Starting The Journey - Disciple Makers Series #1Sample

God chooses strange forebearers for His Son (Part 1)

This is the history of Jesus’ family.  It is a very interesting history as well.  Today we see three of the best parts.  First, God starts the history at Abraham.  We see God’s promise to Abraham over 2000 years before Jesus was born – that is a long time before Jesus was born!!  So everyone we see in this family history was chosen by God Himself.  Second, in the first 4 generations, none of them are the firstborn child – that is amazing because the first born was always considered the one who should get this blessing.  God decided otherwise.  

Not Ishmael – but Isaac

Not Esau – but Jacob

Not Reuben, Levi or Simeon – but Judah

Not Zerah – but Perez

Finally, we see the first woman in the line of Jesus mentioned.  There are 4 women mentioned – and Tamar is the first.  She was a foreigner, she acted wrongly in getting pregnant by Judah – and yet God chose her to be in the line of Jesus.  God can redeem anyone!!

Time to Pray

Father, if we could pick our parents and family history, I know I would not pick some of the people You did for Your Son Jesus.  You bypassed strong and gifted men – and chose their brothers.  You bypassed firstborn children.  You picked a woman like Tamar who got pregnant by Judah out of marriage.  

There is hope for me.  You can use me too.  I am not the firstborn.  I am not the most gifted in my family.  I have many faults – and You promised to bless me.  Help everyone of us to see ourselves here – blessed by You regardless of our failures and weaknesses.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.