Today’s scripture: Matthew 1:1-17 (NRSV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Tammy Mills):
Every family has its “crazy” family members. I remember as a kid dreading the family Christmas gathering because JoAnn was there. Cousin JoAnn would grab the younger cousins, put us in a vice grip and give us a big hug and kiss on the check! I remember hiding under tables to avoid her! Then there is my Uncle Harvey. I liked him, but by any standard he was really “out there”.
I come from a long line of really “out there” folks. (I know many of you won’t be surprised by that!) Jesus also came from a long line of pretty “out there” folks. I love the genealogy of Jesus we read today! It includes folks that I am sure polite society would have rather left out.
For instance, Ruth is mentioned. Yes, the same Ruth that vowed to “stand by her woman” is related to Jesus! How cool is that! Rahab is also noted as a relative of Jesus. Rahab had a very checkered past — she’s often identified in scripture as “Rahab the prostitute“. I just noted the women mentioned because rarely are women mentioned in scripture genealogies, so I figured that makes their appearance here all the more significant.
I challenge you to get out the old concordance and check out some of Jesus’ relatives. You will find a rather eclectic bunch!
Jesus comes from a long line of “real” people, people with pasts and people who weren’t perfect. I’m guessing we all come from the same kind of stock.
So this holiday or in the future, when Crazy JoAnn heads your way, remember that Jesus also had some interesting relatives! I believe it is those “interesting” relatives that add the color to our lives and to our history. This year I think I may try to embrace rather than reject those relatives that I find less than appealing! They may have some powerful lessens to teach me — or not — but I think I will find out!
Thought for the day: How does my extended family challenge me? Where do I need to show more love and grace in my family? Where do I need to set up a boundary in my family?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to start, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.