Just a few minutes with Jesus - Day 1

My friend, Tara, and I were commiserating this week about how difficult it can be as moms of very young children to make time to be with Jesus. And even if we do make time, our minds are often so scattered and tired that focus in near impossible. We read the same scripture over and over and nothing sticks or barely even registers.


So I thought I would try to write up some little reflections as I read through the Gospel according to Matthew. Tara, I hope these are helpful. If you have any ideas to make them better, or things you'd like to see included or changed, please comment!


Enjoy a little time with Jesus.



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Lord, what in me is waiting for redemption?


Read Matthew 1:1-17


Look back over this genealogy. What women are mentioned? (If you don't know their stories, go ahead and look them up if you have time). Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, the wife of Uriah, and Mary. Tamar was treated unjustly and consequently prostituted herself to her father in law. Rahab was a prostitute who risked her life to save Hebrew spies. Ruth wasn't even Hebrew at all. The wife of Uriah is unnamed, emphasizing the fact that she was someone else's wife. And Mary is lumped in with these....heroines of the faith? She is the wife of Joseph. Mary who birthed Jesus.


Of all the women Matthew could have included in Jesus' family tree, he picked these. Why? I don't know. I'm sure I could do some research to find out. But until then, this is what sticks out to me: God is not afraid or ashamed to make something remarkable, beautiful and redemptive from things that are unseemly or painful.


What darkness in your life, or your past, or your family is waiting...perhaps longing to be redeemed? Is there a way that part of your story could be brought to the light and used to show God's remarkable love and immeasurable grace?


Take a few moments to think about or write down what in your own story is waiting to be redeemed.


Pray with me:


Jesus, thank you for claiming Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary in your family. Thank you for also choosing me despite my history. Show me today how to be part of your work of redemption in my family, my community, and my world. For your glory, Amen.