Text:
Matthew 1:1-10
Memory Verse:
“Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah” (Matthew 1:5&6).
Did you spot some interesting names in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:3,5, 6 & 10? Four women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba, very unlikely people, were the only women mentioned there. Tamar had sexual relations with two sons of Judah in serial marriages and,
later, with Judah as a harlot (Genesis 38). In the conquest of Jericho, Rahab, the prostitute, hid the spies who went to spy out Jericho in Joshua 2:1;6:17-25. In return, she secured the safety of all that were in the house with her during the invasion. Thereafter, Rahab married Salmon and gave birth to Boaz, the wealthy farmer who married Naomi’s daughter-in-law, Ruth. They gave birth
to Obed, who fathered Jesse, David’s father. David later married Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba.
Do you have a horrible past that, in your opinion, disqualifies you from being a child or vessel in God’s hands? Do you feel unworthy of God’s love and consideration? How will you rate the worthiness of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba? In Matthew 1:10 we also see Manasseh, the son Hezekiah had during his extra 15 years of life, and who did the most evil things before repenting, being a part of the genealogy.
God can use you, if you repent genuinely no matter how bad your past is. All the people referred to were qualified by God because they repented and became changed. God wants to use you as the harvest is much, but the labourers are few. Be encouraged. God has a need for you.
Prayer Points:
1. I am available for You, Lord; cleanse and use me.
2. Make me a vessel of honour in Your hands, O Lord.
