Second Chances
"But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born a of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons." —Galatians 4:4-5
Some people are keenly interested in researching their family tree. Many times they are hoping they are related to someone important, perhaps a historical figure or a member of a royal family. But sometimes they find out things they wish they had not known. They discover some pretty notorious characters in their family tree.
You may be surprised to know that the family tree of Jesus Christ was one of the most messed-up family trees of all time. Recorded for us in Matthew 1 and Luke 3, it included prostitutes, cheats, adulterers, liars, and even a murderer. Yet we have to remember that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and that includes genealogies. And in the genealogy of Jesus, the grace of God is on display.
Normally, Jewish genealogies did not include women. But in Matthew's genealogy, we find five: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and of course, Mary. What is fascinating about these women in the most exclusive genealogy in history is that several of them were immoral. This reminds us that Jesus came to heal broken lives and to restore shattered hopes.
Galatians 4 puts it this way: "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons" (verses 4-5). The word "redeem" used here means to buy out of a slave market. This term would have been readily understood by people living in the first century, because slavery was still in practice.
Jesus has redeemed us, which means He has given us our freedom. That is what Jesus did for us. God gives second chances. And He can redeem the mess we make of our lives.
Copyright © 2011 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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