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Matt. 1:1-17
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can also download our service at Baptist-Christian on iTunes. I came across this sermon idea and it caused me to stop and consider God’s grace and mercy toward all people. Mom’s often display God’s grace, mercy and many other Christlike characteristics that reach out and draw their families to The Savior. Let’s consider
- THE BLOSSOMS! In Gen. 18:1-30 we meet Tamar. She was the incestuous daughter-in-law of Judah; strike one! She was also a Canaanite, hence a Gentile; strike two! Rahab (Josh. 2;1-24) was also a Gentile, a prostitute and member of a doomed race! Ruth was from Moab, also a Gentile! She was the poor widow of an Israelite and was moral and upright. She was also faithful in character and kind in spirit. Most importantly she was a Believer in the God of Israel. What Bible student hasn’t heard of Bathsheba; an adulterous wife of a Gentile. She had an affair with King David and probably knew of his plan to kill her husband, and did nothing to stop it. Let’s end the list positively; Mary was the mother of Jesus. She was a young, pure Israelite who was probably spiritually mature and willing to yield her life, and her reputation into the hand of God.
- THE BLESSINGS! Let’s look just a little deeper into each of these lives and see what God saw! Tamar means “Palm tree.” The long tap root makes it strong and stable. It can live for over two centuries and provides abundant food, oil, wax, sugar, and other useful items. In Scripture often suggests strength and beauty, hence Tamar! Palm branches symbolize victory (Rev.7:9) and are often used with the monogram of Christ to symbolize complete victory in salvation through Christ. Rahab means “wide, broad, and great!” In Josh. 2 she is identified as a prostitute or innkeeper. Despite her lifestyle she chose to help the spies (Heb. 11:31) and in so doing saved her family. In her life and by the choices she made we can see that the saving grace of God reaches to all people no matter what society may think. Christ can change the vilest sinner into a victorious saint! Ruth means “a friend.” A deeper look at her life reveals her true heart. Boaz found in her honor, respect, even praise at her desire to be his wife. Her anxiety is explained when we understand her great heart desire was to see her family “redeemed” and their possessions restored. See the connection to Christ’s desire to see “all men” saved? He finds us just as we are, lost and dead in sin, and lifts us to a place of honor and dignity. The real meaning of Bathsheba’s name is uncertain, but can mean “daughter of an oath.” 2 Sam. 11:2 tells us she was beautiful. Although some might say she was an innocent victim, there are no innocent victims in sin. Her sin cost her her husband and her son. What price are you willing to pay for your folly? Mary’s name means obstinacy and rebellion. What a contrast between her name and her attitude! Luke 1:38 reveals her true heart in service to the Lord. These five women each provide a lesson for all of us in our relationship and walk with Christ. Thank God for moms who display Christ’s character, love, and grace to us all year.
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