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United Baptist Church, Buguma, Buguma (2024)

25/12/2023

DAILY ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2023

Topic: - CHRIST THE SAVIOUR IS BORN

BH 81: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

RBT: Revelation 1-3

Memory verse:[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21, NIV

Text: Matthew 1:18-25

1:18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

1:19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

1:20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

1:22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

1:23 "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us").

1:24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

1:25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

_________

There is a true life story of Mr and Mrs Gbenga Omotunde in Lagos. This couple was childless for several years. At God's appointed time, they were blessed with a child. Miraculously, Mrs Omotunde gave birth to another child two weeks after being delivered of the first one. This is beyond medical explanation, but it was a reality. Likewise, the birth of Jesus Christ the Saviour is beyond medical explanation, but it is reality.

Mary's pregnancy brought an unimaginable challenge to her because she was not yet married. What saved her face was that the same angel who told her about the pregnancy also told Joseph. The angel revealed the name and mission of the baby: the expected Messiah who would save His people from sin. Joseph and Mary keyed into the plans of God and this brought about the birth of Jesus Christ.

We celebrate Christmas because Christ was born as an ultimate demonstration of God's love for humanity. He is the reason for the season. Do not celebrate this Christmas without Jesus in your life. You can make this day significant by giving your life to Jesus and asking Him to take control of your total being. If you are already born again, take time to examine your relationship with Christ and make amends where necessary. And then share the Gospel with someone this Christmas. "

Perceive: The birth of Jesus fulfils the eternal love of God to save humankind.

Ponder: Have you accepted Christ as your Saviour?

Practise: Let God's grace flow through you to other people as you witness to them for their salvation.

Pray: Lord, help my decision to follow Christ all the days of my life in Jesus' name.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches:
Adeoye Abiodun, Lagos; Awolade Okikijesu, Ogbomoso; Makinde O. A., Ibadan; Owolabi P.A., Ile-Oluji; Mofoluwawo A.A., Ogbomoso; Victoria M.O., Ila Orangun; Mosebolatan S.O., Ilora; Oyegoke J.Ö., Ifosan-Ilesa; E. D Asawo, Buguma; Emmanuel E.U., Awelga; Fatoye J. Ekundayo, Ipaja; Aderigha D.T., Bayelsa; Daudu U.S., Kaduna; Usman I. Jenukpe, Kaduna; Nelson Dauda, Buvak; Sam J.A. Iroko, Iganna; Ayuba M.S., Plateau; Emmanuel A. Tiche, Nasarawa; Adebayo A.S., Kogi; Jide G. Isaac, Jesse; Elisha D. Wamba, Kawo; Emmanuel T. Bello, Kano; Chris IgbiniJesu, Benin City; A.C. Oyetunji, Idifa; Adeboboye A.A., Lagos; Ezekiel A. Akanji, Awe.

Prayer: Lord, this Christmas, grant us peace in our homes, churches and the Nation.

24/12/2023

*SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (NBC)*

*Sunday, December 24, 2023*

*THE FAITH OF ELIZABETH AND MARY*

*Devotional Reading: Philippians 4:10-19*

*Background Scripture: Luke 1:1-25, 39-45, 56-60*

*Lesson Scripture: Luke 1:36-45, 56*

*GOLDEN TEXT*
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: 'Blessed are you among women... Luke 1:41-42a

*Objectives:* By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:

I. Identify areas of Elizabeth and Mary's peculiar circumstance that indicate their faith in God;

II. Identify the reasons Mary visited Elizabeth;

III. Express belief in God's ability to fulfil His promises in their lives in His time.

*INTRODUCTION*
There is a common saying that 'Pregnancy cannot be hidden for long before it announces itself.' The announcement especially at the early stage is usually handled differently depending on the culture. In many African tribes, in its early stage, pregnancy is kept secret and left to announce itself in due course except very close and immediate family members and friends are told about the news. In contrast, in some western cultures, pregnancy is made known quite early to family members, friends and work acquaintances without delay. Nevertheless, the news of the conception of a child brings great joy from desirous families and their loved ones and so much is done for the preparation of the arrival of the awaited
child. Having surrendered to the will of God, Mary decided to affirm the promise of God by visiting her cousin Elizabeth who was already six months pregnant as announced by the angel. The meeting of the two women was of special significance because they had much to share in common about the faithfulness of God.

The focus of today's lesson is the faith of Elizabeth and Mary. It confirms the reality of God's power and His enduring promises irrespective of timing and natural limitations. Just as Mary found a kindred spirit in her relationship with Elizabeth, so also we can find spiritual encouragement, comfort and support from those who share the same faith with us in God.

