomplish your good purposes! Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 86.11-17
11 Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. 12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. 13 For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them. 15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. 17 Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
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