Heroes by Grace

From an Africa Study Bible touch point:

In some African cultures, a community historian will explain to the entire community how a soon-to-be appointed king or chief is connected to the founder of the community. The historian will mention highly regarded ancestors from one generation to another, ending with the leader-to-be. This practice shows that the leader is a true heir of the founder of the community and has the right to rule because of that connection. 

Matthew demonstrated to the Jewish people that Jesus is King of the Jews by showing that Jesus was a descendant of Abraham, the father of all Jews, and a direct descendant of King David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s lineage. 

However, unlike our traditional practice of eliminating the names of weak people and those of questionable character in the genealogy of a king, Matthew includes the prostitute of Jericho, an adulterous king, and Uriah’s unfaithful wife. Foreigners are even part of Christ’s lineage. The people we despise in society can hold a significant place in God’s overall plan. The Messiah’s bloodline is not a list of great heroes but regular people who were forgiven. God’s grace supersedes human weakness. 

When God forgives us, he moves on! He overwrites our sinful history with a song of grace and new identity in Christ. We do not have to stay haunted by our dark past. God has the power to raise mighty heroes from sinners. 

Today: 

Who do you find it difficult to love who is part of God’s family? It could be a certain individual you struggle to get along with or a group of people who differ from you. Ask for God’s forgiveness if you have been judging others as less than or unworthy. You may also need to apologize to someone. Thank God for his incredible grace for you and all people.