Day 7, January 7, 2021

Day 7, January 7, 2021
Scriptures: Genesis 14-15, Psalm 47 and Matthew 1
 
What a great connection between the scriptures today, between Abraham and Jesus. We are just coming out of the Christmas season, so the text of Matthew 1 is fresh in our minds and hearts. What we often overlook, or skim past is the opening Genealogy.
Genealogies have become increasingly popular, whole television programs show a celebrity discover part of their family tree and their story. 
 
I’m not sure why people tune in for a celebrity genealogy, but I know why Matthew includes his genealogy. At least, in part, it is tied to what God says to Abram in Genesis 15:2-6
2But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
4Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” 5He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
 
6Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
 
When we reflect on Matthew and Genesis together, we get a wonderful reminder of the faithfulness of God, to accomplish His purposes.
 
God will accomplish His purposes. Right out of the gate in Matthew’s Gospel, He is communicating that Jesus is King, an heir of Abraham, and God has accomplished His purposes through His son, Jesus Christ.
 
Will you believe this? You are a part of something that is more numerous, and more glorious than the multitude of stars in the sky. You are a child of God and belong to the family of God. We will come to see this story draw out in both Genesis and Matthew. For now, we are encouraged to know that God is with us, Emmanuel. 
 
God be with you.
 
Jordan