There is Grace in the Family Tree of Jesus
Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth … (Matthew 1:5).
If time permitted, we could stop at each of the dozens of names in Christ's genealogy and speak of the grace behind their lives. But there are four obvious testimonies of grace that should catch our eyes. They are all women, and in that ancient world it was unheard of to see women listed in genealogy tables.
First is Tamar (Matthew 1:3). She once dressed as a prostitute, seduced her father-in-law, and had an illegitimate child. We also read of Rahab (Matthew 1:5.) She was the town prostitute of ancient Jericho. Next comes Ruth (Matthew 1:5). She was a member of a race that began in incest and worshipped pagan gods. Finally we meet Bathsheba (Matthew 1:6). She lived in adultery with King David.
How did these women find their way into the family tree of Jesus? Only one word, grace! God's unmerited favor.
CODE WORD: FAVOR
There is good news this Christmas. Where sin abounds, grace much more abounds… for you. What is the Lord telling us? I do not think He is speaking softly – If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Lord, thank You for giving me what I never deserved, an amazing gift of grace.
The Christmas Code by O.S. Hawkins
If time permitted, we could stop at each of the dozens of names in Christ's genealogy and speak of the grace behind their lives. But there are four obvious testimonies of grace that should catch our eyes. They are all women, and in that ancient world it was unheard of to see women listed in genealogy tables.
First is Tamar (Matthew 1:3). She once dressed as a prostitute, seduced her father-in-law, and had an illegitimate child. We also read of Rahab (Matthew 1:5.) She was the town prostitute of ancient Jericho. Next comes Ruth (Matthew 1:5). She was a member of a race that began in incest and worshipped pagan gods. Finally we meet Bathsheba (Matthew 1:6). She lived in adultery with King David.
How did these women find their way into the family tree of Jesus? Only one word, grace! God's unmerited favor.
CODE WORD: FAVOR
There is good news this Christmas. Where sin abounds, grace much more abounds… for you. What is the Lord telling us? I do not think He is speaking softly – If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Lord, thank You for giving me what I never deserved, an amazing gift of grace.
The Christmas Code by O.S. Hawkins