Tag: Mary mother of Jesus

Five Women

Matthew 1 and Luke 2:1-38

Devotion by Telva Elwell (SC)

Matthew begins the New Testament with the genealogy of Jesus Christ the Messiah to confirm that he was the prophesied direct heir to King David’s throne. Because we so often sleepwalk through this genealogy, we almost miss five names. Five names that belong to women— Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary.  It was not customary to include women in genealogies, so we are left to wonder why Matthew included them.

TAMAR

 Hers was a sad, terrible story of grief and sin.  Genesis 38 recounts her story.  She first married Judah’s oldest son, who was so wicked the Lord took his life. At that time, if a woman’s husband died, her deceased husband’s brother would marry her to provide for her and keep her in the family. So, Judah arranged for Tamar to marry his second son, who, unfortunately, followed in his brother’s footsteps and was put to death by the Lord.  Judah promised Tamar that she could marry his third son when he grew up, but Judah had lied.  Tamar was in great need, so she developed a plan and deceived Judah by disguising herself as a prostitute.  Her plan worked, and Tamar became pregnant with twins. When Judah was told that his daughter-in-law was pregnant through prostitution, he ordered her to be burned. But, as the story unfolded, Judah realized that Tamar was the prostitute he had bought. Not a pretty story, but Judah confessed and took responsibility for his sins, and said, “she is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” (Gen 38:26)  

 The story of Tamar and Judah demonstrates that God can use the most scandalous circumstances for His purposes. Tamar became the first women mentioned in the genealogy of the Messiah, where Tamar and Judah’s son, Perez, became the father of Hezron. (Matt 1:3) The lineage of Jesus continued, despite a bump in the road.

RAHAB The HARLOT.

 Everyone knew her profession. She was that Canaanite prostitute living in Jericho. Throughout the Bible she was known as Rahab the harlot.  Even in the faith chapter she is called Rahab the prostitute. (Heb 11:31)

But Rahab was also known for something else, something much more important.  She was the one who kept the Israelite spies safe in her home in Jericho when they were sent by Joshua to spy out the land. (Josh 2) She willingly lied to the King of Jericho about the whereabouts of the spies, jeopardizing her own safety, because “the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.” (Josh 2: 11) How often do we judge people by things that don’t matter—their appearance, their house, their wealth, or their “job”, when what we need to focus on is their faith, and that God can redeem anyone.  Even a prostitute. That is what the coming of the Messiah was all about—redemption.

 “Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab.” (Matt1:5)

RUTH

There are so many words that you could use to describe Ruth.  Faithful, selfless, caring, giving, devoted, loving, reliable, unwavering, a Moabite.

Ruth’s husband had died, and there were no more sons of Naomi for her to marry.  Even Naomi’s husband had died.  There was no way for Naomi to provide for Ruth.  So, Naomi gave Ruth permission to return to her native home where her family could provide for her.  She refused.  Why? Because Ruth loved Naomi with a steadfast love. “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live.  Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die.” (Ruth 1:16,17). She promised to love and care for Naomi until the end. She did not have to do that.  She was free to return home. She chose to stay.

 In God’s perfect timing and plan, Ruth, the Moabite, was blessed with a husband by the name of Boaz.  They had a son named Obed, who had a son named Jesse, who had a son named David. (Matt 1:5)

BATHSHEBA

If you take a quick glance through the genealogy, you will not notice the name of Bathsheba. That is because Bathsheba is referred to as Uriah’s wife. “David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife.” (Matt 1:6) Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah. You probably remember that story.  As the story goes, Bathsheba was the faithful wife of Uriah.  King David spotted her one day out on a roof top and desired her.   Since David was the King, what the king said or wanted must be obeyed.  She obeyed him, and in the end, King David arranged for Uriah’s murder to cover his sin.  Eventually David married Bathsheba, but it is heartbreaking that King David’s life is marred by adultery and murder. Yet it demonstrated how desperately Israel and David needed the promised Messiah, and how desperately we need him too, “because he will save his people from their sins.” (v21)

“David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife.” (Matt 1:6)

MARY

She was willing. She was humble. She believed in God.  She submitted to God’s will and plan.  She was young, and she was a virgin. Miraculously, she was a mother—the mother of Jesus who was called the Messiah.

Mary’s story of the virgin birth of Jesus was improbable if it weren’t for the working of the Holy Spirit. But it is true.  Soon the whole world would know.

 In the quiet of the night shepherds were in the fields taking care of their sheep, when suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them awakening them out of their drowsiness.  They were terrified.  But the angel said, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11) Then “suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rest.” (Luke 2: 13-14) The shepherds traveled to Bethlehem, and there they saw the baby Jesus, surrounded by Joseph and Mary, his mother.  After seeing Him, they testified to what they had seen, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. (Luke 2:16-18) Very soon the whole world would know.

“And Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.” (Matt. 1:16)

It is true.

