Last week we began our series, TREES, teaching on the geneology of Jesus. Like a tree, we all have a story with twisted roots just like Jesus. In looking at the names in Jesus family tree, we can find ourselves in the story. Last week, we looked at the first name, Abraham. Abraham means father of many nations. While Abraham and Sarah were waiting on God to fulfill his promise of the land and a son, they began to doubt. In their twisted doubt, they made a decision to make the promise happen. The result was Ishmael(Nation of Islam). We are still dealing with this tension a 4,000 years later.
Today, we are looking at two more names in the story, Rahab and Ruth. Interesting enough, we find two names of women who were not even Jewish. These two women decide to not let their PAST get in the way of moving forward.
Many allow the PAST to keep them from a relationship with God. Some have made some horrible mistakes in relationships, finances, family, or life. Within these mistakes, they cannot believe that God would love them or accept them. While others have been faced some horrible moments in facing death, loss, betrayal, job loss, or life falling apart. Their tension is believing that they could love and trust a God who appeared to do nothing when these things were happening. What about you?
1. Who is Rahab? READ Joshua 2:1-24; 6:20-23
Her Past
- Outsider (Enemy to Israel)
- Shame (Sexual sins)
- False Worship
- Outcast (Because of her profession)
Her Tension - Will God accept me?
Her Confession - “I know your God is the God of Heaven and earth.” Joshua 2:11
2. Who is Ruth? READ Ruth 1:1-22
- Naomi = pleasant or Mara = bitter
- Elimilech = God is king
Her Past
- Abuse (Story of Moab Genesis 19:30-38)
- Financial Failure (Famine)
- Death / Loss (Lost Husband and 2 sons)
- False Worship (Chemosh)
- Rejection (What will they face back in Bethlehem)
Her tension – Will I accept God?
“For our light and momentary troubles are are achieving for us an eternal story that far outweighs them all.” 2Corinthians 5:17
Her Confession – “your people will be my people, your God will be my God.” Ruth 1:16
God includes Rahab and Ruth in the story.
“By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.” Hebrews 11:31
“So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her and the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi, “Praise be the Lord, who this day has not left you without a kinsman redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life, and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter inlaw who love you, and who is better than seven sons, has given you birth.” …Salmon the father of Boaz, Boaz the father of Obed, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David. Ruth 4:13-15, 21-22
- Your life does not have to be about past mistakes. It is about future legacy.
- Holding onto the past will make you bitter. Holding onto Jesus will move you forward and make you better.
God includes Rahab the prostitute, and Ruth the Moabites in the story. Good news, is God includes you!
God has accepted you!
Will you accept Jesus?
The irony of the name of Elimilech is it means God is King, yet he led his family out of God’s promises. Over 2,000 years later God shows up to Bethlehem in a manger. God is reminding us again that He is king! Unto us a child a is born…Jesus is King!
Don’t let your twisted past keep you from Jesus!
