Detecting Christmas December 1 Devotional

MATTHEW 1:4-5 | ⁴ and Aram the father of Aminadab, and Aminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, ⁵ and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse

What a list of women get included in Jesus’ genealogy! Tamar is a woman unfairly excluded from the family system who uses her attractiveness to seduce her way back into it. Rahab is a courageous prostitute who helps Jewish spies. Ruth is a non-Jew who demonstrates loyalty to her mother–in-law after she loses her husband, relocating to Jewish territory. The wife of Uriah is Bathsheba, whom David obtains by seduction and treachery. Matthew’s genealogy is not a cleaned up propaganda piece. It shows God’s penchant for undeserved grace. He works with outsiders and those considered undeserving. His heroes are often unlikely. His salvation moves beyond our boundaries. Jesus too elevated unlikely women and men, including reformed prostitutes, tax collectors, and Gentiles.

When has God’s grace surprised you?

Gracious God,

Thank you for including me in your purposes, despite my many flaws. Help me never to take your grace for granted. Amen.