Grandmothers of the Lamb of God
What have we gained from these extraordinary, great-grandmothers? Despite the failures, faux pas, and fears, some remarkable qualities emerged in the lives of these women used by God our Father in His Grand Scheme of Redemption
Ta’mar
Ta’mar was the ancestress of much of the tribe of Judah that lives today and awaits the coming king. She was single-minded, confident, and had absolute insight into her father-in-law and the laws of the land.
Rahab
Rahab was a savvy businesswoman in her line of work. She was observant, resourceful, loyal to family, a quick thinker, and understood mustard seed faith is germinated in action. An occupation meant to demean her became a platform of salvation for herself and her family.
Ruth
Ruth, the Moabite, was loyal, loving, willing to learn, and labored for those she loved. Her bravery, honesty, and her willingness to listen endeared her to her kinsman redeemer and ensured the future of her family and her place in history as a beloved heroine.
Bathsheba
Bathsheba, the beautiful, became a queen and mother to all of Israel’s future kings: lions in the tribe of Judah, the tribe of Messiah. God “works all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.”
Why?
The question asked was “Why?” Why did Matthew mention these women? Why would God use women of such dubious heritage and character in His Grand Scheme of Redemption? God’s laws were ignored, His commandments broken, and His promises trampled. Why? The answer is in Genesis 3:15. GOD SAID: I am declaring war between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her Offspring; He shall wound your head, and you shall wound His heel.”
God promised Eve, the grandmother of us all, to use women to bring salvation to the world. EVERYTHING God did was to protect the Seed of His Son found in the woman. Paul wrote in Acts, “And God starting from scratch made the entire human race with plenty of time, that they should seek the Lord, and find Him, though He is not far from any of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being. We cannot get away from Him! He is the God who sees.
Skeletons in the closet
Our Savior’s genealogy had many skeletons, not in the closet but on display in the parlor. Every Hebrew knew these tales and how God redeems land, wealth, sin, and lives. We are not free of the consequences of our transgressions but we have HOPE because Jesus IS our Savior and King, The Lion of the tribe of Judah. Messiah. Kinsman Redeemer. His birth, life, death, and resurrection fulfilled 2000 prophecies to the letter. This Grand Scheme of Redemption is yours for the asking.
Redemption
Redeeming broken things is the reason the GREAT GrandSON of these women was born. Jesus came to earth to redeem YOU! He hasn’t chosen you to abuse you, hurt you, leave you, forsake you, or oppress you. He came to protect, rescue, supply your every need, raise you up, and give you hope, health, family, and faith. Let Him Redeem YOU! He will use everything in your life for your good and His glory! Don’t ever forget this!
Christmas Hallelujah, by Caleb and Kelsey
Did you notice in the painting, what these four women have on their heads?
Crowned with glory
Yep, a crown! So, we too should remember: “On the darkest days when I feel inadequate, unloved, and unworthy, I remember whose daughter I am and I straighten my crown!” because “God never said weapons wouldn’t form,” He said, “No weapon formed against us will prosper!” As Esther, Queen of Persia, said, “I am a daughter of the Most High God!” Our Father WILL rescue us from every foe, weapon, word, mistake, poor choice, or seemingly impossible circumstance!
Jesus our greatest gift
This is our greatest gift! A God who sees our potential!
Somewhere in Your Silent Night, by Casting Crowns
Christmas Blessings and Happy New Year!
Yvonne Jones
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