Family Tree
Series: The Unexpected Ways of God
December 01, 2024
Frank Foreman
God’s grace is for everyone who believes, even those who were once thought of as outcasts or unworthy by humans. This grace isn’t something we earn; it’s a gift given freely. Through faith, we become part of God’s family, just like a wild branch is grafted into a cultivated tree. It’s all thanks to God’s mercy and love, not because of anything we’ve done. ————— So, let’s approach God’s grace with humility. We all need His mercy, and there’s no room for arrogance or thinking we’re better than others. Our salvation is a gift, not something we earned through our own efforts. Instead of judging others, let’s show them the same grace and compassion we want to receive. Let’s live in gratitude and unity, reflecting God’s love in everything we do.
Episode Notes
Tamar:
Genesis 38:27-28, When the time of her labor came, there were twins in her womb. And when she was in labor, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.”
Rahab:
Joshua 2:18, Behold, when we come into the land, you shall tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and you shall gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household.
Jesus:
Matthew 1:1-6, The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king.
Big Idea: God didn’t whisper their names with shame…
God doesn’t whisper your name.
Leviticus 16:10, …but the goat on which the lot fell for Azazel shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement over it, that it may be sent away into the wilderness to Azazel.
Romans 11:17-20, But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.
1. We have been grafted in among God’s family tree.
2. Branches were broken off so that we could be grafted in.
3. We have no reason to feel pride in ourselves.
Next Step: Think and pray about the following this week…
- Are there areas where you have become arrogant with Jesus’ grace?
- What will it take for you to believe that Jesus has forgiven you?
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