OBSERVATIONS/INTERPRETATIONS:
I asked myself what is so significant about who Mary was pledged to be married to?
The significance lies in the fact that Mary, who was a virgin was pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. This means Mary was going to marry Joseph who comes from a line of prostitutes, the unclean, and an adulterer because he is a descendant of David. Yet, it is Joseph that is chosen by God to be married to the Virgin Mary for God's purposes to be accomplished.

"The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." (Luke 1:28-33, NIV)

INTERPRETATION/APPLICATION:
I asked myself what specific things do we learn about Joseph's genealogy from the angle of women and men mentioned in Matthew 1 and its implications for our own lives?

As I looked at the descendants of David in Matthew 1:1-17 only 4 female names were mentioned:

1. Tamar

2. Rahab

3. Ruth

4. her

Three out of 4 were directly involved in sexual sin and 1 was a descendant of the enemies of Israel.

1. Tamar slept with her father-in-law as Judah did not know she was his daughter-in-law but thought she was a prostitute. Tamar got pregnant and gave birth to Perez and Zerah, descendants of David who will become descendants of  (Genesis 38)

2. Rahab was a prostitute. (Joshua 2)

3. her, refers to Bathsheba who committed adultery with David when she was married to Uriah. It is very interesting that she was only referred to as ‘her’ for only in her instance murder was directly involved to cover up a sexual sin. This must be the reason why she was not even mentioned by name but I am not sure. (1st Samuel 11)

4. Ruth, was a descendant of the Moabites, the enemies of Israel (Judges 3:28-30 & Ruth 1:22)

Two of the 4 men involved in the genealogy of Joseph, the descendant of David had a history of murder running through their family.

Judah’s brothers were involved in mass murder when their sister, Dinah was raped (Genesis 34) and  Judah subjected himself to someone he thought was a prostitute. (Genesis 38)

David was responsible for the murder of Uriah after David committed adultery with Bathsheba and found her to be pregnant (2 Samuel 11). The sword did not leave David’s house as murder and rape became part of it.

Through the sexual sin and sin of murder from which line Joseph was part of, God still decides to go to the woman pledged to be married to him. Mary is told that the Lord is with her.

This shows me not only of the grace of the Lord but He shows favor to whom He desires and is full of mercy.

Joseph's genealogy did not stop God's blessings and grace to be accomplished so the world can be blessed through Jesus Christ as we reflect on the Advent season. It is Joseph who raises Jesus with Mary. It's implications for our own lives are so profound.

IMPLICATIONS:
The purpose of today's study was for me to understand that a bad genealogy does not have to reflect where we will stay or who we will become when we are shown the favor and blessings of the Lord.

God is the initiator and can choose to show favor to whom He desires even if they come from a family line that was involved with sexual sin or murder. God’s favor is not limited to family lines involved in those 2 sins alone.

HOW GOSPEL GIVES ME TESTIMONY REGARDING G.E.N.E.A.L.O.G.Y:
This past Sunday, Pastor Ed Jiang of Oakland International Fellowship focused on Romans 5 regarding our ancestry to Adam and how it is filled with sin. But then he also gave a solution in Jesus Christ, the second Adam full of holiness and perfection. As I thought about that, it reminded me of the genealogy of Joseph, a descendant of David who raised Jesus. God still chose the Virgin Mary to be married to Joseph, even though Joseph's family ancestry is marred with sexual sin, uncleanliness, and murder specifically involving 4 women. That just shows me God's favor and blessings are not dependent on the genealogy we are part of. If genealogy could determine God's favor and blessings in people's lives then Joseph never would have had the opportunity to marry the Virgin Mary and raise Jesus but he was given that opportunity and privilege of raising Jesus Christ no matter what genealogy he came from.

Anything mentioned in Scripture has significance so mentioning Tamar, the prostitute, Rahab, the prostitute, Ruth, the Moabite, and her [Bathsheba] is to show us no matter how flawed a genealogy can be, in God's favor anything is possible such as Joseph being chosen to be married to the Virgin Mary to raise Jesus Christ or our own lives reflecting the favor and grace of the Lord regardless of our genealogy.

Let me share a personal example with you. From what I can recall and know I come from a genealogy of idol worshippers who happen to be my relatives who I love very much.

God commands us not to have or worship any idols but that’s exactly what Hindus do. They have their temples and houses permeated with idols and worship them. My relatives follow Hinduism and so did my beloved dad  until he gave his life to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and is with Jesus now.