*THE LESSON EXPLAINED*

*A. Mary Accepts Divine Assignment. Luke 1:36-38*
Mary was a virgin who lived in Nazareth, a town in Galilee. She was betrothed to Joseph a descendant of David. Though they lived separately. Suddenly, an angel appeared and announced to her that she will bear a son who will be named Jesus, the Son of the Most High. The angel also told her the role of the Holy Spirit in the conception of the Saviour because what will happen to her is beyond human comprehension. In order to further encourage her faith about the divine assignment, the angel announced Elizabeth's pregnancy. He said to her, "Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail." (vv. 36-37). With strong faith and determination, Mary accepted the divine assignment and answered, 'I am the Lord's servant. 'May your word to me be fulfilled.' (v. 38).

From the passage, it is most likely that the reference to Elizabeth's pregnancy in verse 36 was to inspire her faith to accept the divine assignment of becoming the mother of the Saviour of the world. In other words, if God had made it possible for Elizabeth to be pregnant even though she had passed the age of child bearing, then Mary must have believed she conceive through the Holy Spirit even as a virgin. Of course, Mary's response in verse 38 was of faith and trust in God's ability to fulfil His promises. Consequently, Mary's faith should be a model for believers in responding to God's call be it through angels, prophets, individual, or through the reading of the Scriptures. Even though what is to be done seem impossible. One great lesson believers should learn from Mary's experience is that whenever God calls, it is to a great height and honour. He does not call anyone without a purpose. Without doubt, Mary was a woman of faith. She did not mind the risk or shame she was likely to face (Deuteronomy 22:20-22). She surrendered her life and willingly responded to God's call to be used as the instrument through whom the Saviour of the world will be born.

*DISCUSSION TIME*
1. Discuss Mary's response to the angel's message and its implication for believers in Christ.

2. Let the class members discuss an instance when they yielded to God's call regardless of other people's negative opinions.

*B. Affirmation of the Promise. Luke 1:39-45; 56*
Mary understood the message of the angel and accepted the call to be used of the Lord for a divine purpose. Thereafter, she embarked on a journey from Nazareth her hometown to visit her cousin Elizabeth in Judea, a journey of about 100 kilometres west of Jerusalem. Two reason are attributed to her purpose of travelling: to confirm the message of the angel about Elizabeth's pregnancy and to share her own testimony of becoming the mother of the Saviour of the world.

With excitement, she entered into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. According to verse 41, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, immediately, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she began to prophesy saying, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" (v.42). This declaration was an affirmation of God's promise to Mary through the angel as well as a display of supernatural and extraordinary affection for the unborn child. Elizabeth considered herself favoured to host the mother of the Saviour. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months probably as mutual support and encouragement before she returned to her hometown afterwards (v.56).

Mary's actions in these few verses confirmed that she believed the message of the angel. Consequently, that may necessitate the urgency with which she made the journey to her cousin Elizabeth's house to further confirm the angel's message. Interestingly, the Holy Spirit revealed the divinity of the unborn child as the Son of God and King of Israel to Elizabeth. Therefore, her question in verse 43 was an acknowledgment of the supremacy of Mary's child as Lord over her and her child. Her words in verse 45 was an admonition to Mary to believe the message of the angel which she referred to as a message from the Lord.

*DISCUSSION TIME*
1. Discuss the significance of the baby in Elizabeth's womb that leaped at the sound of Mary's voice (v.41).

2. Discuss the three unique things about the person of Christ from the angel's message and Elizabeth's words to Mary.

*Ministry Building and Fellowship Activity:*
Let each class member witness to the uniqueness of Christ to those who are yet to accept Christ during this Christmas season.

*Take Home:* Write down three (3) lessons you are taking home from today's lesson.

*Commitment:* Based on today's lesson, make a personal commitment to trust God to fulfil His promises in your life.

24/12/2023

DAILY ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 , 2023

Topic: - MARY AND ELIZABETH EXPRESS FAITH

BH 258: 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

RBT: 2 John 1;3 John 1; Jude 1

Memory verse: As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promises to her! Lake 1:44-45, NIV

Text: Luke 1:36-45, 56

1:36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.

1:37 For no word from God will ever fail."

1:38 "I am the Lord’s servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her.

1:39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,

1:40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.

1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

1:42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!

1:43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

1:44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

1:45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!"

1:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

_________

THE here are ordinary things in life that teach profound spiritual lessons. A farmer plants his seed with hope though he could choose to be hopeless. The planted seed could die, decay or be eaten up by pests, thereby resulting in fruitlessness.

