Genesis 10, Matthew 1

Friday, Dec 7, 2007 – Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 10, Matthew 1)

(Genesis 10)

This chapter speaks of the three sons of Noah, that of them was the whole earth overspread. No nation but that of the Jews can be sure from which of these seventy it has come. The lists of names of fathers and sons were preserved of the Jews alone, for the sake of the Messiah. This morning I am reminded how from the beginning, what an amazing, intentional God we have.

(Matthew 1)

“Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.” Matthew 1:17

Once again, we see the amazing deliberacy (is that a word?) of our God. I find myself amazed by how what started in Genesis, truly leads to the birth of Christ. I am amazed how the entire message of the Old Testament points towards the need and coming of our Savior. It’s interesting, while we feel Christ is just for us, really He’s part of the Fathers plan to bring us back to Him.

I think sometimes we read God’s word and lose perspective. It’s so easy to make it about us instead of what God is doing in the world, his plan, and how we might fit into it. Since we’re in Matthew, let’s think about Christmas, for example. It’s the celebration of the birth of Jesus, but the reality is, we have truly made it about us, and our families. I don’t believe it’s wrong to give gifts to one another and have an amazing family time, but let’s remember others during this season that are without. Let’s remember Christ’s purpose as much as His existence. To serve others.

Father, this entire lineage points to Jesus, from there we can all become heirs to the throne through the cross. Thank you for your grace. Teach us God to be concerned about others and to love others as much as ourselves.