December 16th, 2020
By Stephanie Faust
“Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez… And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam… and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,… and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.” Matthew 1:1-16
In this scripture, we are introduced to the long family tree of Jesus’ ancestors. Chapter 1 of Matthew’s Gospel verses 2-16, Abraham starts the bloodline and Jesus concludes it showing the undeviating connection from the covenant God made to Abraham carried out to the person of the Son of God.
Yet another example of truth that God is faithful! This also teaches us that God’s timing and His plans are again and again unlike what we may imagine. We can brainstorm numerous “better” plans and hope it happens. But, frequently, when they do not fabricate instantly as we had prayed for, we can become disheartened.
I hope this devotion reminds us to learn the teaching of God’s perfect “long-term” plan. He knows what He is doing, and He is steadily and purposefully shepherding each one of us along the walk that steers to rest, joy and salvation. It may not be the road we would choose to get there, but it’s the best road.
In this 3rd week of advent, let’s think about the plan God has for each of our lives. Is He wanting us to relinquish our own plans, expectations and eagerness? Is He asking us for long-suffering, fortitude, trust and serenity? Does He desire complete faith even if it is difficult? Yes! We know He desires this and more. Let’s again commit ourselves this Christmas to the perfect plan of our newborn King and He will establish our steps (Proverbs 16:9).
Heavenly Father, we know Your path is best and that Your way is sometimes not our own. Guide us to relinquish our own expectations and plans and really accept, in confidence, all that You have planned for us. God, Your understanding is flawless. Help us to always believe that wholeheartedly. Jesus, we have faith in You.
“Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez… And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam… and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,… and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.” Matthew 1:1-16
In this scripture, we are introduced to the long family tree of Jesus’ ancestors. Chapter 1 of Matthew’s Gospel verses 2-16, Abraham starts the bloodline and Jesus concludes it showing the undeviating connection from the covenant God made to Abraham carried out to the person of the Son of God.
Yet another example of truth that God is faithful! This also teaches us that God’s timing and His plans are again and again unlike what we may imagine. We can brainstorm numerous “better” plans and hope it happens. But, frequently, when they do not fabricate instantly as we had prayed for, we can become disheartened.
I hope this devotion reminds us to learn the teaching of God’s perfect “long-term” plan. He knows what He is doing, and He is steadily and purposefully shepherding each one of us along the walk that steers to rest, joy and salvation. It may not be the road we would choose to get there, but it’s the best road.
In this 3rd week of advent, let’s think about the plan God has for each of our lives. Is He wanting us to relinquish our own plans, expectations and eagerness? Is He asking us for long-suffering, fortitude, trust and serenity? Does He desire complete faith even if it is difficult? Yes! We know He desires this and more. Let’s again commit ourselves this Christmas to the perfect plan of our newborn King and He will establish our steps (Proverbs 16:9).
Heavenly Father, we know Your path is best and that Your way is sometimes not our own. Guide us to relinquish our own expectations and plans and really accept, in confidence, all that You have planned for us. God, Your understanding is flawless. Help us to always believe that wholeheartedly. Jesus, we have faith in You.
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