The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah – Matthew 1:1-17
The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham:
Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers. Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez fathered Hezron, and Hezronfathered Ram. Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, and Nahshon fathered Salmon. Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, and Obed fathered Jesse. Jesse fathered David the king.
David fathered Solomon by Bathsheba, who had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon fathered Rehoboam, Rehoboam fathered Abijah, and Abijah fathered Asa. Asa fathered Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat fathered Joram, and Joram fathered Uzziah. Uzziah fathered Jotham, Jotham fathered Ahaz, and Ahaz fathered Hezekiah. Hezekiah fathered Manasseh, Manasseh fathered Amon, and Amon fathered Josiah. Josiahfathered Jeconiah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
After the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah fathered Shealtiel, and Shealtiel fathered Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel fathered Abihud, Abihud fathered Eliakim, and Eliakim fathered Azor. Azor fathered Zadok, Zadok fathered Achim, and Achim fathered Eliud. Eliud fathered Eleazar, Eleazar fathered Matthan, and Matthan fathered Jacob. Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteengenerations; from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteengenerations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.
Have we ever slowed down long enough to investigate the names represented in this lineage of grace? When I was in high school looking into the word of God asking what I should study next, He led me to the lineage. These names, these people, and their stories are not here by accident. They each represent another pillar of grace shown upon all of humanity. When you review the fact that there are men from all walks of life and every journey known to man and they are the foundational rocksof welcoming the Savior of the world. And five women. Five. Five is the number for grace in scripture that can be found all over the Word of God reflecting His grace on our lives, and He chose to give us five women in the lineage that represent each of us.
Tamar: the unwanted.
Rahab: the mistreated.
Ruth: the forgotten.
Bathsheba: the taken.
Mary: the misunderstood.
These women represent all of us. None of us are left out and the Lord cherished them and chose to call them blessed. They experience the Christ in many ways and one of the most powerful being through the birth of their own children. The welcome of holding their own children, was partially welcoming the Christ. And when does the advent season truly being? I challenge that it took place every moment of every day, but especially in these families at the birth of the next generation. The longing for the coming of Christ dictated their very existence and their family purpose – but did they know it? With the creation of every new generation, they were one step closer to the Christ. Could the same be said of us?
And then we have fourteen generations between Abraham and David, David to Babylon deportation, Babylon deportation to Jesus. Is that a coincidence? I say not. The number fourteen represents a double measure of spiritual perfection. But that is an entire study all its own, which I encourage you into more. The linage of Jesus is more than words on a page. It contains the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit in its every motion. The enemy tried in many ways to destroy these people too… but he failed. Just as he will fail in our lives and in our journeys. Our High King has the victory, and we are privileged to walk in that truth and with that banner over us. May we celebrate the birth of each new generation of believers in our midst as that is one more day closer to His second coming. And may we rest in His goodness as we reflect on all He has done inus and for us, even then things that we are unaware of.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
No book on this earth can replace the power of the Word of God. No words on this earth hold a candle to the power find through opening the Holy Word and soaking it in. There is not a book greater than His Book, the love letter written with me in mind. We are what we put in. If I enjoy my cheeseburgers and cheesecake every day of my life, my body will be a reflection of that. The same holds true for the soul. If I neglect the very words that bring life to my soul and mind, I will flounder in the wind.
I’ve been asked many times “what are you reading?” or “is this a good book?” or “what can I do to change my circumstance or be more joyful?” A few weeks ago, I began to really look at my bookshelves and realize the books I have read over the course of my short 37 years have brought great impact to my outlook on life, my perspective on my circumstances on life and what I have chosen to impact my head space. So, this blog is a little unique, as I am sharing the books that have meant something to me – but come highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I do not necessarily agree with all of the authors stance on many things, so please do not use this message as an attempt on anything ugly. I am stating that these specific books pushed me, challenged me, and encouraged me. These books below are never meant to replace the time spent with the Word of God – only to enhance the time spent. Here we go….