But since the beginning of time, farmers have always taken steps, risks, and made moves, despite their knowledge that some seeds, when planted, may not germinate. This act of risktaking is one way to explain what faith is.

Mary and Elizabeth were related, not only by blood but also by faith. Their responses to the development of their pregnancies in unusual ways show us how believers should respond to supernatural things. Mary did not doubt that God could make her pregnant without sexual in*******se.

Similarly, Elizabeth accommodated and accepted God's portion for her when she became pregnant like Sarah at a very old age. Both of them joyfully expressed themselves in songs appreciating God for what He decided to do for them.

God is still in the business of doing unusual things. He alone can do all things to accomplish His design and purpose. Nothing is impossible for Him to do. Your case is not greater than God.

Express your faith in Him for miracles. He will bless you like He blessed Mary, who least expected such a miracle, and lift you up as He lifted Elizabeth. Remember that His purpose and plan are to give glory to Himself.

Perceive: Faith is the right response to God's promises.

Ponder: Do you have faith in God that He can bless you?

Practise: Examine your life if you truly have faith in God.

Pray: Pray for the grace to always express your faith in God.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches:
Sunday Olanrewaju, Ibadan; Ajani M.B., Ogbomoso; Ogundipe J.O., Ogbomoso; Adetunji E.A., Ogbomoso; Oyedokun A.A., Ondo; Ilufoye E.A., IfonOsun; Ola O. D., Oyo; Alade M. A., Osogbo; Adeola J. T., Sagamu; Owoeye J.O., Ota; Rufus A. Ojo, Iluomoba-Ekiti; Jonah B.A., Angwan Tofa; Shedrach T.K., Delta; Nwabuikwu Emma, Port-Harcourt; Isa Gonre, Plateau; Jerry Bala, Plateau; Babatunde E.O. Omolara, Osun; Ruth A. A., Lagos; Ajaní M. B., Ifo; Awolade E.G., Ipapo; Barry Nathaniel, Adamawa; Adegun T. O., Abuja; Jonah Bako, A., Abuja; Olatide A.O., Kwara; Akanbi M.K., Kogi; Adegboyega, Kogi; Oladejo, Abiodun O., Lagos; Tobi Adeniji, Lagos; Ajibola Ruth, Lagos; Olawunmi O.A., Lagos; Oluwaleke Peter, Owode Yewa.

Prayer: Lord, make us profitable servants.

19/12/2023

Daily encounter devotional for December 19th Tuesday 2023

Topic: - GOD IS MY REFUGE

Hymn BH 40: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Text Psalm 91:1-16

RBT Passage: Hebrews 9-10

I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:2, NIV

Text Psalm 91:1-16

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,

10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

_____________________

The first stanza of Martin Luther’s hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” says:
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

This hymn, which has powerful lyrics on protection and deliverance, echoes the confidence expressed in Psalm 91. God is enough in all circumstances of life. In particular, the psalmist in today’s text depicts God as a tower and a safe place to hide during crisis moments. God does not only protect, He also preserves His people against their enemies (which could be terrorists, bandits, and possibly kidnappers). This He does because He is almighty, merciful, and loving. He is able and willing to answer those who call on Him in the days of trouble.

In these days of crisis, conflict, chaos and panic, when even the mighty in the society are threatened because they no longer feel safe, the only place to run to is the Lord. Run to God, who is the strong refuge, who is able and more than able to deliver those who trust in Him. You and your family are safe in the hands of God, if you trust and depend on Him as the only One who can protect you. You are secured, in Jesus’ name. Perceive: God is able and more than able to deliver those who trust Him.

Ponder: Can you really say of the Lord like the psalmist, “The Lord is my refuge and my fortress”?

Practice: Stop being afraid of enemies within and without. Start trusting God for adequate security physically and spiritually.

Prayer: God, give me the grace to always trust You in all situations.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches: Daniel B. Oke, Kano; Michael B. Eze, Ogbomoso; Ojo Olufemi T., Ogbomoso; Ola Tosin F., Ibadan; Ogundiran A. Alabi, Lagos; Adesokan S.A., Ota; Adetoyese S. Adeniji, Lagos; Adesope A. Josiah, Ogun; Regina Samson, Abuja; Ogundipe O.A. Ogun; Amos A. Adegbanke, Ibadan; Abayomi S. Olufemi, Odeomu; Taiwo J. Olayemi, Osogbo; Olonade Gbemileke A., Lagos; J.O. Adedokun, Aiyetoro.

