Monday

December 21

“So all the generations from Abraham to David were 14 generations; and from David until the exile to Babylon, 14 generations; and from the exile to Babylon until the Messiah, 14 generations.”

Matthew 1:17 (HCSB)

The promise of the covenant with Abraham was always in the future.  From the very first moment that God entered into this special agreement with Abraham, he looked forward to that moment in time when the promised one would be born and would be a blessing to the nations.

The covenant was renewed with King David at the height of Israel’s history.  David was the only King of a united kingdom. The covenant brought the hope for a Messiah that would restore unity to the kingdom.

The prophets reminded Israel of the covenant at its lowest point as they entered into exile. The message of the Messiah brought the hope that one was coming who would conquer their enemy and bring them deliverance.

Then after fourteen generations, “Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, who gave birth to Jesus who is called the Messiah.”  Matthew 1:16 (HCSB) The Messiah was no longer a promise for the future but a present reality. 

The birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of the promise.  In the baby we see the one who would be a blessing to all peoples.  In the manger lay the one who would unite us with God. In this child, the prophets’ words were fulfilled, as Jesus would deliver us from our captivity and conquer death and the grave.

In one final word—Messiah—the covenant was completed.

Prayer: Dear God, thank-you for making us children of the covenant.  Through Jesus we have blessing, unity, and deliverance.  We rejoice in your presence and celebrate the birth that made it possible. In Jesus’ Name,  Amen.