Matthew 1:21 “And she (Mary) will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” NKJV
“Tis the season” to breathe in fragrances of holly and pine, for the malls (despite social distancing) to fill to capacity, and for our thoughts to turn to Santa’s Naughty and Nice list. But, are you aware it was Matthew, the apostle and writer, who wrote the first Naughty and Nice list? Check out Matthew 1.
Before Matthew recorded the birth of baby Jesus, he gave us a glimpse of our Savior’s ancestors. His list included lots of naughty names. Jacob lied and schemed his way into an inheritance that was not his. For revenge, Judah was tricked into his daughter-in-law’s bed. Rahab was the town prostitute. David was an adulterer and murderer. Solomon allowed idolatry in his household. Ahaz defiled the temple of God. What an undeniable list of brokenness and unlikely DNA!
If we consider the genealogy of Jesus, we can discover a piece of ourselves there, for we too are far from perfect. Our hearts will also in moments of weakness stray. Our lives will at some point turn from our maker. Our actions will grieve the Lord.
But take heart! What Matthew records is not simply a list of naughtiness, for if we follow these infamous stories, we discover something amazing. Jacob prevailed through his struggle with God and man and became “Israel.” Judah became the first in scripture to make a public confession of his sin. Rahab’s faith in the true God meant she was spared death and adopted by God’s people. David returned to the Lord and became “a man after God’s own heart.” Solomon built the temple. And although King Ahaz had few redeeming factors, he did leave behind a godly offspring who led Israel in their return to Jehovah. Sisters, this is a list of redemption!
Our Heavenly Father does His perfect work through imperfect people. It was God Himself who hand-picked this list of ancestors, flaws and all, to bring Perfect Hope into the World. So, this Christmas season as we consider Santa’s Naughty and Nice list, may we focus on a baby who came into this flawed world to redeem us and save us. May we radiate the love of the Father as we submit to Him, allowing His mercy and grace to write our chapters and inscribe our names on His Everlasting List.
Father God, we are grateful for the undeserved love You extend that redeems us and places our names on Your List.
Blessings of His Redeeming Love,
Rita Cochrane