Lessons From Geneology

While reading the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, I notice several people and relationships that catch my attention. I see Solomon [v. 6], birthed by a woman with King David. Solomon was a man of great wisdom, gifted (1 Kings 3:5-15) by God. With this great discernment, the wise King's name is listed within this gospel chapter without hesitation.

1. Then why do we see the term "Uriah's wife" used to describe Bathsheba when signifying this certain mother?
   

2. Maybe her name was one that possessed a stigma?
   

3. Could it be that God was honoring Uriah in these particular opportunities?
   

I also see the name Rahab [v. 5]. Now that is odd. Rahab was a known prostitute, a harlot. But, here she is being listed in this Holy Writ in the lineage of Jesus.

1. How does this prostitute make the list?
   

2. Surely this name Rahab had an undesirable ring to it!
   

3. What made the difference?
   

We read that Rahab committed to a daring and faithful act in order to assist Joshua and Caleb (Joshua 2:8-15) in their escape following the survey as they spied on Jericho. At her request, along with her family, she was spared (Joshua 6:17-23) when God conquered this stronghold following the mighty crash of its surrounding walls.Even though Rahab gave a display with her life at one point that disgusted God, did she finish well?

"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' "'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.”Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go. "Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

-- Matthew 21:28-32 NIV

Rahab found her name in this list because she turned to God from her sin. Bathsheba possibly remained anonymous due to the fact that we see her turning to sin from her God.

As Oswald Chambers wrote, "My determination is to be my Utmost for His Highest." No matter where you are on your faith journey, make Christ your Utmost, may we never be ashamed of Christ.

Repentance should not wait on a tomorrow that may never come.