“and Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; and Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;” (Matthew 1:4-5 KJV).
Continuing on the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ, in these passages Apostle Matthew highlights two gentile (non-Jew) women of extraordinary and contrasting backgrounds. This continues to demonstrate the unmerited grace of God. Rahab is a former Canaanite prostitute from Jericho who trusted in God's people and helped the spies sent by Joshua to the city of Jericho (Joshua 2). Ancient genealogies rarely listed women at all—let alone women with marginalized or sinful backgrounds. Her inclusion signals that our Lord Jesus came to identify with and redeem broken, shamed and sinful people. Her presence in the messianic line demonstrates that God's plan of salvation was never meant exclusively for the Israelites, but extended to all nations on earth.
Ruth is a Moabite widow who left her homeland and gods to take refuge under the God of Israel to be her God (Ruth 1). Instead of returning to her pagan gods after her husband died, Ruth pledged unshakeable loyalty (Hesed-in Hebrew, or steadfast love) to her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi, and to the God of Israel. Boaz declares this prayer for Ruth: “May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”” (Ruth 2:12 NIV).
This emphasizes that No Life Past-Downers Disqualify You. God intentionally weaves imperfect and marginalized individuals into the family tree of our Lord Jesus to show that grace reaches over human failure, mistakes, and backgrounds. Now, by the grace of God, Rahab and Ruth are greatly favored, indeed!
Ruth was blessed by the elders and all the people at the gate (Ruth 4:11). She was favored by God with a son! (Ruth 4:13). And, in the “Hall of Faith”, Rahab is honored as our example: “By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” (Hebrews 11:31 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
1 comment:
Amen.
Book of Hebrew shows heroes of faith.
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