It is easy to pass quickly through the genealogy of Jesus found at the beginning of Matthew. The list takes time to provide the mainstream of human life that preceded Jesus. There are all sorts of people in that list – some are holy and some are not so holy. Some were public sinners others were outcasts and some you and I would not associate with. I think there is some resemblance there to many of our own family trees. My family tree has those who have been erased or have tried to be erased and definitely there are those who have been pretended not to have existed. In Matthew’s list, all these individuals were partners with God in the building of the kingdom of God – just like I was. It doesn’t matter if they would be the type that one would or would not invite for dinner or coffee.

Four women are mentioned in the genealogy – Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba. Three were not Israelites and one was not married to an Israelite. The irregular marriages of the women may well have prepared the reading audience for the extraordinary way in which Jesus came in our world.

I put together a list of leadership figures from the Old Testament recently and I think I will change them and put these names in my study instead. I think each name deserves to be read reverently. I believe there is a life story behind each of their names. I think of how my own life and faith depend so much on others – I pray that my own life matters to many as well.

Now all this happened in order to make come true what the Lord had said through the prophet,  “A virgin will become pregnant and have a son, and he will be called Immanuel” (which means, “God is with us”). – Matthew 1:22-23 GNT

My wife and I have prayed for our families to come to Christ for many years. I loved this idea of praying for loved ones who do not know Jesus using Matthew chapter one.

Matthew 1:22     “You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”  Thank You, Jesus, that You came to save us from our sins! May ______ come to know You and trust in You as Saviour.

Matthew 1:23     Thank You, Jesus, that Your name is (also) Immanuel, which means, “God with us.” Remind ______ today that You, God, are with him/her.

So when Joseph woke up, he married Mary, as the angel of the Lord had told him to. – Matthew 1:24 GNT

Matthew continues to push the importance of prayer when I think of being in Joseph’s shoes. There is a moral dilemma. An angel comes and offers some relief.

Not all the decisions I face in life are clearly between right and wrong. I understand and in many cases I find I can embrace the morally grey areas, or so-called “no-win” situations (where we will be misunderstood no matter what choice we make). I need to tap into the experience of others and pray for the wisdom of God’s Holy Spirit. Never had need for an angel but thankful if I do, God will send one my way.

“Recent writers on prayer tend to have one of two views on the subject. Most now emphasize prayer as a means to experience God’s love and to know oneness with Him. Other books, however, see the essence of prayer not as inward resting but as calling on God to bring in His kingdom.” – Timothy Keller