Matthew 1:17New Living Translation (NLT)
17 All those listed above include fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah.
You will notice that Matthew points out the genealogy from Abraham who was the father to Joseph, the husband of Mary. Joseph was not the father of the Messiah, but he was the step dad to the new born King.
Jesus had no earthly father, yet, through the prophesy of Abraham, then to David. It was completed by Joseph. It is interesting to me that God had importance of a name. What I am meaning by this is that he knows everyone’s name. He knew his son’s name, Jesus.
The genealogy of his birth was important then, and it is important to us today. Names give significance of time and generation with each family.
This week, Christmas week, are days and times set aside with family members with names. For me this gives me great joy. My genealogy has given me five children, two with spouses, and five grandchildren.
Like most families, there is messiness involved with my family, and so was it for Jesus. Abraham, the father of faith, lacked faith at times. Boas was born of Rahab, the prostitute. Solomon came from David and Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah. And this goes all the way to the birth of Jesus born of the Virgin Mary.
With Kingdom eyes, what a mess. Yet, God still uses us. We, his people, play a role in our Lord’s Kingdom. Each having a name.
Strength and Courage
Michael
