December 15

God Uses Imperfect People
Read: Matthew 1:1-17

What kind of people does God use to fulfill His purposes? Jesus’ family tree in Matthew 1 shows that they’re often far from perfect.

“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). Abraham obeyed God by leaving his homeland, yet he lost trust and had a child with his maidservant (Genesis 16). Tamar acted out of desperation (Genesis 38). David, “a man after God’s own heart,” committed adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11). Rahab was a prostitute (Joshua 2). And kings like Manasseh and Abijah led Israel into evil (2 Kings 21, 1 Kings 15).

Jesus’ genealogy shows that God can accomplish His perfect plan through imperfect people. This doesn’t make sin acceptable. Many choices led to suffering and brokenness. Yet God’s grace is greater than our flaws, and He calls us to be part of His story. Through Jesus, God works through us, even with our weaknesses, to bring change.

TAKE A MOMENT TO THINK:
> How have you seen God work through human imperfections?
> What does it mean to repent, and how does
  God’s kindness lead us there?