Abraham, Rahab, Jesus

Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers…. Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David…. –Matthew 1:2,5-6 NIV

Have you ever thought about the circumstances that God directed in order for you to be where you are today? Genealogies are helpful in this regard, and the Lord provided the greatest genealogy of all in the Bible. It is one more way of God showing us He’s in the details, and He’s working EVERYTHING out for our good and His glory. Jesus’ genealogy includes an incredible “who’s who” of people deemed to be of poor reputation: Abraham chose to lie instead of trusting God; Rahab was a foreigner and a prostitute; Ruth established a great reputation for herself—except she was a foreigner. Oh, and don’t forget beautiful Bathsheba, who committed adultery with King David and then married him after he had her husband killed. You are truly never too far from God’s grace and kindness, never too far from His mercy and forgiveness, to not only be used—but to be used greatly, mightily, and amazingly. If you need forgiveness for choices in your past, ask the Lord, and He will give it. If you need freedom from situations in your past, ask. God will help you see yourself in a new way. Let Him determine your future and how He’ll use your genealogies for His glory and other people’s good.