The Messiah of Israel

Matthew 1:1-17

In this passage, Matthew outlines the lineage of Jesus to show how he is both a son of Abraham, son of David and Messiah of Israel.  It is important for us to understand Jesus' lineage so that we see how the promises made to Abraham and David are kept in the person of Jesus.  Because of these kept promises, we know that Jesus truly is the Messiah brought forth from God's chosen people.

We must appreciate all the people who are counted in Jesus' linage.  God used them all in instrumental ways in order to bring forth his Son for our salvation.  It is important to know who Jesus comes from and how they prepared for his coming.  Knowing the heritage of God's chosen people prepares us for a closer and richer life with the Messiah.

Binz asks a great question following his commentary:  Who were the people most responsible for bringing Christ to me?  That is a great question to reflect upon.  In my Protestant upbringing, we did not study the lives of the Saints.  We did not study any history of the Church outside of the bible.  So, although I have a lot of biblical knowledge, I do not know about all the people and miracles and history that has happened since the apostles walked on this earth.  And I should because those are the people who have brought us the Church.  They passed the torch.  Through their blood, sweat and tears, we can come to know Jesus and take part in this rich, beautiful existence full of love and hope. Therefore owe it to them to know their stories.  We owe it to our selves to know how the faith made it to us 2000 years after Christ walked on this earth and gave his life for our sins.  Our lives will be fuller, richer and closer to God for knowing who passed us the torch.

I realize that I sort of side-stepped the real question:  Who were the people most responsible for bringing Christ to ME?  That is a more complicated question.  It was a lot of people.  Some of them probably have no idea how much their lives or stories or gestures impacted me along my faith journey.  Although they are people from different Christian denominations, they all have something in common- they have allowed Jesus to work in their lives so that he may touch other hearts.  I pray that I can do the same.

Lord, show me where you have yet to live in my heart.  Show me the dark places that have yet to see your light.  My heart is yours.  I pray that when others look at me, they will not see me.  But rather see you.  Use me, Lord.  I am your candle.  You are my flame.