Of Jacob's sons, Joseph seems the most likely ancestor of Jesus.  So wise, holy, successful, deeply spiritual, pure.  But Jesus' genealogy runs through Judah, the ringleader of the brothers who sold Joseph into slavery, broke their father's heart (Genesis 37), and never got their act together - but stumbled into astonishingly good luck when Joseph not only fed them but declined to have them executed (Genesis 45).

   We foolishly buy into a Santa Claus view of God:  he's makin' a list, checkin' it twice, gonna find out who's naughty and nice.  No presents for bad boy Judah.  Yet Judah is the tribe into which Jesus is born; his hometown Bethlehem becomes the point where God touched down in the womb of Mary.

   Judah's qualification?  He was forgiven, not perfect.  I may grieve my lack of perfection and wonder "How could God love me?"  Or I may think "I'm a pretty good person," assuming God grades on the curve.  But all Judah can say for himself is "I have been forgiven."  A humble place to be, no leg to stand on - except the mercy of God, which is the only place to stand.

   Lord, I am not perfect - but I know I am forgiven.  Use me in spite of myself.

James

james@mpumc.org

The complete eAdventWithMatthew series can be found on our web site.