Saturday, 19 December 2015

THE SAVING GRACE OF GOD MATTHEW 1:1-17


Matthew’s genealogical account in this text is something unusual because in the Jewish custom women were never given a part in anyone's genealogy. However God the Holy Spirit inspired Matthew to include these five women in the genealogy of Jesus to show us God’s love and His saving grace upon the fallen men. In these five women we can see the complete portrait of our Lord's love and plan of salvation for the sinners.

Thamar – Thamar the Canaanite was the incestuous daughter in law of Judah (Genesis 38:1-30). The meaning for the word “Thamar” is Palm tree. This refers to stability and life giving power! Jesus stabilizes all of life. He gives purpose to the wayward soul. He is also the fountain of life. Men are dead apart from Him, Ephesians 2:1, and are made alive when they believe on His name - Acts 16:31; 1 John 5:12. 

Rahab – Rahab was the prostitute and the member of a doomed race (Joshua 2:1-24).  The meaning for the word “Rahab” is Wide, Broad.  Rahab’s life and her inclusion in the family of God shows that God's love is broad, it extends to all men - Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16. His grace is available to all men - Romans 10:13. Jesus can transform the sinner’s life Hebrews 11:31. 

Ruth - Ruth was a Moabitess, a Gentile. She was the poor widow of an Israelite, she was moral and upright. If there was ever a friend to the sinner, it was and is Jesus! Matthew 11:19! His love for His friends was so deep that He was willing to demonstrate it by dying on a cross - John 15:13. 

Bathsheba - 2 Samuel 11 - Bathsheba was the adulterous wife of a Gentile man named Uriah, 2 Samuel 11:3. The meaning for the word Bathsheba is Daughter of Complete Satisfaction. The soul's satisfaction is found in none other than the Lord Jesus Himself Psalm 107:9. Jesus is rest and contentment for the sin weary soul! - Matt. 11:28!

Mary - Mary was a young, pure Israelite girl. She was evidently very religious and was willing to yield her life and her reputation to the hand of a God Luke 1:26-38. The meaning for the word Mary is “Their Rebellion”. Certainly we can see contrast between her name and her attitude but the name has profound spiritual meaning.  It is our rebellion against God that separated us from God and made us worthy of hell. In Jesus, there is total reconciliation! He never lowers God's standards, He raises ours! He turns our rebellion into love and devotion to the will and way of God - 1 John 4:19!


Do you want to experience God’s saving grace? If so, then come to Jesus. Come to Him right now. You cannot be a part of His ancestry, but you can be a part of His lineage. All it takes is a step of faith on your part. Will you take that step of faith right now? Will you come to Jesus? He has come for you today, why don't you just come to Him?

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