Scripture:
Matthew 1:17
So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.
Observation:
If my math is right, 42 generations between Abraham and the promise and the coming of the Messiah. In the genealogy of Jesus we see a whole lot of pain, problems and a sketchy history. However, It was God’s plan.
Application:
A few things…
The promises of God are generational. I can’t assume He is being slow with His promises if I don’t see or experience them immediately. It is all part of the plan.
His promises can sometimes come through the most unexpected people. I can’t afford to walk through life disqualifying people when I look at the genealogy of our Lord and see both successes and failures.
The promises of God are eternal. Everything changed in the 42nd generation. Nothing was ever the same. I can’t get stuck in life just thinking, “this is the way it is. This is the way it has always been.” In a moment, in the midst of a generation. God can change everything!
Prayer:
42 generations. May I be about living different than the generations before me and investing my life in the hope of the promise.