Reflection Questions

Question One:  Why do you think that Matthew included the names of these women in the genealogy of Jesus, when it was not customary to do so? Which story was your favorite? Why?

Question Two:  How do you think Matthew intended these stories of these five women to impact your understanding of the coming Messiah?  Which of the five stories had the most impact on you? Why?

Question Three: Do you think that the instances of adultery, prostitution, and murder were just happenstances or planned? Did those sins ruin the story line of the Messiah or make it more meaningful? How does that impact what you believe about the fulfillment of the purposes of God?

Question Four: What about your life?  Do you have skeletons tucked away in your closet that keep you from working out the plans and purposes of God in your life?  Can you now break free from that after hearing the stories of Tamar and Judah, Rahab the Harlot, or Bathsheba and David? 

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“I believe; help me in my unbelief.”

Luke 1 and John 1:1-14

If you have been reading with us from the beginning of the year – welcome to the New Testament!

Devotion by Telva Elwell (SC)

Malachi had last spoken 400 years ago and had promised that the Messenger would come.  “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.”  Surely Zechariah, as a priest, knew this well. But to put it mildly, God caught him off guard one day.

Zechariah was busy in the Holy Place offering incense, a duty Zechariah was permitted to do only once in his lifetime, when suddenly out of nowhere, the angel Gabriel stood by the altar. Of course, Gabriel had to calm Zechariah, because he was focused upon his task and not expecting Gabriel’s visit.  “Fear not,” he said. Not only did Gabriel’s presence startle Zechariah, but the news he brought was also startling.

Gabriel told him that Zechariah and Elizabeth, his wife, were going to have a son!  One would expect this to be good news for Zechariah because Elizabeth and Zechariah had been praying for a child for many years. Zechariah did not believe such a thing possible because he was an old man, and his wife was advanced in years as well. (Luke 1:18) This story was reminiscent of Abraham and Sarah, for God had also said that He would give them a son in their old age.  “Abraham fell on his face and laughed.” (Gen 17:17) 

Before he could even grasp the idea of having a son in his old age, Gabriel told him to name his son John, and that John would grow up to be God’s prophet to show Israel God’s son.  “And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” (vs16-17) (Mal 4:5) I understand that this was a lot to take in. But none of it was new to him. He was well acquainted with the promises of God as told by Malachi and other Old Testament prophets. This was the day, the time, that Zechariah, the priest, was looking forward to.   What a blessing and privilege to be the father of the much-anticipated Messenger who would turn the children of Israel to God. But something got in the way of that for Zechariah.

Instead of rejoicing, Zechariah demanded proof that this was even possible.  Even though an angel, who stands in the presence of God, came to deliver this good news, Zechariah believed this was all nonsense.  He wanted proof—not just a proclamation of an angel of the Lord.  “How can I be SURE of this?” he asked. (vs18) Gabriel gave him proof in the form of punishment. “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words…” (vs19,20) Zechariah was struck dumb, (v20) and quite possibly deaf. (v62)    

When Zechariah finished his priestly duties, he walked home to his faithful wife, and in time, she conceived. For nine months his words did not come, and his world was silent.  Every waking moment of every day, Zechariah was reminded of his unbelief.

I would be remiss in not mentioning Mary. Gabriel also brought her unexpected news. Although young, a virgin, and unmarried, she was also going to have a son—God’s Son, the Messiah. Her response was unlike Zechariah’s.  Instead of demanding proof that this could happen, she humbly submitted to God’s plan as His servant. “Behold I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (v38) While Zechariah sat silently with his thoughts running rampant in his head, Mary rejoiced in prayer and song. (vs.46-55)

 In time, Elizabeth gave birth to a son.  Relatives and neighbors and friends heard the good news and rejoiced with her. Then something truly miraculous happened.

By custom Jewish boys were circumcised eight days after birth, at which time a name was given to the child. The expectation was that this child would be named Zechariah, after his father, but Elizabeth said his name would be called John, just as Gabriel had told Zechariah. It was unusual not to name the son after his father or another family member, so Zechariah was asked what he wanted the child to be called.  Zechariah asked for a tablet and wrote the words, “His name is John.” (v63) That name, John, means God is gracious. When Zechariah penned the baby’s name, “John” on his tablet, he was declaring his belief in God’s faithfulness and grace, and affirming Gabriel’s message to him concerning his son, John. A simple thing, yet profound. Because God is gracious, Zechariah’s tongue was immediately loosed. (v64) Because God is gracious, He did not forget or abandon Zechariah, even when he did not believe.  That does not mean that it is okay to not believe.  We need to believe God. But when we struggle, God is there.   

Belief and unbelief are often at war with one another in our lives.  Sometimes we struggle to believe, much like Zechariah, and then other times we simply believe without doubt or question, much like Mary.  When we struggle, sometimes it is the small things that awaken our faith and cause us to believe—like a new baby named John

That same small baby, named John, awakened the faith of the children of Israel years later when as a man he “came as a witness, to bear witness about the light that all might believe through Him.”  (John 1:7)

Reflection Questions

Question One:  Why do you think God chose to make Zechariah a mute as punishment for his unbelief?

