IMMANUEL...GOD IS STILL WITH US

DAY 6   "BLOODLINES"

Scripture:  Matthew 1:1-17, Matthew 1:21-23, Luke 1:31

Most readers of Matthew skip one of the best sections – chapter one! Chapter one is the genealogy of Jesus, and it looks like a long, boring list of names, but it’s actually an incredible testament to the faithfulness of God and his eternity-long plan for us. The genealogy in Matthew proves Jesus is the promised saviour, who fulfils the promises God made with Abraham in the Old Testament (land, people, and God’s presence).  

God made a promise to Abraham and Isaac that all nations would be blessed through their descendants (Genesis 12:3, 26:3-4). God promised David that the Messiah would be descended from him (2 Samuel 7:12-16). God also promised the Messiah would be born from a virgin (Isaiah 7:14).  God kept those promises by giving a son to Abraham (people), bringing the Israelites to Canaan (land) and by establishing first the tabernacle and then the temple amongst the people (blessing). 

Have you ever realised that Jesus actually fulfils all these promises in an even better way? Through his sacrifice, Jesus brings us into the promised land of eternity with God. He also brings us into God’s family and forms bonds between us and other Christians, which does make us all family. Finally, when we accept Jesus, we are brought into God’s presence – both now with the Holy Spirit and for eternity in the new creation with God.

Joseph was not Jesus’ biological father. The phrase “the father of” is repeated throughout the genealogy, but stops in verse 16. It reads, “Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah”. The genealogy makes it clear that Jesus is God's Son.

As you read through Jesus’ ancestry on his mother’s side, note the names of those who God chose, used and showed Himself strong through and in. GOD IS STILL WITH US!

Write out your thoughts

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that  You are a promise keeper! Just as You promised Abraham a seed and blessings for his descendants, you have promised me blessings for my seed and my family. I call my family blessed! As for those who do not yet know you as their Savior King, draw them in by your Spirit! Just as You had a plan for my life, you have one for theirs as well! Amen!