Lists.

So this afternoon I watched this podcast from my church back in Los Angeles on Matthew 1:1-17 which when I first looked at the scripture thought "Yuck this will be boring. Just a bunch of names listed off." But after watching the podcast I was humbled and amazed at how important reading and reflecting on the list really is.

We spend so much time trying to get on the "right" list and be perceived in the right or perfect way. We are a society of lists. After 30 minutes into the podcast I realized the importance of this list in Matthew. It's not about "hiding" or leaving names off a list, like someone people do today in society, but sharing the truth. Not everyone is perfect and some of the people in the list did some sinful things and where sinned against. But that's why Jesus came. He came for people like this. The sinners and outcasts. Those who had nowhere to go or where left out. What a blessing!

These types of people are included in this list in order to show God's Faithfulness and Intervention. He saved us with the birth of Jesus and intervened when all hope was(is) lost.

This humbled me because too many times I am thinking of what others think of me, or how they see me. Am I a jock? Am I quiet? Am I a pushover? How do you see me? Is that a good thing or bad thing? Then how do I change? But Jesus came to save us and it is HIS list that only matters. How he sees me--Perfect. His grace is a blessing and hard to accept sometimes but it's the truth and best gift one can give me.

Then at the end of the podcast Pastor Tim explained that so many older Christians are afraid of what others think of them. That their life should be perfect and they are right. While young Christians are blatantly blunt. That while the older Christian may judge or look down upon their cursing during a prayer, for example, it should be their job to help them. The older Christians should open up and share their short comings to help the younger Christians, while rejoice that the younger Christians are so open and confessing theirs.

Grace isn't a one time thing. Life is a struggle, we are constantly sinning and in need of grace. So we should help and reach out to others. Show them the grace of God. We are all brothers and sisters of God. So share your short comings without trying to cover them up (doctoring our 'lists') and ask for help to accept the grace and forgiveness given by our Lord.

Stop trying to legitimize yourselves but accept the Forgiveness and Grace given by our Almighty Lord!