Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-25 and Genesis 3:15
Review: Genesis 3:15 is the first announcement of God's plan to send a virgin-born King to restore the earth as a place where His rule is fully honored and obeyed. The elements of God's original announcement show up in the account Matthew gives of the exchange between Joseph and an angel of the Lord regarding the birth of a son to Mary. For example, Genesis 3:15 clearly points to humanity being divided into two sides as a result of the Fall: (1) the side of the serpent and its offspring; and (2) the side of the woman and her offspring. The rest of the Bible tells the story of what happens between the sides as God works His plan to send the virgin-born King. In Matthew's account of Jesus' birth, the angel refers to the two sides when he tells Joseph to "call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins" (1:21). The expression, his people, implies two groups: (1) those who belong to Jesus; and (2) those who don't. Those who belong to Jesus through faith are on the side of the woman and her offspring. Those who don't are on the side of the serpent and its offspring. The determining factor is whether or not there is faith in Jesus.
Reflection Question: Which side are you on? Since everyone begins life on the side of the serpent and its offspring, what testimony can you give of your "switching" to the side of the woman and her offspring, making one of "his people"?
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