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The Gospel of Matthew begins with a long genealogy of Jesus. Those who read through the Scriptures may get to these long lists of names and just want to move forward and get back into the story. (Confession, I’m often in that camp too!)
However, these genealogies are important. Not only are they important, but they often highlight some important information about the family. For example, the family lineage Matthew provides for Jesus includes a number of women. This is interesting for several reasons:
- Ancient genealogies rarely mentioned women.
- Many of the women in Jesus’ genealogy are ethnically diverse. Tamar (an Adullamite), Rahab (a Canaanite), Ruth (a Moabite), and Uriah (a Hittite).
- Their stories are full of brokenness.
- Their stories arouse suspicion of illegitimacy.
The simple fact that Matthew includes these stories is fascinating. It’s as if Matthew was writing this important principle: God uses the brokenness of your past to shape you for life in the Kingdom of God.
READING & PRAYERS:
QUESTION: Reflect on this statement – God uses the brokenness of your past to shape you for life in the Kingdom of God. What emotions do you experience as you reflect on this statement. (Focus on specific emotions / feeling words.)
QUESTION: Why do you think these emotions are the ones that rise to the surface?
Take a Step: This week, continue to utilize the One Minute Pause app at least twice daily to begin practicing being with God and resting in His presence. The app is free, and is available on iPhone and Android devices. See pauseapp.com for details.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know it’s one thing for me to say I believe that You use the brokenness of my past to shape me for life in Your Kingdom. But it’s much more difficult to live this out. When I experience hurt, pain, and brokenness, it’s much easier for me to numb it away or ignore it than it is to embrace it. As I enter this week, bring to light the aspects of my past I have failed to embrace, and reveal to me how You are using these experiences to shape me for life in Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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