I cannot understand God’s ways but when my mom and dad were in the states, she was pregnant again with my third brother. During that time she was exposed a lot to the Billy Graham Crusades at home and Christian literature in the hospital she was at. Eventually, one day after many seeds were sown she prayed to the Lord Jesus and gave her life to Jesus.

Before then she was a devout practicing Hindu as I remember her praying to a Hindu god. When she became a follower of Jesus Christ, she got rid of all that.

Naturally few back home did not take it too well that my mom became a Christian. Years, later the Lord chose me to become the 1^st son in our family to give my life to the Lord Jesus Christ. There have been many times I wondered if I should be a pastor and dedicate my life to full time ministry since being the 1^st son to become a follower of  Christ in my family genealogy even though I am second-born.

My mom became the first child to become a Christian in her genealogy and I became her first son to become a Christian. Later, my brothers and dad followed. I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for His favor and how He works in our lives.

I share this to encourage you that no matter what hold generational sin has on you and your family, it can be broken by the Lord’s favor and grace. Never give up and think it is hopeless. The Lord is the One that intervened in our lives to save us. I believe He can do the same to you no matter what you are facing.

I ask you now dear friend, what does God do with  your G.E.N.E.A.L.O.G.Y in life?Dear friend, you may know your genealogy or you may not. You may come from a genealogy involved in sexual sin, divorce, physical abuse, crime, idol worship, etc. We may not know everything our genealogy has committed except that we were all  born in sin because of Adam and Eve.

If you know your genealogy and it is not good, there is still encouraging news my friend. As you live your life for the Lord, regardless of what is happening in your family and genealogy, you will find the Lord’s favor.  Scripture has examples throughout of those that found God's favor regardless of their family genealogy because God can change anything around in His grace.

If there has been alcoholism running through your family, the Lord can help you through that and you can find favor in the Lord as you depend on Him. If abuse has run through your family, you can find favor in the Lord as you depend on Him. If idol worship has run through your family, you can find favor in the Lord as you depend on Him. Whatever the issues, whether it is depression or anything, I believe, in the Lord we can find favor and grace and He will give us the strength to come through.

The key becomes turning to the Lord and having Him become part of your life and letting Him work in you and through you. Now you will be governed by His Holy Spirit working in you and not the flesh.

No matter what your earthly genealogy reveals to you, you do not have to be captivated by that. You do not have to be a prisoner to your genealogy for you can be focused on a new genealogy that is spiritual in nature and it starts with Jesus Christ.

Yes, friend when you come to Jesus Christ, you belong to Him and all His children become your brothers and sisters, with Him as your Heavenly Father who is perfect in every way. He will give you a life of righteousness that can be attributed to Him and Him alone.

This righteousness starts with Jesus Christ and continues with Jesus Christ. In Him you will find your hope and righteousness by His grace revealed to you. No matter what the devil sends your way and reminds you where you came from and how your life is, remember when you give your life to Jesus, He will give you a new beginning that starts with Him.

"He who had no sin became sin for us so that we can experience the righteousness of God"

When God sees us now, He sees the righteousness of Christ covering over us and because of Christ's blood shed on the cross of Calvary that we take upon us, God's judgment will Passover us because of the precious cleansing blood covering in our lives.

It is available for you and me by His grace. Jesus offers His Salvation to you no matter what genealogy you have come from. He loves you so much that He died on the cross for you that you can receive His Eternal Life and favor all through His grace. Now it is this same grace that not only justifies you but sanctifies you to live a Holy life in Him.

You will never be out of His love and out of His reach for He reaches you where you are right now. Yes, He does friend! No matter what you have done, where you have been, or who you are, you can be a child of God when you accept the free gift of grace He  offers you.

"You will keep in perfect peace whose mind is turned on thee." (Isaiah 26:3)

Never give up but hold on to Jesus and you will be holding on to hope. May you know this Christmas season that Jesus Christ wants to be part of your life and He will make you part of His family filling you with His Holy Spirit.

"God’s Emancipation Now Encourages All Lovingly Offering Gracious Yeshua!" (G.E.N.E.A.L.O.G.Y)/”What does God do about your G.E.N.E.A.L.O.G.Y in life?”