The Autobiography of George Muller; Corrie Ten Boom; Prayers that Avail Much by Copeland; The Power of a Praying Wife by Omartian; Praying through the Names of God by Tony Evans; Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge and One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp.
These books are some of the books I have owned and read for more than twenty years and some I just added within the last five. These books keep me grounded in my faith as they are foundational reminders to the scriptures that are so dear to my soul and give the life that continues to keep me moving in my darkest moments. They are tools in guiding me to the quiet stillness moments with my Lord. They are the constant visuals of continued mission. Our days are difficult – my life is full of uphill climbs, and I am sure so is yours… but these are core foundational reminders to keep the faith and stay connected to the only Life Giving Vine we know.
Two of these are daily prayer books that can be utilized to assist in daily prayer time [#3&4]. Two of these are stories of people you cannot find in existence anymore – they walked so closely with God the earth shook when they awoke [#1&2]. The other three are made up of helpful reminders of the importance of time alone with God [#6], time of gratitude during every day darkness [#7] and a reminder that every jot and tittle are not wasted in God’s word [#5].
Praying Circles Around Your Children by Mark Batterson; My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers; Upside Down Prayers for Parents by Bergren; Raising Kingdom Kids by Tony Evans; Kingdom Marriage by Tony Evans; Parenting by Tripp; New Morning Mercies by Tripp
These incredible books tell stories over my life. My Utmost for His Highest was first published in 1924 by Chambers’ widow [#2]. I can remember opening this devotional book for the first time in high school – I stole my mom’s book – and thinking about how timeless it was for our lives even today. These words ring loudly with wisdom and truths that are very uncommon to our culture, but dripping with the Spirit of God. Also, New Morning Mercies [#7], is a beautiful daily devotional read that was gifted to me by a very dear friend. They are full of powerful reminders a daily truths for today.
Praying Circles Around Your Children and Upside Down Prayers for Parents [#1&3] are also full of unique and counter-culture reminders and prayers applicable to the little humans you may be raising. Raising children is one of the most crucial positions and mission I hold and I cannot tell you how ill-equipped I often feel. These little reads are great reminders on how to stay focused on what truly matters and dismiss the rest. Numbers 4, 5 & 6 will give you great hope while dismantling all of the ugly found within your own selfish soul. I have a love and hate relationship with all three of these books because they enlighten me to many of my own character flaws which brings great pain, but it is the much needed, good pain. They have helped me grow more than so many other books I have touched.
The Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson; Grave Robber by Mark Batterson; You and Me Forever by Francis & Lisa Chan; Crazy Love by Francis Chan; You Were Made for More by Jim Cymbala; Spirit Rising by Jim Cymbala; Fresh Faith and Fresh Power by Jim Cymbala; Not Forsaken by Louis Giglio; For the Love by Jen Hatmaker; Seven by Jen Hatmaker; Here, Now by Kate Merrick; Adopted for Life by Moore; Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa Terkeurst; The Broken Way by Ann Voscamp.
WOW – each of these books I can tell you were I sat and what season of life I was in while I was reading them. The Fresh Faith and Fresh Power Cymbala books take me all the way back to high school reading. I know I was a nerd and not the normal high school student, just ask my youth pastor who was charged with dealing with me and my constant push for more! And the Batterson books which helped my not long after the death of my sister with navigating who my God says He is. And of course the Hatmaker books which lightened my up from religion and thrusted me into more of relationship and laughter with my God. And the timely book that I had read many years ago, The Broken Way by Ann Voscamp, which taught me foundational truths before I knew I would really need them.
Here, Now – a wake up call to all who cannot seem to stop letting life control them. And Adopted for Life – the awesomeness about how we are all adopted in Christ and how that parallels for those littles among us adopted into our family home. Crazy Love by Chan will challenge you – if you think you love God, read this. It will make you think twice about what love really is. You Were Made for More by Cymbala – I remember reading all of NYC when me and my husband Clif went on a couples only weekend trip to hear from God and photograph the city. It was a powerful weekend of renewal and goodness for us both and this was my book of choice. Never would I dream our family and home would look the way it does now. Every day I am blessed.
