Living Out Justiceਨਮੂਨਾ

God’s plan for redemption

‘...and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.’ (Matthew 1:16, NIV)

Reflect:

Genealogies in Scripture may seem repetitive, but they reveal profound truths. Matthew 1 bears witness to God’s divine plan of redemption through Jesus, from generation to generation.

Unusually, five women are listed: Mary the mother of Jesus, Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba (who is commonly referred to as the wife of Uriah). Just like the men listed, they were flawed. They endured hardship and mistreatment. Yet God chose them not for their accomplishments but for what he would accomplish through them.

In Luke 1:46-56 we read that, learning of the coming Messiah, Mary praised a merciful God who ‘has lifted up the humble’ and ‘filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty’.

This subversive grace reveals itself in the complexities of Tamar's betrayal, Rahab's history, Ruth's status as an outsider, the sorrowful circumstances of Bathsheba, and Mary's obedience. These women symbolise the profound story of God’s big plan for redemption through Jesus, showing that atonement reaches beyond the limits of Israel to include the whole world. Now, their names are recorded in the account for the Name above all names.

Daily Action:

The stories of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary highlight that our past does not determine our future and that only God can save us.

Regardless of a person's background, every individual holds a unique significance and should be treated with kindness and fairness. We can work at building healthy communities that embrace all people wholeheartedly.

One way to build a stronger, more inclusive community is to host a gathering or discussion group where people of different backgrounds can share their stories and experiences. In your interactions, prioritise understanding and kindness, creating an environment where everyone feels valued.

Identify individuals in your community who are prone to being overlooked. Show support through acts of kindness – whether with a gift of baked goods, an offer of help, an invitation to socialise or a longer-than-usual conversation. Be intentional about reminding others of their significance and value.

Prayer:

Lord, you have woven redemption into the lives of the broken and the overlooked. Teach us to trust in your plan, knowing that our past does not define our future. May we extend grace to others, just as you have done for us through Jesus.

Inhale: Lord, thank you for your redeeming love.

Exhale: Help me to generously share it with others.