Extending Grace

The Passage

Matthew 1:18-25 NKJV

 "18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS."

A Little Background

The marriage customs of Biblical times included a period of time known as the betrothal.  This is somewhat similar to what we call an engagement period in that it is the time before a marriage when a man and woman commit to marry one another.  But in Biblical times, the betrothal was much more serious.  The parents would come together with the couple and a formal agreement would be made.  It was as serious as marriage itself except that the couple would not yet have sexual union at that time.  It was often seen as a marriage and the couple as husband and wife.  If the woman was unfaithful during the betrothal period, the man could divorce her.

Some Explanation

Mary was betrothed to Joseph.  She was still a virgin.  It’s important to note here that liberal theology denies the virgin birth of Jesus Christ.  The context of the passage is clear.  Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant and was ready to divorce her.  Mary herself declared to the angel that she was a virgin and questioned what would happen since she had no sexual union with a man.

The virgin birth is a foundational doctrine for the believer.  First of all, it was prophesied as a sign of the Messiah in Isaiah 7:14.  Jesus was Immanuel, God with us, God in flesh, God the Son.  Only a perfect sinless sacrifice could atone for sin or appease God’s wrath.  God the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary and she conceived Jesus.  He would be fully God and fully man and the only one who could pay for the sin of mankind.  If Jesus were not born of a virgin, He would have been fully man, and thus born in Adam’s sin; therefore, He could not make the perfect sacrifice required to atone for sin.  (More on this topic here.)

Having considered his options, Joseph decided to divorce Mary privately.  Then in a dream an angel appeared to him and told him that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and that he should continue the marriage.  We often focus our attention on Mary when we consider the birth of Jesus—and rightly so.  But we sometimes miss the courage and faithfulness of Joseph.  He believed and then acted on that belief.  He immediately married Mary, and respected her and her unborn child by withholding sexual relations with her. 

Observations and Insights

Verse 19 describes Joseph as being a “just” or righteous man.  Luke 1:6 also described Elizabeth and Zacharias as being righteous.  Again, like them, Joseph was not sinless (Romans 3:10, 23).  However, the righteousness described here was of the law.  Joseph was careful to obey the law, making the required sacrifices.  Adultery is a sin.  Joseph was righteous to “put Mary away” or divorce her for her perceived adultery.  But Joseph was also gracious and compassionate.  He did not want to make a public spectacle of her, but would divorce her privately. 

As a believer living in a fallen world, I am faced with my own temptations to sin.  Yet, I am often quick to judge others who do so, rather than extending grace toward them.  God is holy and righteous, yet He is also just and full of mercy.  He is longsuffering unto salvation (2 Peter 3:9-15).  Christians are correct to stand for righteousness.  We must never take sin lightly, but we must also be compassionate toward others.  It is by the grace of God that He delivered me from the kingdom of darkness and placed me into the kingdom of His Son.    

Later, as we read the interactions between Jesus and the Pharisees, it is exactly this kind of attitude that Jesus took.  He never dismissed sin, but confronted it and forgave it.  That is why He could be a friend to tax collectors and sinners.  That is why He could extend His grace to you and me.

" And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." 2 Timothy 2: 24-26 NKJV

Next:      Luke 2:1-20

Dayspring

The Passage

Luke 1:67-80 NKJV

"67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

68 "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, 70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, 71 That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.

76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; 79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace."

80 So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel."

A Little Background

When God pronounced judgment on Adam and Eve in the Garden for their rebellion, He also made a solemn promise or covenant that a “seed” or child would be born who would crush the head of Satan.  Throughout the Old Testament God reaffirmed that promise.  He called Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldees (modern-day Iraq) to a land that would be set apart for Him.  And He began a nation through Abraham.  God revealed Himself throughout Israel’s history in preparation for the time when He would ultimately take on human flesh and come Himself to purchase mankind back to Himself.  

Some Explanation

First Elizabeth and John in his mother’s womb, and now Zacharias, are all filled with the Holy Spirit to make pronouncements that these events are God’s works.  Zacharias had been mute for nine months.  Now that he could speak he had quite a lot to say.  Zacharias reminded the people that what God had promised, He was about to fulfill, so that we “...might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.”

This passage is Zacharias’ declaration or prophecy that his son John’s life was set apart for God’s use from his conception.  John would not make life choices for his own goals and desires.  His life would point to the Lord Jesus who would “... give knowledge of salvation to His [God’s] people by the remission of their sins.”  Jesus indeed would heal the sick and feed the poor.  He taught the people, modeled true righteousness, and rebuked hypocrisy.  But above all, Jesus would bring salvation and remission [forgiveness, pardon] for sin.

