Matthew 1

The first chapter of Matthew is a great way to start the year considering it speaks of Christ's birth and we have just finished celebrating the same.

Though you might find reading about Jesus' lineage boring, what I love about it are the amazing people that were His direct line; my favorite being King David. David and I have a lot in common: We've known God our whole lives but still have made huge, huge mistakes that have led to God's consequences for those mistakes: we are not talking mistakes, here, like a bad grade on a homework assignment; we are talking blunders of such a high caliber that they changed peoples lives and redefined sin... then always followed by repentance and a deeper meaning of what it is to be one of His own. I have learned over my life that God disciplines those He loves much like you would discipline your own child because you want the best for him/her. God's discipline in my life has been as big as my sins but also many times less than I deserved because of His grace. Having children of my own has helped me understand the love of my heavenly Father and how it works. I used to always think that God was just mad at me but now I know that things get tough for me sometimes because God needs me in another place or another path rather than the one I am on. I have a much deeper appreciation for His refinement and I love Him for it.

You will notice when you read the lineage there are only four women's names: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Mary. I love that Rahab is mentioned; if that kind of woman could be used by God to bring Christ to us, then there is hope for me to be used by God for a purpose!

Something else I noticed about this chapter was Joseph's decision not to divorce Mary once he learned she was with child; he listened to the angel that came to him. What if he hadn't listened! What if he had been more like me and decided to do his own thing first.

I am wondering about v. 1:17...the number 14 appears 3 times...14 must mean something to God.

What I've learned: Jesus' name is from the Greek for the Hebrew Jeshua which means the Lord is salvation. The angel told Joseph that he shall call his son, Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. Read Isaiah 7:14 where His birth is prophesized and His name shall be Immanuel, meaning God with Us.