Prayer: - speak purity of spirit, soul and body in Jesus’ name.

17/12/2023

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2023

Topic: - THE FAMILY OF FAITH

Devotional Reading: Psalm 9:1-14

Background Scriptures: Matthew 1:1-17; Genesis 38; Joshua 2; 6:22-25; 2 Samuel 12:24; Ruth 4:13-22

Lesson Scripture: Matthew 1:1-17

GOLDEN TEXT
This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Matthew 1:1

Objectives: By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:

I. Enumerate how the biblical genealogy Jesus helps us to understand God's plan salvation to humankind;

II. Discuss the significance of the inclusion of the four women in the genealogy of Jesus, in the book of Matthew;

III. Trace their family backgrounds, based on the information available to them.

INTRODUCTION
During a national youth programme, the participants were asked to introduce themselves to the third generation. It was discovered that only a few knew their lineages beyond their nuclear family members. The importance of tracing one's genealogy is no longer cherished in modern times. It has become insignificant as if it is no longer an essential part of who we are. In Bible times, knowing one's genealogy was crucial for identification, authentication and the opportunity to claim one's inheritance. Knowing one's genealogy is vital for establishing who a Jew is, for the purpose of qualifying for priesthood. More so, knowing one's ancestry was perceived as an indication of God's blessings because a prominent person in history is associated with generational favour from God. People all over the world, especially the Jews, eagerly awaited the Messiah. They believed that His coming would change the entire history. But the question was that could this carpenter's son be the long-expected King? The answer may have necessitated Matthew to open with the account of the genealogy of Jesus. It is widely believed that Matthew wrote his gospel to the Jewish audience. He started with the genealogy of Jesus which is the best introduction of the person of Christ to intended readers, who place a high value on being a descendant of Abraham and coming from the lineage of David. For this reason, the genealogy was intended to present Christ as a person of great importance and thus should be taken seriously.

The genealogy of Jesus was important to Matthew because if indeed Jesus is the Messiah, His ancestors had to match up to that. Even in a traditional African setting, the same question would be asked of anyone contesting to be a king or a traditional ruler. Matthew divided the account of Jesus' genealogy into three classes of fourteen generations each from Abraham who first received the promise of the Messiah and then to the great Jewish, king David. The origin of Jesus is designed to show that He is the Messiah, the Jewish King through whom God's purpose of salvation for humankind would be accomplished. The community of Israel, in its history, welcomed and integrated some women from different backgrounds into the genealogy of Jesus because they demonstrated faith in the history of the birth of Jesus Christ. This is the focal point of today's lesson.

THE LESSON EXPLAINED

A. Jesus' Genealogy Explained. Matthew 1:1-16
Knowing and identifying with one's descendants is very important in the history of humanity. The coming of Jesus Christ into the world had been anticipated from the beginning. In the early days of human history, God had chosen the family of Abraham through whose descendants He would bless humankind (Genesis 12:3), and later through the family of David. Verse 2 of the passage attests to the fact that Abraham is the origin of the genealogy of Jesus. He was the father of Isaac, who begot Jacob, who begot Judah and his brothers. The list of Jesus' ancestors continues until verse 5 where Salmon begot Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, and Obed the father of Jesse, whose mother was Ruth were all identified as part of Jesus' descendants. Although it is not stated in the passage, but it is most likely that the essence of the comprehensive nature of the genealogy is designed to show that Jesus is the Messiah, the Jewish King through whom God's divine purpose of salvation for humankind would be accomplished (Matthew 1:21). It is also to prove that Jesus was both the Son of Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation through whom the world was to be blessed (v.2, Genesis 12: 2). However, Matthew records 14 names from Abraham to David, 14 from David to Jechoniah; and 14 from Jechoniah to Jesus Christ. King David have been promised an unfailing succession which ended in the coming of Jesus Christ (v. 17).

Noteworthy in the passage is the inclusion of some women in the genealogy of Jesus. They are, Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Mary the mother of Jesus and they all had humble background. Of course, their inclusion is a testimony of God's power to restore and transform broken and hopeless lives and to integrate them into His covenant community. According to the lesson, the genealogy of Jesus will help us to understand God's plan of salvation through imperfect individuals as well as the importance of knowing our family history and connection. More so, it reminds us of our inheritance and that we should be intentional about the fact that we are God's children. It is sad to note that many people do not know their family history. The lesson therefore is that Christian parents should enlighten their children about their ancestral history (family tree) as much as they know and, possibly connect them with one another as part of God's family. If possible, such history can be documented for posterity sake so that our children will grow to learn, read and know about their family history.

