Matthew 1:5a – Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab). (NLT)
Devotional Series: My Favourite Time of the Year
Whenever I write a devotional, I look for what the Lord is saying to me in a particular season or through a passage in the Bible. As I sat down to prepare this series of devotionals for Christmas, I did not expect to be drawn to a verse on genealogies. If you are like me, then the first chapter of Matthew (and the corresponding passage in Luke 3:23-38)) is usually just an interesting update on the ancestry of Christ. I tend to read it as a fascinating who’s who of Old Testament history.
But this morning as I read it verse 5 jumped out at me. I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t noticed it before. Rahab was the mother of Boaz! Why does this matter? It matters because Rahab was a prostitute (Hebrews 11:31) and Boaz was a wealthy God-fearing gentleman (Ruth 2, Boaz devotional). What a contrast! In one generation, the Lord transformed the destiny of an entire family. Whether she married into wealth or her son worked his way into wealth, the story and trajectory of her family were redirected.
This verse alone (before we even get to the main event - the birth of the Messiah) is enough to stir up hope for our families. It gives us hope that our current circumstances do not and should not define the direction of the generations that will follow us. The Lord himself can lift our children, ancestors and family members into lives far greater than we could experience or imagine. They can enjoy better lives than us and do it in service and fear of the Lord. All we have to do is believe.
So, if you ever find yourself anxious or worried about your family just remember that Rahab was Boaz’s mother and if God can do it for Rahab, he can do it for you and me!
Questions for reflection: Am I anxious about the future of my family? Have I prayed to God about my worry? Do I believe that God can take care of my family in the future?
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