And of course, You and Me Forever a great marriage book and tool to be the guideposts on this journey. And Forgiving What You Cannot Forget – speaks for itself. A Powerful Read to stop the victim card being played in your life. And Not Forsaken by Giglio – exactly that… all are must go to’s. And reminder books for life.
Prayers that Avail Much for Women, Copeland; How Successful People Lead, Maxwell; Minute Motivators for Leaders; Slow Down by Nordeman; Simple Truths of Service; Go-Giver; Rainmaker; The 12 Week Year; The Sensational Salesman, Cummings; Live Love Lead by Houston; Spiritual Leadership by Blackaby; FISH; Inside the Magic Kingdom – Disney’s Success; Customer Satisfaction is Worthless Customer Loyalty is Priceless.
Each of these are business, sales, leadership, customer service, good human books. I could go into detail, but honestly, each of these have nuggets of goodness and best practices for all. If you are in business at all – read them all. If you are a leader at all, read them all.
CS Lewis; Francine Rivers; Karen Kingsbury – best fiction authors with purpose
These are some of the best fiction books and series I have ever read with a greater purpose. The Magicians Nephew by CS Lewis is the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia Series – A MUST READ. The Screwtape Letters is a book written by the demons who are trying to destroy a human’s life. It gives great perspective on our days of living today, even though written many years ago. Rejoice is in the first series of the 20+ book series of the Baxter Family books by Karen Kingsbury. I couldn’t find my first book, Redemption, I am sure I loaned it out – but these are a powerful fiction read of a family living life with problems growing their faith. I believe many of us can relate.
Angels Walking series is another set of books by Karen Kingsbury that speaks to how the angels walk among us – such a great fiction by bound in truth read! Francine Rivers is one of the most historical fiction authors I’ve ever read – she will create stories within a biblical era and do great things with not being against scripture, but building the stories out. Sons of Encouragement and Lineage of Grace are great examples of this. Also, my favorite series of ALL Time is the Mark of the Lion Series which begins with Voice in the Wind. Redeeming Love – read it the first time in 24 hours. I am thankful there is one who passionately pursues my soul in this way. Even after I leave and flee so very often. I highly recommend each of these great literary marvels!
Multiply by Francis Chan; Walking with God in Every Season- Ecclesiastes/SongofSolomon/Lamentations, Arthur/Delacy; Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther by Arthur/Delacy; 40 minute studies by Arthur/Delacy; Waymaker by Ann Voscamp; No Other Gods by Minter; Gideon by Priscilla Shirer; Radical by David Platt, The Broken Way by Ann Voscamp; Breathe by Priscilla Shirer; Covenant by Kay Arthur; not listed: PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT by Kay Arthur
Discipleship Books – each and every one of these have unlocked a powerful truth about my God. If you are looking for core foundational truths that challenge you and encourage you in your relationship with God, these are great studies that will grow you and take you deeper in fellowship with the Lord. Each of these will guide you in the Truth of the Word and the hope of tomorrow. The bible study of Gideon, for example, Priscilla Shirer unpacks the story of Gideon. The powerful truth of how our God looks at a scared man fearing for his life and calls him a “Valiant Warrior.” Even when our actions don’t line up, our God still speaks truth over us. A great place to start bible studies is on precept.org – they have studies for all walks of life and all ages.
I know this is a lot to share on this amazing Christmas Eve – but today is the day to start to read. Reading changes an atmosphere. What we are putting in is either bringing death or life. Choose to turn the TV and the Facebook off today and pick up a book that will bring life! Make the most of 2023 – make it different than the last.
As I bounce around in this small piece of metal in the air with Your wind and Your rain, I am reminded of just how small I really am. There are many days that I feel strong, big, in control…. But today, I am just a blip on the radar of Your force and strength. You are bigger. You are much stronger. My body can only bend to where Your creation tells it to go. The wings of the plane bounce. Jolt. Every burst of wind forces this “heavy piece of machinery” into it’s mercy. Your Mercy. The rain falls and the wing gets wet. The winds blow and the wing moves. The light on the end of the wing never stops blinking. It never stops shining and it never stops reminding the creation around it that the plane is coming.