Observations and Insights

Zacharias’ prophecy declared that through God’s tender mercy the “Dayspring from on high” had come.  The Greek word, anatolē, here is only translated as “dayspring” in this one passage.  In other places it is translated as the east.  The description tells us that the coming of Jesus is like the sun rising up from the east bringing light into darkness.  We live in darkness without the Lord Jesus deserving only the judgment of God.  But because of His tender mercy, God sent the Dayspring into our darkness. 

Another form of the word anatolē, is found in Mark 16:2, when the women brought spices to anoint the body of Jesus. Jesus had been crucified and buried bearing the punishment of our sins on the cross.  BUT early in the morning at the rising of the sun [anatellō], they discovered His body wasn’t there.  He had risen!

Dr. Henry Morris from Institute for Creation Research writes:

“There is another great sunrise coming, as promised in the last chapter of the Old Testament. "But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings" (Malachi 4:2). He who is Himself "the light of the world" (John 8:12) will someday even replace the sun in the new Jerusalem. There will never be another sunrise after that, for "there shall be no night there . . . neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light" (Revelation 22:5).” (Source)

As I have read through the Gospel Harmony, my heart has been  focused on the Lord Jesus in ways I have not experienced before.  I am growing more in my love for Him each day.  I pray that you, too, are enjoying this study.  May the Dayspring, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself be the focus of your life and fill you with light and life as you grow in your walk with Him.  
Next:      Matthew 1:18-25

Something to Talk About

The Passage

Luke 1:57-66 NKJV

 "57 Now Elizabeth's full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. 58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. 60 His mother answered and said, "No; he shall be called John."

61 But they said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name." 62 So they made signs to his father--what he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, "His name is John." So they all marveled. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. 65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, "What kind of child will this be?" And the hand of the Lord was with him."

Some Explanation

When Gabriel, the mighty angel who stands before God, announced to the elderly Zacharias that he was to have a son, Gabriel told him that he would have joy and gladness and that many would rejoice at his birth. (vs. 14, 58) He also told Zacharias to name the baby John.  Even though Zacharias could not talk, he at least was able to find a way to communicate to Elizabeth to name the baby John.  Of course, it was naturally expected that Zacharias would name this long awaited baby after himself, after all, Zacharias means “God remembers”.  Surely God had remembered Zacharias and Elizabeth. But Zacharias had learned his lesson from the angel. Still mute after eight days, when the baby’s name was declared “John” at the circumcision, meaning “The Lord is gracious,” Zacharias was immediately able to speak and to praise God.

Observations and Insights

Verse 65 tells us that “...fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea.”  This kind of "fear" is not of dread, but of a reverential state of awe of God and what He had done.  It caused those who heard about what had happened to remember John’s birth.  They knew that he would have a unique and special life.  They saw that the Lord was with him.  John’s life was watched.  Zacharias and Elizabeth had a great responsibility in raising John separated unto the Lord.  The description of John’s life in verse 15 suggests that he may have been raised as a Nazarite.  A Nazarite was one who would take a vow of separation by refraining from wine or strong drink; he would not cut his hair, and would not touch a corpse.  (Numbers 6:1-21).  He was to be set apart unto the Lord or “holy” for a set amount of time.  Some were Nazarites for their entire lifetime.  John was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb (Luke 1:15) and set apart for the purpose of preparing the people for the coming of Jesus.
  He was empowered by the Holy Spirit for this calling.

If we are believers in the Lord Jesus, we are called to follow Him as a disciple.  The Lord calls all His sheep to be holy, set apart, to Him (1 Peter 1:15, 16) and to pursue holiness (Hebrews 12:14).  Our lives will be watched.  We'll probably be talked about.  In fact, 1 Peter 2:9 tells us,  "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people [peculiar people (KJV)], that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."  Like John, believers are also filled with the Holy Spirit.  It is through the Holy Spirit that we are enabled to pursue a life that is set apart to Him. 
Next:     Luke 1:67-80

Two Lowly Women

The Passage

Luke 1:39-56

"39 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.

41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 "But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 "For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

46 And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever."

56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house."

A Little Background

When Gabriel announced to Mary that she would become pregnant with Jesus, he also told her that her very elderly cousin, Elizabeth, was also pregnant.  Mary immediately, with haste and eagerness, traveled to be with her.  Elizabeth was six months pregnant by this time.

The land of Israel was divided into several regions—Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Perea, Idumea, and Decapolis.  Mary lived in Nazareth in Galilee.  We don’t know the town where Elizabeth and Zacharias lived, but it was near to Jerusalem (where Zacharias was a priest).  Mary was probably about 80 to 90 miles away and likely traveled three to four days.

