Devotion:
Read Matthew 1:16.
It is amazing to take note of all that Matthew includes in the beginning of his Gospel by giving us the genealogy of Jesus. The people he includes and even the way he words some of the listing carries a message. This one verse is another example of that. He lets us know that Joseph is not the father of Mary’s baby! How scandalous that must have sounded to the first hearers of this story. (Remember, most people of that day would have heard the Scriptures read, rather than reading it for themselves.) Later, we will find out that God is the Father of Jesus, but that God appointed Joseph to be his earthly father. So Matthew lets his readers know that from the beginning of his life, there was some hint of scandal for Jesus. And not only at his birth, but throughout his family tree.
It is a reminder of the need for telling the truth about ourselves and what happens in our life. We can be honest with God and with people, letting them know that we are not perfect. When we do that, we discover that people can better relate to us and open up to us. They know they’re not perfect either. This honesty and openness becomes a pathway for a good relationship to develop.
Personal Worship Option:
Who do you need to open up with as a way of developing a deeper relationship with them? Pray for wisdom in who that is and how best to share with them.
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