The book of Matthew was written to be directed at his fellow Jews, hence why he traces the genealogy back to Abraham. If you are anything like me, you tend to skim through any genealogy, but here’s the thing — all the names listed are important in that they help us better understand the complexity of God’s love for humanity, for us. For all those people, God had a purpose and a plan that led to THE one, the Name above all names. Jesus! The one that saved us from our sins and gave His life for you and me and all of us.
Throughout the Old Testament, we learn so many names of people that God led through from place to place, all to fulfill His promises and prophecies, and He never wavered. God was with them. Through every high and every low, whether they knew it or not, God was with them.
I want to remind you that your name is written in the book of life. Your name matters. You matter to Him. God has a plan and a purpose for your life; you don’t have to understand every detail, you just have to trust that He is in every detail working for the greater good of those who love Him.
I think sometimes we (me) get too fixed on our specific “purpose,” as if there is only one specific thing for us to do and we have to get it right or else. In that, we forget that our overarching purpose is to lead others to Him by living for Him. It’s safe to say you can take the pressure off yourself; you’re not even in control! Thank God. What a joy it is to know that God is for us and with us, like He was with the people of Israel.