Devotion for Tuesday, January 16, 2024

“Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez fathered Hezron, and Hezron fathered Ram.  Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, and Nahshon fathered Salmon.  Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, and Obed fathered Jesse.  Jesse fathered David the king” (Matthew 1:3-6a).

What an interesting lineage from Judah to David.  One prostitute, a daughter-in-law who slept with her father-in-law, and then there is Ruth.  The women are pointed out with purpose.  Everything in Scripture is with purpose.  Our God is a God of purpose who turns what the world says is bad – and it really is – and turns it to good for His purpose.  He will do the same with each one of us and make us to be like Christ.

We would like to pretend that ours is a normal family.  The truth is, it probably is not.  We all have in our family lineage dysfunction upon dysfunction.  The Lord chose no different for Himself.  It shows us, time and again, that humans are able to rise to the level of loving the Lord in spite of their background.  You too can do this.  It may seem impossible, but with God, all things are possible.

Lord Jesus, I need You.  You have called for me to be conformed to Your image.  You have shown me in Your word that others have done it.  Help me to overcome the obstacles of this world so that I may be conformed to Your image.  Guide me this day in grace so that I may walk humbly where You direct, doing what You give me to do throughout the day.  Lead me in Your goodness, Lord.  Amen.