The Women You Would Keep Hidden

Mt 1:3-6, 19-21

Proposition: Despite our failings, God’s plan of salvation was carried out.

Introduction: Genealogies? Boring Right. Booming with the internet and computer software.

I. Overview

A. 42 generations, in 14 groups of 3.

B. Selective genealogy, with a focus on the concept of Christ from the line of kings

C. Luke’s emphasis son of Man (all humanity)

D. Breaking points - Establishment of the Davidic Kingdom and fall of Jerusalem significant.

E. 4 women mentioned,

II. The Women

People have roots, but sometimes ignored.

Patton - “No American has ever lost or will ever lose a war”, except for his famous grandfather who was on the side of the Confederacy.

Why select these four names?

Pre-Hays Code Hollywood, Books - Always pointed to the salacious content of the Bible.

Matthew reminds of some of the PG-13 to NC-17 events of Old Testament time.

A. Tamar - Genesis 38

Interlude in the Joseph story

Intermarriage - Marries Canaanite

Trouble with the family line (Repeated theme)

Er dies, Onan won’t impregnate her

Tamar tricks Judah, and continues the line

“She is more righteous than I”

B. Rahab

Joshua 2 and 6

2 faithful spies only Jericho citizens spared

C. Ruth

Women of Moabite heritage who comes to Israel, because others departed.

Faithful widows travel back to Naomi’s promised land.

D. Bathsheba

II Sam 11 - note 4 Chapters after the promise of being established as king forever

III. The Point

In the line of Jesus we see “Scarlet Letter” Women, Springer like relationships, but God still keeps the promise to Abraham and David. Despite their failings, God is faithful.

Despite the problems of conception for the early patriarchs, despite the fall of the kingdom, God keeps the line alive, even to the point where he can make a virgin bring forth the savior.

Ultimately the people who were trusting in the heritage of their family were overlooking what a flawed people they were. It was the faithful Father whom they should trust. Which is good for us (Grip of Grace, p. 47)

The Jews … rode on the coattails of their heritage. Didn’t matter that they were thieves, adulterers, and extortionists (see Rom. 2:22–23); they still considered themselves God’s chosen few.

… Perhaps the branches of your family tree are heavy with saints and seers. Perhaps you were born in a church basement and cut your teeth on a pew. If so, be grateful, but don’t be lazy. Better to trust the truth than the (tradition).

Or maybe you have no pedigree. Your ancestry is more like a lineup at the county jail than a roster of Sunday school teachers. If so, don’t worry. Just as religious heritage brings no bonus points, a secular heritage brings no deficits. Family trees can’t save you or condemn you; the ultimate decision is yours.[1]

Today see that it is the faithful God who protected these people despite their sins, who will save us from ours.

November 25, 2007

Opening Text: Romans 3:21-24

Title: The Women You Would Keep Hidden

Text: Matthew 1:1-21

Proposition: God has fulfilled his work of salvation with and inspite of flawed people.

CT: Faith in God and His Grace overcomes the wreckage of our sinful ways.

30 Days until Christmas. The tryptophan from Thursday was replaced by the trip to Malls on Friday. With the muzac playing overhead the season turns to Christmas. Let’s sing one together shall we? O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How Lovely are Your Branches? How lovely are your branches? Not on the tree that you’ll have in the house, but the family tree of which you are a part?

Maybe your family tree has an assortment of branches:

Artificial branches. Looks good from a distance, but the closer you are the more you notice how fake they really are. Of course this is good, because you can tear it down and hide the box back in the closet.

Hawaiian palm branches. I mean the nuts in your family are big.

Fig Branches. From the tree Jesus cursed to never produce fruit again. Just looking for one positive character in the whole line.

Giant Oak branches. The acorns that have continued to be produced have lead to more and more solid noble trees.

We look at this heritage we receive and can embrace proudly who we are, just cringe in fear that we are next, or we can just ignore the branches we wish were not there. General George S. Patton gave a roaring speech to the American Third Army on June 5, 1944, this is the speech that is seen in the opening of the film Patton, he stated that, “No American has ever lost or will ever lose a war.” While highly motivational for the men who would storm Normandy’s beaches and liberate Europe, the problem is it is not entirely true. Half of America lost during the Civil War. Including Confederate Lt. Col. Waller T. Patton, the General’s uncle who perished as part of Kemper’s Brigade during Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863 and Colonel George Smith Patton, his grandfather, who died at the 3rd Battle of Winchester on September 25, 1864.

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[1]Lucado, M. (1996). In the grip of grace (46). Dallas, Tex.: Word Pub.