Today's Passage - Matthew 1:1-6

Matthew 1:1-6 A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 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. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife...     The first verse says:  "A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham."  This sentence ties up Old Testament to New Testament.  Old Testament prophesied the birth of the Messiah.  In Genesis 22:18 God promised to Abraham: "and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me".  Offspring is singular, referring to one descendent, not many descendents.  And this descendent is the Messiah.  The birth of Messiah is also related to God's promise to David.  2 Samuel 7:12 says: "..., I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom."  This kingdom doesn't refer to the Kingdom of Israel, but rather the kingdom of the Messiah.  The spirit of God made a grand proclamation to the world, this Messiah is Jesus Christ, in the first chapter,  first verse one of the New Testament.  I always feel heavy when reading genealogies.  However, trace people mentioned in the Bible, one will discover many precious truth: First, there are four sisters from verse 1 to 6: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Uriah's wife Bathsheba.  God values sister's roles.  Even in a patriarchal society God reserves ministry position for sisters.   When Korean Pastor Choy Ong Gi was building the cell group church, there were not enough cell leaders.  God's spirit revealed to him to utilize sisters.  "When Jesus was on the cross, who was at His side?" "Sisters." "When Jesus was ministering on earth, who understood Him the most?"  "Sisters."  He realized that the role of sisters is very important in God's plan. Out of four sisters, two were gentiles.  They are Tamar, and Ruth.  God's plan of salvation are not just reserved for Jews.  He already included gentiles in his salvation.  Our salvation is not out of reluctance, but out of God's choice from the very beginning.  Let us shout out our sincere thanks and praises to God for this grace! Prayer with Pastor Tong Liu Lord, we thank you for being part of your eternal salvation.  We thank you for the sisters that you gave us.  We thank you for revealing to us your eternal plan.  Your selection is so comprehensive that all generations receive your grace, so that today we get to receive the same grace.  I thank and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!      Shekinah Glory - ROLCC Building Expansion Project - Follow us on our Facebook page!