Some Explanation

In a day without phones, email, and radio or TV, it is likely that Gabriel’s announcement about Elizabeth was news to Mary.  It’s also unlikely that Elizabeth knew of Mary’s news.  When Elizabeth saw Mary, the baby inside her leaped and she became the first person recorded in Scripture to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  In a very loud voice she declared Mary “Blessed” because she “...has believed that what was spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled.” Mary was blessed, in contrast to Zacharias, who was made mute and possibly deaf* because of his unbelief. 

Mary responded to Elizabeth’s greeting in praise, often called The Magnificat, meaning, “My soul magnifies”.  Mary’s praise song to God exalts God for things that He has done for her and Israel. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months, perhaps until she delivered John, though the Bible doesn’t say this specifically.

Observations and Insights

If these events happened in a modern setting, Elizabeth and Mary might have stood in church and testified about their experiences and proclaimed that the Messiah and His forerunner were to be born to them.  They would probably have been interviewed by magazines, and Christian radio and TV personalities.  Their stories would be posted on websites and YouTube.  They might even have written books.  However, Luke 1:24 records that Elizabeth hid herself away for the first five months of her pregnancy, and “Mary arose with haste...” to be with her (vs. 39).  She probably didn’t announce her pregnancy to the community before she left either. 

Why did Elizabeth hide herself and Mary leave town?  Was it for shame or embarrassment?  In those days, it was a shame for a woman to be barren.  Now Elizabeth was pregnant as an old woman—an oddity for wagging tongues.  And, of course, Mary was unmarried.  But I don’t think that shame was their motivation at all.  Instead, I believe that they were moved by a great reverence and awe about what was about to happen to them.  They were each to carry a promised child whose life was set apart unto God.  No one else would have been able to understand the profound depth of their calling as mothers.  Drawing apart to support each other rather than exposing themselves to the wider community would prepare them for what was to come.  When I read Mary’s response, I see her humility in some of her statements regarding God’s favor toward her. 

·   He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant  

·   His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation  

·   He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts  

·   He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly  

·   He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty  

For either Elizabeth or Mary to proclaim their news abroad would have risked becoming proud in the imagination of their hearts saying, “My son is going to prepare the way of the Lord!” or “Look at me!  I’m going to be the mother of the promised Messiah!”

Many of the Psalms are proclamations of the Lord’s goodness. Of course, we should always be quick to give testimony of what He has done for us.  But so often my praise turns to focus on myself. I want others to see how I am growing, or serving, or moving. I want to be great in their eyes.  I am amazed how quickly and easily my heart turns to itself.

God Himself literally took residence in Mary's body, not because she was worthy of His presence, but precisely because she was not.  Mary shows all of us what is required of us—a heart that recognizes its need for a Savior and is quick to submit to God’s Word.  Today, God also indwells us by faith as we trust in, or believe that Jesus died on the cross in our place taking the punishment that we deserved.  It is the power of His grace in us that teaches us to lay self aside and allow Him to work His good pleasure in us.
Next:     Luke 1:57-66

*Luke 1:62 describes that the people made motions or signs to Zacharias.

Ordinary People

The Passage

Luke 3:23-38

"23 Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Janna, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathiah, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathiah, the son of Semei, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, 27 the son of Joannas, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er, 29 the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, 33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan, 38 the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God."

Some Explanation

Another genealogy!  Really!!??   Just how much can you get out of a bunch of strange sounding names?  As a matter of fact, I do have something to share about this list, but first some explanation and a little background.  When we read this second genealogy next to the one from Matthew, it is obvious that they are different.  Why?  One explanation is that the family line recorded in Matthew is from Joseph’s line as Jesus’ earthly father.  This one from Luke is thought to be of Mary’s line.  Notice the words in parenthesis from verse 23, that Jesus was the “supposed” son of Joseph.  It was not unusual for a son-in-law to be called a “son” of his father-in-law. 

Many commentators see that Luke’s gospel presents Jesus’ humanity picturing Him as a servant.  The difference between the two genealogies is one reason for this.  Matthew 1:1-17 begins with Abraham.  Luke 3:23-38 traces Jesus’ lineage all the way to “...Adam, the son of God”.  The two genealogies intersect at David.

A Little Background

To understand my insight into this genealogy, it’s important to remember the Old Testament story of Corsam.  ...What?  You don’t remember Corsam?  He was the father of Addi.  Don’t remember him, either?  Hmm...  But surely you remember what Addi’s father, Elmodam is known for, don’t you? And the answer to that question is exactly the point of my observation and insight.