Question Two:  Why do you believe Zechariah struggled to believe God?  Are there times when you struggle to believe God?  Why? When?

Question Three: Right now, where are you in your belief?  More like Zechariah, the high priest, or more like Mary, the young virgin? 

Question Four:  In Mark 9:24, a man came to Jesus and said: “I believe; help me in my unbelief.” How can someone say, I believe, and at the same time ask for help in overcoming unbelief? Do you believe this was the situation with Zechariah?  Is this your situation on occasion?

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Let it Be to Me

Old Testament: Zechariah 3 & 4

Poetry: Psalm 143

*Theme Week – Celebrating Jesus: Luke 1

            ’Twas the Night Before Christmas….  Originally published 200 years ago, in 1823, as A Visit from St. Nicolas authorship credited to and later claimed by Clement Clarke Moore.  Moore was a theology professor- a Bible teacher.  He originally wrote the poem for fun, he said, for his children.  This story helped to shape the way many began to celebrate Christmas and has had a lasting cultural impact.  I find it interesting that a Bible teacher is responsible for the way most Americans celebrate Christmas with its focus on Santa Claus, gift-giving, and all the rest of the things that tend to draw attention away from the original meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus.  Now Bible teachers and preachers are trying to remind us that “Jesus is the reason for the season” but more often that plea has fallen on deaf ears.  More people are interested in getting the latest iPhone or other coveted goodies.  On this Christmas Eve day, we take a quick pause from our parties, food and gift-buying and wrapping and consider the first part of the Christmas story. 

            In today’s reading from Luke one, we see the announcement of two unlikely births, two cousins to be born named John and Jesus.  Israel’s story in the Old Testament has a giant pause and collective waiting.  Israel was waiting for the arrival of their promised king or messiah.  Several hundred years BC God promised David, the King, that he would have a son who would reign as king over a kingdom that would be unending.  At first, people thought Solomon was the fulfillment of that promise.  Solomon started well, sought God’s wisdom above all else and the Kingdom of Israel prospered.  But Solomon’s heart turned away from faithfulness to God, he was not to be the true Messiah.  His son, Rehoboam ruled after him and things went from bad to worse.  Eventually, civil war caused his kingdom to split.  Eventually, God punished a succession of unfaithful kings with the destruction of the temple, the fall of the capital Jerusalem, and the end of the heirs of David ruling as kings.  For hundreds of years, there was no heir of David.  The hope for the messiah remained a longed-for and unfulfilled expectation. 

            The last of the historical/prophetic books of the Old Testament is Malachi.  Malachi ends with the hopeful promise that an Elijah-type prophet will come and get people ready for the final day of the Lord that was to come. 

            Fast forward about 400 years, and Israel is still waiting for the 2 anticipated births- of the Elijah-type prophet, and the Messiah-King, heir of David’s throne.  Out of this 400 years of waiting comes Luke 1 with the announcements of two unlikely births.  Unlikely because one was promised to an older childless couple, and the second to a young, engaged couple where the young woman was still a virgin.  In both cases, God would perform a miracle to bring forth these two baby boys, John and Jesus.

            It’s important to note in the story that when the Angel comes to Mary announcing God’s plan for her, Mary offers her consent “Let it be to me according to your word.”  This makes perfect sense.  We know that in human relationships consent is morally required before union.  Anything less than consent is unacceptable and morally reprehensible.  It stands to reason that before God placed his son Jesus in her womb she would give consent.  “Let it be” or “I agree to allow your word, your promise, your plan for your son, the Messiah to be formed in me.”

            The same is true for all of us.  God wants to place His word in us and for us to bear the fruits of Jesus.  In Galatians 4:19 Paul uses this metaphor of birth: “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you…”. God wants Christ to be formed in us.  Christ was formed in the womb of Mary uniquely, but God wants all of us to be spiritually transformed, to become like Jesus in our character, in our singular commitment to bring glory to God and to seek first God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:33) and righteousness (right living in covenant relationship with God).

            Sorry this is getting kind of technical, but the bottom line is, for Mary to give birth to Jesus, she first had to give God her consent “Let it be”.  For Christ to be formed in us, we must also give our consent.  God will not force us to receive His word and be transformed, to have Christ formed in us, we must receive it.

            So on this night before Christmas, as you watch the lights on the tree and listen to Christmas music, play games with your family, wrap presents and drink egg nog, or go to Church and any combination of the above, listen for God’s invitation.  He wants to plant His word in you so that Jesus Christ might be fully formed in you.  Will you give your consent?  Will you say as Mary did “Let it be to me according to your word?”

-Jeff Fletcher

Reflection Questions

  1. How will you celebrate Jesus today and tomorrow and the rest of the week and in 2024?
  2. Have you given your consent and received God’s word and spiritual transformation? 
  3. What might it look like and feel like to have Jesus Christ fully formed in you? 
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