Skeletons In The Closet

Matthew 1: 5-6 (NIV) —

‘Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.’

All of us have a story to tell. Often, we can shy away from sharing our stories because we feel ashamed, or perhaps we feel our story isn’t ‘good enough’ or ‘dramatic’ enough, or we may feel it’s ‘too much’. I love watching the BBC show Who do you think you are? Watching each celebrity’s emotions as they discover their heritage. Some are shocked by their ancestors; some are horrified at events their ancestors faced, and others even find redemption the further back they go.

Jesus came from humble beginnings. His family line included a prostitute, a murderer, a cheat, even a human trafficker. Each name in his lineage isn’t just a name, but a life lived and mistakes made. Yet each one of these flawed individuals was handpicked by God to be part of Jesus’ lineage: many of their stories captured for generations to study. God didn’t seek out the wealthy, the most influential, he used real people with real flaws.

It can be easy to write ourselves off. To shy away from sharing our stories. Then doubt creeps in and can silence us. God has chosen each one of us. You are not here on this earth by some random accident or mistake. You were handpicked and chosen. God has given you a story unique to who you are and your life experiences. No one else has that same story or can tell it the way you can. To quote a song from the Prince of Egypt film ‘a single thread in a tapestry…can never see its purpose in the pattern of the grand design.’ As you go through this week, consider who you could share your story with. You may not realise the impact it could have on someone else.

Prayer - Father, help us to see our story through your eyes. Give us confidence to share what you have done in us so we can encourage others and celebrate the work you are doing in us.