Observations and Insights

Most of the names in this genealogy are men we know nothing about except that they are simply in Jesus’ lineage.  I imagine when they lived on the earth, they did not know that the Promised Anointed One would be born of their line.  They were everyday people just like me and you, functioning in the ordinary tasks of life.  Today the church is often challenged to be radical, world changers, to transform cultures, and usher in God’s kingdom as if everything depends on us.  Whatever happened to living quiet peaceable lives committed to the Lord?  Every husband/father and many wives/mothers who faithfully labor in today’s workforce is walking out the ordinary service of living.  That is no small task.  For many it requires summoning great courage to maintain, provide for and protect their homes and families.  What if we just lived faithfully before our children and neighbors, like perhaps Naggai and Maath did, so that our generations may all follow the Lord?  What if those who look to our example are challenged to love their families?  Would that not be a radical thing?

Something that I’ve observed over the course of my lengthening life is that when we begin to speak in terms of being radical, transforming the world, and changing cultures, we become the central figure.  But it is the Lord Jesus Christ who came into this world to do just that, one heart at a time.  He said that His kingdom is not of this world.  It is a kingdom of the heart.  When I submit to His Word and to His Lordship, He is able to do His work through me.  Wherever He leads any of us, whether to tend sheep on the backside of the mountain or to reign as a “king”, it will be by His grace working through us as we live our ordinary lives before Him.

Next:       Luke 1:39-56

More articles on this topic:

http://www.challies.com/christian-living/ordinary-christian-living-for-the-rest-of-us

http://www.whitehorseinn.org/blog/category/blog-series/

http://www.reformation21.org/blog/2013/08/cigar-smoke-and-mirrors-and-tr.php

The Begats

The Passage

Matthew 1:1-17 KJV

1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; 3 And Judas begat [Perez] and Zara of [Tamar]; and [Perez]begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; 4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; 5 And Salmon begat [Boaz] of [Rahab]; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; 6a And Jesse begat David the king;

6b and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of [Uriah]; 7 And Solomon begat [Rehoboam]; and [Rehoboam] begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; 8 And Asa begat [Jehoshaphat]; and [Jehoshaphat] begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; 9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat [Hezekiah]; 10 And [Hezekiah] begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat [And Josiah]; 11 [And Josiah] begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat [Zerubbabel]; 13 And [Zerubbabel] begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; 14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; 15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; 16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. (KJV)

Some Explanation

In the old King James Bible this passage is commonly called “The Begats”.  The word begat here simply means “fathered”.  Typically when we come to a passage like this in Scripture we are tempted to pass it over as just a bunch of names.  There doesn’t seem to be any doctrine explained, or a character or moral teaching, or a sin or correction to apply.  On the surface it seems it’s just a good passage for Bible scholars to understand genealogical facts. 

Observations and Insights

One thing that I have learned over the years is that every word of God is pure (Proverbs 30:5), There is always something that I can “hide in my heart”.  We should always seek an application of God’s word to our lives, but often when I read, a clear application doesn’t always seem apparent.  That is when I can know that, as a believer, having the Holy Spirit dwelling in me, I can trust that according to His timing He will bring a passage to light just when I need it most.

As I read “The Begats”, several things come to my attention.  First of all, I notice that this list describes Jesus’ lineage from Joseph, His earthly father who raised Him, the husband of Mary.  It’s broken into three sections of 14 generations each.  The second set shows Jesus’ kingly heritage.  We can go back to the Old testaments books of Samuel, the Kings and the Chronicles to read who these kings were and which ones followed the Lord.  Many Biblical scholars claim that this is one passage that shows that the book of Matthew presents Jesus as King.

Secondly, I remember what the angel Gabriel told Zacharias about John as he quoted a prophecy from Malachi 4:6   “He [John] will also go before Him [Jesus] in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children...’”   In our day, we often rue the rebellion of the youth.  We realize that our culture so easily charms our children away from following the Lord, and that they need to turn back to the Lord.  But I notice that this passage emphasizes the hearts of the fathers turning to the children.  This passage encourages me to think generationally.  I cannot deny my tendency to make choices based on my own fleshly desires.  But I know that in my parenting, there were times that I specifically looked at certain choices and realized what those choices would mean to my children and subsequently the effect it would have on my future generations thus choosing against my own selfish desires.   God values generations.  So often in the Old Testament, He instructed the Israelites to consider their children’s children.  So my second “take away” from The Begats is to consider how our everyday choices will affect the generations that follow us.  This is not just for parents or grandparents.  We all have little eyes that watch us including nieces, nephews and neighbors.  We also have co-workers, with children, who look to our example.  Let us all be generational in our choices. 

