“This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham.”
. . . “Uzziah was the father of Jotham. Jotham was the father of Ahaz. Ahaz was the father of Hezekiah. 10 Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh. Manasseh was the father of Amon. Amon was the father of Josiah. 11 Josiah was the father of Jehoiachin and his brothers (born at the time of the exile to Babylon).” Matthew 1:1 and 1:9-11
God of grace,
The family tree of Jesus shows the passage of great warriors and kings (good and bad alas). Their history tells of their ups and downs of faith. But through it all You are faithful to Your promise and give opportunity for repentance and restoration.
Ahaz, king at 20 years old reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. He did not do what was right in the eyes of the You, the Lord his God. Even sacrificed his son in the fire, a detestable practices of other nations (2 Kings 16:2,3). Hezekiah, was better but the people of Judah did not give up their idolatry. When he was dying, Isaiah visited and You, God granted him 15 years more and the miracle of the suns shadow moving backwards (2 Kings 20:1-11). Manasseh, 12 when he became king did evil in the sight of the Lord (2 Kings 21:2). Amon did evil in the eyes of the Lord (2 Kings 21:20). Then came Josiah. After many black sheep in the family, he did right but not perfectly (2 Kings 22:2)..
You continually sent prophets and priests to challenge kings and your people to live according to your law. They forgot their history of your salvation from drought, slavery, their enemies and homelessness . They forgot the many times they turned to You and were saved. But You remained faithful and still placed Your only Son into their descendants care.
We see Your faithfulness, and Jesus personified it. Giving the gift of new life through Him.. Keep us humble, by Your Holy Spirit, living in Your mercy and faithfulness, doing right in Your eyes.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of grace,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
Thank You for the precious people who enrich our lives.
For our Christian family. Christmas events planned for worship an to welcome new people to.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government, the Commons, the house of Lords, the civil servants.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For Sudan and their future hopes.
For all the conflict in the Middle East for the ongoing complications to end.
For the health of our nation at a time when flu, covid, RSV virus and tummy bugs abound.
For our NHS at this bust time of year and the staff to be immune to all the seasonal germs.
For those in Iceland who have only 4-5 daylight hours (and cold) in December.
For us to appreciate the light we have, the blessings we have and that You never leave us regardless of our emotions and feelings.
In Jesus name we pray.
Worship Tuesday 10th December 2024
Lamentations 3:22-23 put to music beautifully for worship. Simple truth? Profound truth.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.
Your mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning,
new every morning:
great is your faithfulness, O Lord,
great is your faithfulness!
Lyrics: Edith McNeill