Reflections on Matthew 1-13

I have picked two passages or pericopes to comment on:

1. The genealogy in Matthew 1

Most of us are tempted to gloss over this genealogy of Joseph, Mary's husband. But do read it again and note that there are many biblical characters in Jesus' lineage that are rather 'colourful' or 'unlikely' candidates for the messianic line.

King David in Matt 1:1 was an adulterer and murderer. Tamar in Matt 1:3 played the harlot and conceived Zara and Pharez (Jesus' ancestor) with her father-in-law, Judah. Matt 1:5 mentions Rahab, a prostitute and Ruth a Moabite (Moabites were viewed as 'unclean' people - Deut 23:3). And Matt 1:6 has Solomon born of Bathsheba, wife of Urias, an adulteress.

All this to demonstrate that "not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and the weak things of the world to confound the mighty, and the base and despised things of the world has God chosen, and things which are not to bring to nought things that are so that no flesh should glory in His presence." (1 Cor 1: 26-29).

This is not to mean that we can live the life of an adulterer, harlot or murderer because we have as much hope to still be used by God for His purpose. As Apostle Paul said in Roms 6:1.2, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"

Yes, God's grace cannot be under-rated. However, neither can it or should it be taken for granted or treated irreverently. The single passage that invariably reminds me of this is Hebrews 10: 26-31:

"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose you shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has despised the Spirit of grace? .... It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Yes, God is gracious. He can still use the repentant sinner who will do His will for His glory even as He did with King David, murderer and adulterer, yet "a man after God's heart". But let us aim to intentionally and purposefully, live a 'blameless and harmless life in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom we are to shine as lights in the world' (Philippians 2:15) - for His glory. Let us not despise His grace nor ever want to tread under our feet, the precious blood of our Saviour and Lord.

Which brings me to the second passage that I have picked from Matthew:

2. Matthew 5:16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The Sermon on the Mount or the Beattitudes is a Lecture by Jesus on How we should think and live (after all, how we live or act is driven by how we think or our paradigms). Jesus said earlier in this pericope, that we are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world ... so that our lives may bring glory to our Heavenly Father.

In everything we choose to think, say or do .... we can use this purpose-driven criterion to determine our choices that is, "Will it bring glory (now or in time) to our Heavenly Father?" Or will it bring disgrace, shame and dishonour to Him, His Kingdom, His church and His Name?

I will end this blog entry by reminding ourselves of what we are to live for as a bible believing, God fearing disciple of Christ:

"Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yes, I have made him." (Isaiah 43:7)

Love
A Peggy