DISCUSSION TIME
1. Discuss the benefits of knowing one's genealogy as believers in Christ.

2. Do we need to trace our family tree today like Jesus' origin was traced to Abraham and David as His ancestors?

B. Jesus' Rich Heritage Matthew 1:17
Jesus' genealogy was designed to show that He is the Messiah, the Jewish King through whom God's purpose of salvation for humankind would be accomplished. His origin is traced to David and to Abraham, according to His promise to bless the whole human race (Genesis 12:3). Jesus had a rich heritage. According to verse 17, there were fourteen generations from the time of Abraham to the time of David, fourteen from David to the period of their exile in Babylon and another fourteen generations from the time of the exile to the birth of Jesus Christ. The biblical account of Jesus' birth is explained in verse 18. His birth confirms the fulfillment of God's promise through Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 7:10-16). His mother, Mary was already engaged to Joseph, but before they came together as husband and wife, Mary was found to be with child (v.18). In other words, the child which Mary conceived was only made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit because there was no sexual relationship between Joseph and Mary before then. Consequently, Jesus with His rich heritage gave all humankind the opportunity to become members of the kingdom of heaven. The implication is that believers also have rich heritage because of our salvation in Jesus Christ. So, we have been given the right to become His children (John 1:12-13).

DISCUSSION TIME
1. Discuss how Christians can enjoy the benefits of Jesus' glorious riches.

2. Explain how believers can present Jesus to others as One who is rich in inheritance.

Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity
Let all class members carry out a research about their genealogy at least to the third generationThey should share their findings with their family members especially the young ones the sake of posterity.
Take Home: Write down three (3) lessons you are taking home from today's lesson.

Commitment: Based on today's lesson, make a personal commitment to uphold the rich heritage of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.

17/12/2023

DAILY ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2023

Topic: - JESUS' FAMILY TREE

BH 53: God Moves in a Mysterious Way

RBT: Hebrews 1-4

GOLDEN TEXT
This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1, NIV

Text: Matthew 1:1-17

1:1 This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:

1:2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,

1:3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram,

1:4 Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon,

1:5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,

1:6 and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,

1:7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa,

1:8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, Jehoram the father of Uzziah,

1:9 Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,

1:10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah,

1:11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.

1:12 After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,

1:13 Zerubbabel the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor,

1:14 Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Elihud,

1:15 Elihud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob,

1:16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.

1:17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.

__________

Many websites now boast of helping people connect with their history by helping them research their family tree. Tracing family history, they say, helps a person connect more deeply with a sense of self as they learn about their family relationship as well as their family's past. In some cases, an adequate knowledge of genealogy gives one opportunity to have family medical information, which can help identify potential risk factors for surviving family members.

The text today presents to us the genealogy of Jesus, traced straight to David and then to Abraham (v. 1). The names are arranged in three groups of fourteen people each. The first section traced the family tree from Abraham to David, the second from David to the exile in Babylon, and the third from the exile to Christ. The long list of names may seem boring but a patient look at it points us to God's wisdom in selecting people to belong to Christ's family tree.

Normally, women's name would not appear in a Jewish genealogy but notable in this tree are four unlikely women Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba beneficiaries of God's grace. Notable also is the fact that Joseph was called the husband of Mary - a confirmation of Jesus' conception through the Holy Spirit and that Joseph was not His actual father. who became -

It is a great privilege to be connected to Christ through faith in His work of redemption. Just like the four women mentioned in Christ's lineage, your history changes the moment you identify with Christ and are grafted into God's family through grace and forgiveness.

If you are born again, you can begin to draw your family tree from Christ, putting your name first and then adding to the tree generations of yours that are connected to you by the blood of Jesus. Great benefits accrue to those who belong to Christ's lineage-both here and hereafter.

Perceive: Belonging in Christ's lineage is a great privilege.

Ponder: What are you known for, and what footprint are you leaving for the next generation?

Practise: Decide today to be known for your faith in the Lord and your commitment to His cause.

Pray: Lord Jesus, help me live a life characterized by faith in You all the days of my life.

Prayer: Lord, we speak life to every deadness in our lives.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches:
Ogungbenle F.O., Ibadan; Balogun David, Oke Agbe-Akoko; Gbadero Adetunji, Lagos; Oyelowo Michael S., Igboho; Danmaza O. Holma, Taraba; Ejenavwome Collins, Delta; Ojiebun Paul, Delta; Adebodun O.A., Lagos; Ajani Olatunji O., Oluponna; Abraham Olusol-Niyi, Ikorodu.