🌿 “Grace in the Genealogy”

📖 Scripture:

“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.” Matthew 1:5–6 (NIV)

📜 Background:
Matthew’s genealogy is more than a list of names—it’s a tapestry of grace. These verses mention Rahab, a Canaanite woman known for her past but remembered for her faith, and Ruth, a Moabite widow whose loyalty shaped a royal legacy. Both were outsiders grafted into the lineage of King David—and ultimately, of Christ.

💡 Devotional Thought:
In just a few lines, Matthew highlights something extraordinary: God weaves redemption into the most unexpected places. Rahab and Ruth, women who might’ve been sidelined by society, are honored in the ancestry of the Messiah. God’s purposes are not limited by background, nationality, or reputation. Where others saw broken stories, He saw building blocks of a kingdom.

These names remind us that God values faithfulness over status and obedience over pedigree. Their inclusion isn’t a historical footnote—it’s a divine declaration: your past does not disqualify you from your place in God’s plan. In fact, it may be the very thing He uses to magnify His grace.

🧩 Reflection:

How does it change your view of God’s grace to see Rahab and Ruth included in Jesus’ lineage?
Are there parts of your past you’ve viewed as disqualifying? What if they’re actually part of your calling?
How can you honor God today by living in the faith legacy He’s building through you?

🙏 Prayer:
Father, thank You for weaving redemption through every generation. Help me see my story through Your eyes—full of purpose, grace, and possibility. May I walk in the legacy of those who trusted You boldly, and may Your glory be seen through the lineage I help shape. Amen.

🛠️ Application:
Take a few minutes today to write down your spiritual lineage—those who’ve poured into your faith, and those you’re investing in. Reach out to one of them with a word of thanks or encouragement.

📌 Takeaway:
God doesn’t just redeem individuals—He redeems lineages. The past is not your prison; it’s the prologue to His promises.