THE MESSIAH'S FAMILY TREE

Began a study of the book of Matthew today with my men's group. The book is written for the purpose of exposing the people of Isreal to the Christ. Matthew begins with the proof of Christ's family tree being from Abraham through David thus fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be in the line of David.

Even more amazing is that Matthew records the imperfections of Christ's line even with the 'royal' bloodline. Many of the kings were of questionable character and the four women recorded even had some bumps in their past. There is Tamar, a widow woman who deceived her father-in-law to get her heritage. Rahab, a prostitute and Ruth a non-Jew who married into the line. And of course Uriah's wife whom David had an affair with. All of these imperfect people lined up as direct desendants of Christ. It shows me just how much God cares for His prize creation - mankind! He loves us 'warts and all.'
Secondly, I am amazed by the obedience of Joseph. As one writer put it "Joseph had two options by law when he learned of Mary's pregnancy (1) stone her or (2) divorce her, but God gave him a third" and he obeyed and chose it. It is noted in the opening of Matthew that Joseph was righteous before God, he was a man of compassion who did more than pay lip service to the Creator. He followed God without hesitation.

This opening chapter teaches us that (1) God loves us no matter who we are or how we've lived and (2) He is worth following radically!!
God sent His son so that we might have eternal life unconditionally. I hope that this week you will choose to follow as Joseph did the invitation to join God where He is at work around you!!

Hope you're in church Sunday. And if you happen to be in the mid-cities area and seeking to know more let me invite you 121 Community Church in Grapevine. A buddy of mine is giving testimony tomorrow about his mission to Russia during the worship service at 9:30 a.m.