Part of the Family
READ
When we come across a genealogy in the Bible, we are often tempted to jump ahead or hurriedly skim through the lengthy list of names. But when we do, we miss out on significant spiritual insights.
Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus is both subversive and profound. Though ancient genealogies almost never included women, Matthew calls attention to five. Though most Ancient Israelites would’ve attempted to conceal that their family history was ‘marred’ by the blood of pagans, Matthew proudly names Jesus’ gentile ancestors. Though many might neglect to mention their more ‘sordid’ relatives, Matthew intentionally highlights the sinners, prostitutes, and murderers who were related to Christ.
Ruth, a Moabite widow, stands in the lineage of Jesus—a striking testament to God’s universal grace and His choice to work through those the world often overlooks.
Let’s take a moment to read Matthew 1:5:
…and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse…
REFLECT
In Jesus’ day, women, foreigners, and those labeled as ‘sinners’ were devalued and sidelined by their communities. Yet, Jesus proudly claimed these marginalized people as part of His holy family. Today, all of us—regardless of our race, class, gender, or past mistakes—are invited to become a part of Jesus’s royal lineage. God, in His mercy, is willing, ready, and proud to adopt us as His sons and daughters (Galatians 4:5-7).
Who we choose to claim as ‘family’ speaks volumes about how we esteem those who are related to us. Calling someone family means we commit to love them unconditionally and affirm that they are essential to who we are. In light of these truths, the fact that God claims us as His children is mind-boggling and awe-inspiring.
Ruth was a poor, hungry widow, who came from a nation of idol-worshippers. Though she occupied the bottom rung of the social ladder, God decided to include her in the bloodline of the Savior King. She was an immigrant with little means to survive—but God gave her a crucial part in His redemption plan for the world. This decision was anything but accidental. Ruth’s place in Christ’s family reminds us that God cherishes and values those the world does not: the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. Her role also reminds us that God’s grace and salvation extends to every nation. Christ’s love is not confined by national or racial boundaries.
Ruth is often lauded for her remarkable faith. However, her righteousness did not “earn” her a spot in Jesus’ genealogy. She was unwaveringly loyal to her mother-in-law and bold before Boaz—but her moral courage didn’t put her in Jesus’ family tree. God did. Her role in salvation history was not the result of her own righteousness, but the work of God’s wondrous grace.
Just like Ruth, we all have a role to play in God’s plan to restore and redeem the world. No matter our income, citizenship status, or gender, we each have a vital part in His epic story. We are meant to receive our personal calling with humility, remembering that God’s victory is not contingent on our performance, but His faithfulness.
RESPOND
Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.
Is there a person or group of people that you tend to overlook or devalue? How can you change your vision to see them as essential to God’s redemption plan?
What role are you called to play in God’s family? How can you receive this calling with humility and faith?
REST
Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting us, Your broken people, as members of Your family. Thank You for giving us each a role to play in Your redemption plan. Remind us that no matter how lowly, broken, or damaged we think ourselves to be, You have a place for us. You want to use us to bring love and light to the world, not because we are righteous, but because You are good. Lord, change our vision and help us to see those around us as essential to Your Kingdom, regardless of what biases and prejudices we may hold. Soften our hearts to the marginalized and the poor. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Port City writer Kate Redenbaugh wrote today’s devotional.