That it is coming.
And just like that, the clouds break, the rain stops and the city comes into view. Is the airplane wing different through the storm….
Okay, there is conviction… and then there is CONVICTION. This book has challenged me to study God’s Word to see what it means to truly be a disciple of Jesus Christ. I have been a believer and follower of Jesus since I was 12 years old. In many ways, I have been blessed with Godly wisdom to avoid some of the major pitfalls of this life. However, in many ways the plumb line that I had used against myself was not the Living Word of God, and definitely not the Saviour of the Universe.
Now that I have seen, I am responsible.
I have always struggled with how the Living Word was supposed to scrub up against the life of the a 21st Century American Christian. This book has caused me to focus on 7 major areas of my life and hold them up against the Word of God. Those areas are: Clothes, Spending, Waste, Food, Possessions, Media & Stress. At first glace, you might think, “I do okay in those areas..”. If you feel like you are good and have accomplished all that Jesus has for you, read this book. If you feel like you are obedient in most areas of your life, read this book. If you feel like you have no real understanding of what God says about these areas, read this book (and then become a Berean and study it out).
Jen doesn’t seek to be the end all, be all about these issues mentioned. My understanding is that she just wants the American Church of Jesus to study out how our lives actually line up with the Word of God. Our view of Christianity is skewed by an American worldview, and not a Jesus worldview.
If you dare to go and pick this book up, be prepared to be challenged. Be warned, this book is not for the weary. Actually, the weary might just be the very one intended to read it!
Happy to you in finding your alter to fall upon with all of your idols! Get ready! Don’t say I didn’t warn you… (btw we all have idols). Remember we have a loving Saviour who is willing to show grace to all, may repentance be near.
Last night as I was reading to Georgia before bed, the Lord spoke. We were reading an awesome book about birthdays, not because I am some great mom theologian teaching about Jesus on Christmas Eve… but she picked it out because it is one of her favorite books. Throughout the book it speaks of hanging the decorations, sending the invitations, opening the birthday presents & the birthday cards and then at the very end it speaks of how thankful the little girl was for spending time with her at her birthday party. And that is when it hit.
Has Jesus ever told me “thank you” for spending time with Him on His Birthday?
This year, Christmas has been completely different for me. This year, I forced myself to be less busy and to truly focus… and it has changed my Christmas.
When I was a kid, and even many years into my adulthood (honestly, until last year), Christmas was really only about the presents. I would get so excited about what I would open and what I would get to take home with me. But this year, after spending more time with Him in His Word than ever before, this Christmas is truly about so much more. Even when you look at your grandparents and how they celebrate Christmas. They literally only want to be around you and family. They want your presence, not your presents. Maturity equals a switch in focus. Time with Him changes your viewpoint on life and then on Christmas. Jesus wants our time. Jesus wants our presence.
This December has been the best December in my entire life.
If I were to give Jesus a birthday present, something that He has never had before… what would it be? Today, in this early morning moment on Christmas morning, while my house is still and quiet and the only thing on is my Christmas tree lights and my coffee pot. Today, I want to give Jesus the one thing that he really wants… my time. The first hour of every day, may it always be devoted to Him. Happy Birthday, Jesus! Happy Birthday.
P.S. Thanks Georgia for choosing the absolutely perfect book to read on Christmas Eve!
Last night as I was reading to Georgia before bed, the Lord spoke. We were reading an awesome book about birthdays, not because I am some great mom theologian teaching about Jesus on Christmas Eve… but she picked it out because it is one of her favorite books. Throughout the book it speaks of hanging the decorations, sending the invitations, opening the birthday presents & the birthday cards and then at the very end it speaks of how thankful the little girl was for spending time with her at her birthday party. And that is when it hit.
The Journey 