To be sure, I did fail to make the right generational choice at times.  And that brings me to my third observation from the Begats.  God is always able to bring about the worst of circumstances to the good for His glory (Romans 8:28).  Of course that doesn’t mean that we should do as we please—God will fix it in the end.  God forbid!  But it does mean that all of us are vulnerable to failure.  I see in this list various people who made horrendous choices.  Tamar seduced her father-in-law, Judah to have sex with her from whom Perez was born.  Rahab had been a harlot.  And Matthew doesn’t even mention Bathsheba by name, but refers to her as the one who had been Uriah’s wife!  This brings to mind David’s adultery and murder of Uriah.  The baby from that union died, but God still reminds us of this event.  Of the kings listed, only five were good kings.  The others “did evil in the sight of the Lord.”  God can and does bring good from horrible circumstances.  As long as we live in these fleshly bodies, we will make fleshly choices.  But we can also know that as we trust in Jesus’ death on behalf of our sins, we can also trust in His righteousness.  And we can know that through Him we have the power over sin.

Finally, this list records the women who were part of Jesus’ genealogy—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary.  As mentioned in the last post, God is not against women; He includes them in this genealogy.
Next       Luke 3:23-38

Be It Unto Me

The Passage

 Luke 1:26-38  

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"

29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 "And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."

34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"

35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 "Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 "For with God nothing will be impossible."

38 Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her."

A Little Background

Galatians 4:4 tells us that when the time was full or right, God sent forth His son, born of a woman, born under the law.  For centuries, the Israelites had looked for the promised deliverer.  Every young woman hoped that she would be the one who would conceive and bear a son according to Isaiah 7:14. 

Some Explanation

“Now in the sixth month...”  The sixth month refers to the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy.  Again the angel Gabriel appears, this time to a young virgin named Mary.  Like the announcement to Zacharias, Gabriel tells Mary that she will bear a son.  He tells her to name Him JESUS.  He also tells Mary:

1.    He will be great.

2.    He will be called the Son of the Highest.

3.    The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

4.    He will reign over the house of Jacob (another name for Israel) forever.

5.    There will be no end to His kingdom.

6.    He will be called the Son of God.

Observations and Insights

Mary must have recognized that Gabriel was announcing the coming of the long awaited anointed One, the Messiah, or Christ, for this child would reign on the throne of David.  Like Zacharias, Mary also questions the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know (have not had sexual relations) with a man?”  Why was Gabriel’s response to Mary different than his response to Zacharias?  The Bible doesn’t tell us, but I have a theory.  I believe it is a special kindness of God to this young woman on whom He gave favor. 

In Zacharias’ case, there is obvious unbelief.  Zacharias was an old man who should well have known the history of Abraham and Sarah as well as Elkanah and Hannah.  God had enabled Sarah to conceive at 90 years of age.  He certainly could do the same for Elizabeth within the normal context of marriage.  But Mary was a virgin.  For her to conceive required her to submit to some kind of sexual activity.  Mary was not expressing doubt.  As a virgin who had kept herself pure, she was genuinely concerned about what was going to occur.  We are not told specifically how, but in some miraculous way, the Holy Spirit “overshadowed” her and she conceived the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Today, the enemies of God hurl accusations at the God of the Bible.  Its detractors call the Bible sexist against women.  Not so.  The Bible records the culture of the times.  Women were looked upon as objects or possessions in all cultures.  But in the Old Testament, we see God treating women with honor.  In Genesis, when it was the woman who first ate of the fruit, it is Adam whom God holds accountable.  Even in the midst of pronouncing the consequences of her sin, God also embedded a blessing upon the woman.  The promised One, Messiah Jesus, would come through a woman (Genesis 3:15).  God not only favored a woman, Mary, through whom to incarnate in human flesh, but He also treated her with loving respect and gentleness. 

Mary was quick to respond in faith as she offered herself as a maidservant (literally a slave, doulé) to the Lord.  Mary is an example of faithfulness to our faithful God.  He favored her to bring the Holy One, God in flesh, Jesus Christ into the world.  Despite the unknown, and despite the coming derision she would bear conceiving a child out of wedlock, Mary responded in quick obedience, “Let it be to me according to your word."  May I be as quick to respond to God’s Word no matter the cost.  But to do so, I must read it.  As we read together, I pray that we will encourage one another to obedience and faithfulness.
Next:      Matthew 1:1-17