The past does not determine our destiny

This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham; Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.~Mathew 1:1;5-6

I am guilty of skipping over the passages in the Bible that outline genealogy.  I honestly never viewed it as “meat” to chew on, but today God corrected my misconception.  He tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  Therefore, every stroke and letter in His Word is for our benefit as it prepares us to good work for His glory.

So as I was reading the genealogy of Jesus, two names jumped out at me: Rahab and Ruth.  Two women who were not born of Jewish birth.  One was once a prostitute ( Rahab) and the other a Moabite, with a pagan background.  Notice I said what they  once were.  These women started one way, but through the grace of God and faith ended with their stories being written in the Bible.  If you just looked at the past and their circumstances, you might not think they would ever amount to anything or become more, but with God all things are possible.  Our past does not have to dictate or determine our destiny. 

He created Rahab and Ruth with a divine purpose and Work.  Both of these women stepped out on faith.  Rahab hid the Hebrew spies in Jericho and hung a scarlet scarf so that she would be spared ( Joshua 2). Her life was changed because of her faith.  She believed in the God of Abraham and His power and became an ancestor of Christ Himself.  The mother of Boaz, who would be a  guardian-redeemer; a pre-cursor for the true Redeemer. ( Joshua 2:14)

And then there is Ruth who left her homeland and all that she knew to go with Naomi to an unknown place. She chose to serve God and care for her mother-in-law ( Ruth 1:16). She gleaned from the fields without complaint and by His grace and through her faith owned the very field she worked ( Ruth 2:2;4:13).  She went to beggar to “lender”. She too is an ancestor of Jesus the great grandmother of David (Mathew 1:6).

Wow! Just look at what God has done and still is doing for us.  Rahab and Ruth future was greater than their past.  They are evidence of how God works all things out for our good according to His purpose ( Romans 8:28).  It is a reminder that we are uniquely and beautifully made.  We are here for a reason.  Our future is bright because He is our hope. Our past does not define us, He does.  He tells us every day just how much we are loved.  We are wanted and chosen.  

Father I thank You for every bit of your Word and truth.  Forgive me for my tendency skip over parts.  May I realize that by doing that I am missing precious gems that You have prepared for me in advance.  Lord let me walk in my present with humility and by faith in the hope of the future You have prepared for me.  I love you Lord.  Blessing and praises be unto your name. In Jesus name I  pray. Amen