The Genetics of Christmas, Part 2
Matthew 1:1-17
Does God ever make a mistake? It is easy for us to answer that question with a resounding "NO" as long as our life is flowing smoothly We must admit, though, that it is difficult to see God's purpose in the difficulties of life.
In the good times as well as in the bad, we need to believe and rest in the sovereignty of God. That might be a term that you do not recognize or it might even scare you Don't be intimidated by it though. It simply means that God supernaturally controls or permits everything that happens on the Earth. Nothing is a mistake. Nothing is an accident. Nothing happens outside of His control.
As we look at the events surrounding the birth of Christ someone might comment, "what a coincidence," or "what a stroke of luck, everything turned out perfect." Of course it did. God planned it that way!
One of the purposes of Matthew's Gospel is to establish Jesus' right to the throne of Israel:
Matthew - Presents Christ as King
Mark - Presents Christ as the Servant
Luke - Presents Christ as the Son of Man
John - Presents Christ as the Son of God
According to Jewish law, if Jesus is to be King, there must be proof that He comes from the recognized royal family. Matthew chapter one and Luke chapter three give the necessary proof. Matthew begins with Abraham and David and goes forward towards Christ. Luke begins with Christ and goes backward to Adam.
Luke's record in the physical genealogy traces Mary's ancestry. Matthew's record validates Christ's royal claim to the throne of Israel by showing His legal descent from David through Joseph - Jesus' legal father.
Jesus was therefore the blood descendant of David through Mary, and the legal descendant of David through Joseph. What is the point?
- Jesus is perfectly qualified to assume the Throne of David.
- Jesus is the only one qualified to assume the Throne of David
Take heart, just as God sovereignly and supernaturally controlled the events of Jesus' birth, He is controlling your life. Trust Him with all of your heart and follow His direction.
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