Matthew 1:5 “Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse.”

GOD CAN USE ANYONE

The first part of Matthew gives us the genealogy of Jesus. You may find that boring, but I think it is so interesting.  I have been trying to research my family tree, so anytime I see a genealogy I try to learn something.

This verse caught my eye today because of the women mentioned.  Do you see it?  King David’s father was Jesse.  But look who his great grandmother was – Ruth, the Moabite.  And David’s great, great grandmother was Rahab, the harlot from Jericho.  Wow!  Tell me God can’t use you!  If the God of the universe used a harlot and a Moabite in line of Jesus, He can use anyone He wants.

TEACHING MOMENT

This is a great story to share with our kids.  You may not want to go into great detail about Rahab’s career choice, but you can definitely talk about them being pagans whom God called into His family.  Your children need to know that God can use them, just like they are. He has a plan for their lives. They just have to yield to Him.

Perhaps your little Leroy is farsighted.  So what?  God can use that.  Maybe Susie is short.  Big deal!  God can use that.  It does not matter what “deficiency” the world may say your child has.  God can take them and use them for greatness.  Do you really think Rahab and Ruth knew the Messiah would come through them?  I don’t think so.

Are you allowing the Lord to use you, Mom and Dad?  Are you allowing Him to take your shortcomings and make them strengths?  Are you bowing your will to His?  Stop making excuses and let Him use you.  He will!