trbccoffeebreak

“The family tree of Jesus Christ, David’s son, Abraham’s son:” Matthew 1:1 (MSG)

I never knew one of my grandfathers. My Dad’s father walked out one day and never returned abandoning a wife and two small children. Even though he is a missing piece in our family line; I have often wondered what kind of man he was. Sure I can sum him up by his actions as a young father who left his family, but I wonder if he ever met Jesus? Maybe somewhere along the line, someone told him about the One who could forgive all his mistakes. Maybe someday he knelt and prayed. Regardless, my grandfather is still a part of our family history.

Just like all those listed in the lineage of Jesus, we have some unfavorable and colorful people in our past. Kings, commoners, deceivers, adulterers, murderers, ordinary unknowns – all fill in the lines of Jesus’ family tree. Each one playing a divine role. Each one destined to be linked to the other. Each one not fully recognizing the impact One would make to secure their heavenly future. Regardless of what limbs are missing or have fallen off our family tree, we like Christ can choose to impact our lineage for eternity. The holidays offer us awesome opportunities to share the difference Jesus has made in our lives. Sprinkled with grace and love, our life pages of answered prayers and encouragement can light a spark in even the darkest soul. And just when we thought they had tuned us out – we might be surprised to learn that those seeds are being planted deep and nurtured by God.

“Father, the holiday season is fast approaching and will slip away with the blink of an eye. Help us to seize every opportunity to share the hope we’ve found in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break