PRAYER:
Dear Jesus, I want to thank you so much for being born and for saving me. Lord, I thank you regardless of what genealogy we come from and what our genealogy has been involved in, as we turn to you and depend on you, we can find favor with you. I thank you Lord that you choose to show favor to whom you desire though we cannot understand it but we know you are Holy and do what is best and right. Thank you for choosing to save humanity by dying on the cross where you shed your blood while we were yet sinners. Lord, you do not force yourself upon us but give us the opportunity to choose you. Thank you so much Lord for all those you have saved and all those you will save as they come to you. Lord, you know the generations we have been part of and are part of. You know the sins that are involved whether it be alcoholism, abuse, idol worship, murder, etc. We thank you that you can deliver us and we need not continue to be part of that trend. Help us to seek you for those that are lost and please Lord intervene on their behalf and rescue them. I thank you so much that you save! I know you can! You are the Lord and our Good Shepherd. Thank you Father God for sending the angel Gabriel to Mary to let her know she would bear a son in her virginity and that she should call Him Jesus, who saves us from our sins. Hear our prayer and answer us Oh Lord. Thank you that you have heard us and answered us. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

Lord Jesus, You are my all in all. You are my Prince of Peace, Rock, Savior, and Friend. You are my Holy Father guiding me through to live a life of righteousness, holy righteousness. Oh God, I need you more than ever. I need to feel your hands around me holding me tight. I need your love to surround me so that you can glow in my life. Help me please Jesus. I desire in your presence. Thank you for guiding me to live a life of righteousness. Oh God you love me more than ever. You hear my voice when I cry out to you. When I seek your face, you fill me up. You are my all in all. Thank you Jesus so much for your help no matter what I face, your grace is available and you take my case. Thank you for hearing us and answering us. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! AMEN! (Most of the prayer is from a vineyard song called “All in All”)

You don't have to be locked away anymore for Christ is here to free you and give you peace to LIVE out your actions.

How do you look at GODISNOWHERE?

One of my pastors, Pastor Hugo SHARED this example one Sunday at the RESURRECTION DAY SERVICE in the combined worship service of Pittsburgh Chinese Church-Oakland & Oakland International Fellowship:

If you look at it as GOD IS NO WHERE, you will still be lost in your sin and be in bondage locked away in your sins and problems finding no peace.

But  as my pastor spoke to the congregation and spoke to me, I am here to tell you that GOD IS NOW HERE.

Yes, friend God is aLIVE and wants to bring a transformation in your life through the GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ for He paid the penalty on the cross to rescue you and me and came back to life to save us and LIVE with us.

Yes, friend that is exciting to know that we can experience HIS SAVING GRACE & LIVING GRACE.

When we mess up, we can go to Jesus with our shortcomings and He will forgive us and RESTORE us to Him and we will find peace in Him.

^"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23, NIV)

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:7-9, NIV)

Friend, we need Jesus because we have been separated from God due to our sin. Because of our sin, Jesus had to pay the price to become our bridge so we can reach God now not of our own good works but because of the finished work of Christ, the Lord on the cross.

"For it is by GRACE you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV)

Come to Jesus as you are and pray this prayer to accept Jesus as your Lord and Personal Savior. He will transform your life around! Praise the Lord! You don't have to have all the answers! You can come as you are!

If you want to be a soldier in the Lord's army, you can become it right now. Now is the time of Salvation! You do not have to wait but can pray this prayer and give your life to Christ to serve Him daily! There is no draft but coming to Christ is voluntary. He loves you so much and wants you to come to Him! He will take care of you, guiding you and leading you!

PRAYER:
Dear Jesus, I love you. Thank you for loving me so much and thank you for choosing the cross to die for me. You became the Son of Man and lived here on earth. Then you humbled yourself and became obedient to death-even death on the cross. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. You died on the cross so that I can be covered in your blood and cleansed by your blood as I acknowledge that I need you and cannot enter Heaven without you being my pathway. So, Jesus I confess all my sins to you and all the ways I have tried to get into Heaven when you already provided the means and the Way. Thank you for all that you have done for me. "The cross is the place, a wonderful place where accused and condemned find mercy and grace. Thank you Jesus, it is at the cross where the wrongs we have done and the wrongs done to us were nailed at the cross. Thank you Jesus, at the cross you died for our sins and at the cross you gave your life for us." I thank you for that and thank you for coming back to life to save us. Thank you Jesus for being there for me! Thank you for loving me. I love you Jesus! Please take me as I am and make my life into something that you will be proud of. I surrender my life to you and need your help to live for you. I am forever grateful for what you have done for me and I can never repay you. I want to live for you and need your help. Help me Jesus please. I thank you Jesus for saving me! Thank you for hearing my prayer and answering me. Whatever your will give me the willingness and strength to bear it. Thank you Jesus! I acknowledge you as my Lord and Personal Savior! In Your Name I Pray precious Jesus! Amen!