“This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham”
. . . “ “Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud. Abiud was the father of Eliakim. Eliakim was the father of Azor. 14 Azor was the father of Zadok. Zadok was the father of Akim. Akim was the father of Eliud. Azor was the father of Zadok. Zadok was the father of Akim. Akim was the father of Eliud.
15 Eliud was the father of Eleazar. Eleazar was the father of Matthan. Matthan was the father of Jacob. 16 Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah.” Matthew 1:13,14 NLT
Father of all creation,
After many generations we reach Joseph’s father and grandfather and I wonder if they were still alive when Jesus was born and what did they think of Mary’s pregnancy before marriage? Or was it kept quiet till after the marriage. We know so little of them. But then Joseph was not the Father but willing to be Jesus earthly guardian and parent.
Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born to the virgin Mary. His lineage is from You, God, who is and was and always shall be! The great I AM. And though You call Him Your Son when He was on the earth, before that, He was with You the three in One Triune God. Sometimes that takes some getting our head round.
Some of us can trace our lineage back many generations. Perhaps knowing who our great, great, great grandparents were and it can be an eye opener . . . but it does not change who we are.
Jesus was adopted by his earthly Father, a man called Joseph and was able to grow in wisdom and stature. He lived and died so that we, through him, can be adopted by You, our heavenly Father. We may have inherited our eyes and looks from our parents but we inherit our present life and future eternal life, heavens riches and holiness from You, Lord.
Help us to remember, what ever our earthly background, who we truly are: a child of God (Romans 8:14) and Co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). We are wanted, loved, precious, unique.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father of all creation,
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, ongoing situation and the Middle East for peace and the best outcomes for all.
For those organising shelters and meals for Christmas. For help to extend beyond this season.
For all those who find this time of year stressful for whatever reason. Hope, comfort and joy.
For young families: security, good relationships and time to enjoy each others company.
For us to know You as our heavenly Father who loves us. From Bible theory to heart knowledge.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 13th December 2024
A worship prayer followed by acknowledging God as our Good Father.
Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think You’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
And You tell me that You’re pleased
And that I’m never alone
It’s who You are, It’s who You are
It’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, It’s who I am
It’s who I am
Oh, I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching
For answers only You provide
Cause You know just what we need
Before we say a word
Chorus
Cause You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us, aah
You are perfect in all of Your ways
Oh, you’re perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us
Oh, it’s love so undeniable
I, I can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable
I, I can hardly think
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
Into love, love, love
Lyrics: Pat Barrett and Tony Brown