The Promise Remains
I’ve often thought it strange that Matthew would begin his book with a genealogy. Certainly not good journalism. A list of who sired whom? Wouldn’t get past most editors. But then again, Matthew was not a journalist, and the Holy Spirit was making a point. God had promised he would give a Messiah through the bloodline of Abraham, and he did. Matthew 1:16 (NCV) says, “Joseph was the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus. Jesus is called the Christ.” Period. No more names are listed. No more are needed.
The promise of the Messiah threads its way through forty-two generations of rough-cut stones, forming a necklace fit for the King who came. Just as promised. And the promise remains. “Those people who keep their faith until the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13 NCV). God always keeps his promises.
Choose to Obey
“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22 NKJV).
We’re only as strong as our obedience. Remember who you are: you are God’s child. You’ve been bought by the most precious commodity in the history of the universe, the blood of Christ. You are indwelled by the Spirit of the living God, and you are being equipped for an eternal assignment that will empower you to live in the very presence of God. You have been set apart for a holy calling; you are his.
And remember where you are: this is Canaan. This is the promised land, not geographically but spiritually. This is the land of grace and hope and freedom and truth and love and life. The devil has no jurisdiction over you. So decide right now what you will say when temptation presents itself. In advance, choose obedience.
Read more In the Footsteps of the Savior
