Roots

Matthew 1:1-17

This whole passage is a list of the ancestors of Jesus. Matthew, the author of the book (although he doesn't take credit anywhere that I know of), has divided the genealogy into three lists of fourteen generations. This is likely a literary device more than an accurate division (but I could be wrong about that). I know that seven in the Bible often references completeness or holiness so perhaps Matthew is saying that the genealogy of Jesus is complete or whole.
Matthew also includes the names of two women and references another without mentioning her name. The names of the two women he includes are foreigners (Rahab and Ruth) and the one he references was involved in adultery with King David. He also mentions Mary at the end of the passage as being the husband of Joseph and the mother of Jesus. It is interesting to me that he doesn't name Bathsheba and that, besides Mary, all the women mentioned are quite closely connected to David.
I can't think of much practical application from this passage. It does remind me of the sovreignty of God: even in the failings of so many of the people included in this list, God was at work to bring out the human lineage of the Messiah according to the prophecies that were made. Even though Satan tried desperately to corrupt the royal line, God preserved his people so that his plan would be fulfilled. If God's plan is to draw people to himself, I can move past my failures with humble confidence and continue my ministry without stress or fear. God's plan depends on God and not on my efforts. This doesn't excuse me from working hard and making plans. It doesn't excuse my sin and failure. It just means that I don't have to be defeated by my failure and that I don't have to take the responsibility of success on myself. God, help me to be faithful to what you have called me to do and to take responsibility for what you have given me - nothing more and nothing less.