Faith Shouts Louder | Awaken Church | Pastor Leanne Mastthesius

During my recent Bible study, I embarked on the journey of reading through the entire Bible in a year. I'm curious—how many of you are taking on this challenge as well? If you're attempting it, congratulations! It’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm for diving into the Word. As we look back on the end of the year, let's take a moment to reflect on those who have raised their hands and committed to this spiritual endeavor.

So, as I began my readings at the start of January, I was filled with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The reading plan beautifully combines excerpts from the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. I found myself in the book of Matthew fairly early in the year, and as I approached the genealogy section, I felt that familiar temptation to skip ahead. I wonder how many of you have ever been tempted to do the same! But this year, fueled by that initial fervor of a New Year, I decided to read through the genealogies with intention. And let me share—I am truly grateful I did.

Matthew presents us with a remarkable account that traces the lineage of Jesus the Messiah. You might think of it as a spiritual family tree. Thankfully, we don’t need to send a DNA sample; this ancient record was carefully documented, allowing us to reflect on the heritage of our Savior. This genealogy highlights the line of David and Abraham, underscoring the significant ancestry of Jesus.

As the passage unfolds, we read about Abraham, who fathered Isaac, and then we learn about Jacob and Judah. The story continues, leading us through the names of various ancestors—it's filled with history and significance. Upon reaching Judah, we notice he was the father of Perez and Zerah. It’s here we encounter a curious moment—one that often raises eyebrows—as it references their mother, Tamar. This prompts us to pause and consider the implications of including women in this traditional male lineage.

The mention of these four women is quite profound. While genealogies of this nature typically focus on the male line, God intentionally highlights the stories of these remarkable women, reminding us of their vital roles. This isn't merely a celebration of female empowerment; it’s a powerful demonstration of God’s sovereignty and inclusion in His divine narrative.

What connects these women in this genealogy is nothing short of extraordinary. Can anyone guess what it might be? If you’re unsure, don’t worry—I have the insight. Some might point to the element of scandal in their stories.

Take Tamar, for instance. Her account, nestled in Genesis chapter 38, is quite a story against the backdrop of the more familiar narrative of Joseph. Tamar made a courageous decision to ensure her legacy by approaching her father-in-law in a daring move to conceive a child, reclaiming the promise that was unjustly taken from her. The very circumstances of her story echo themes of struggle and resilience, challenging norms and conventions to fulfill a divine purpose.

As we reflect on these narratives, let’s appreciate the deeper message—one that illustrates God's power at work, weaving together stories of redemption, hope, and grace through people from all walks of life. Each name in this genealogy serves as a testament to God's plan, navigating through complexities and triumphs, and inviting us into a greater understanding of who He is and how He operates in our lives today.

- Leanne Mastthesius