Matthew 1:1-17 - Ancestors of Jesus

Devotional for today, January 1, 2017:

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This devotional has two parts: 1. head (analysis and technical observations) 2. heart (listening to Jesus)

1. Head:
This text is a list of names, highlighting many key persons of the Bible before Jesus. The more we know about these persons, the more it can lead us to a blessed meditation.
It is interesting to note the key places where there are added elements, like the added mention of women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Mary) or men (brothers of Judah, Zerah, Uriah, brothers of Jeconiah). Each departure from the standard genealogy format is full of important stories.
Just to pick a few:
- Tamar was denied by Judah the traditional right to have his last son for husband. Judah wrongly believed that she was the cause of the death of his two previous sons. The truth is that his two first sons died because of their wickedness. We are so quick to judge, yet here Judah finally recognized that Tamar was right and that he was wrong, even when she disguised herself as a prostitute to have a child with him. We find this story in Genesis 38.
- Rahab, the prostitute who protected the two Jewish spies in Jericho and was then saved. (Through a scarlet cord, something that is also used in the story of Tamar when she gives birth to Zerah when his hand goes out first). Rahab then marries Salmon, a Jew, and thus joins the Jewish people. (Joshua 3)
- Ruth, a Moabite, is graciously welcomed by Boaz, the son of Salmon and Rahab. Ruth was a poor widow in a foreign land, with little hope. It is striking that Boaz's gracious attitude toward Ruth the Moabite can be connected to the example of his father Salmon, who did not despise Rahab, but redeemed her as his wife. (Ruth2-4)

2. Heart:
Lord Jesus, what lessons would you like to highlight for me today?
First of all, notice the grace at work in this genealogy, where some people did not start well. My genealogy is not a bunch of perfect people, but imperfect people who learned to rely on my Father's grace.
Another key element, that you find in the story of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth or Mary, is that you should not judge based on the appearances. Often you can make mistaken judgments because you took only external clues and don't listen to me in prayer. I invite you to remember my words: do not judge and you will not be judged, do not condemn and you will not be condemned, forgive and you will be forgiven.
Learn to keep your heart open and to withhold judgment, so that through your intimacy with me you learn to see reality through my eyes, through my love. Sometimes I will warn you of things you did not notice, other times I will help you to realize how precious are some people that can look insignificant.