CONFESSIONS OF A NOBODY
- Key Verse
This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham… Ram was the father of Amminadab. Amminadab was the father of Nahshon. Nahshon was the father of Salmon…. All those listed above include fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah. (Matt. 1:1, 4, 17, NLT)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
God values and extends purpose to every person.
Reflections
I’ve realized that I am a normal human being, just one surrounded by billions. Many times, I wonder, “What's my purpose?” I see so many other people around me (probably wondering the same thing) that I can’t imagine how my purpose could have any significance. Ram, Amminadab, and Salmon probably wondered as well. They were all normal humans. They probably wanted to leave some sort of a legacy. However, they didn't do anything worthy of the history books. Their names are only mentioned in genealogies – no accolades, no heroic deeds, nor any evil deeds. All we know are their names.
Jesus’ genealogy is filled with great people of faith, prestige, and influence. Even thousands of years later, most people can still recognize at least a few of these names, like King David, Abraham, and Solomon. So what are Ram, Amminadab, and Salmon doing in Jesus’ lineage? They were just normal human beings. They did nothing of lasting impact and yet God thought them important enough to include in Jesus’ ancestry.
He used nobodies to bring the Messiah into the world.
God doesn't measure us by our achievements, looks, or even our failures. He simply values us because He created us. And He chooses to give us purpose for each day, for each moment.
God values you.
May you, in turn, value each day and each person you encounter in 2010, continually giving thanks to God for his unconditional love. For “someone who stands under the bright lights of history will never, in God’s eyes, outshine the humble attractiveness of one who humbly serves God” (The Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias).
Don’t worry about the history books. Don’t worry about your name. God will reveal purpose in season. Just know that you are valued.
Who knows, God might just use you to change the world. He used Salmon, a man named after a fish… and Ram, a man named after, well a ram… He can use you too. He can fill you with purpose. Meaningful purpose.
You are valuable; you are valued. You have purpose.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you see your life as filled with purpose or do you see yourself as a “nobody?"
2. Do you treat people worthy of the value God has given to them, even if they seem like nobodies?
3. What little things can you do to affect people’s lives now? How can you show them God’s value for them?
Natalie
January 1, 2010 08:22 AM
What a great message. I used to feel like a nobody but then the Lord reminded me just what you are speaking of here, everybody has a purpose. Thank you for giving this journey a great start. God Bless you!
Terry Ewell
January 1, 2010 08:39 AM
Stephanie. Thanks for taking the first step for us on this journey. What a great devotional you have given us. No one is too insignificant for God's work. That is so true.
Rose Marie Cox
January 1, 2010 08:46 AM
Thanks for the reminder that NO ONE is a NO BODY! What a fantastic way to begin the New Year! And we ALL have purpose.
Troy Stouffer
January 1, 2010 08:51 AM
Great devotional Stephanie! Too many times we skip over the genealogy passages in the Bible, believing that these people hold no importance to us. Thank you for the reminder that no one is insignificant to our Heavenly Father.
Bob Weaber
January 1, 2010 09:17 AM
Great start to 2010 and JTJ. Thanks Stephanie!
Calla
January 1, 2010 10:55 AM
What a wonderful way to begin the new year! Thank you, Stephanie, for this uplifting message. I forwarded this devo to 12 or more family members with the hope that they will join the journey too. I look forward to the daily inspirations from my Trinity fam!
Shanti
January 1, 2010 12:26 PM
Stephanie ....Congratulations..that was a meaningful reflection...I can relate with my work as Chaplain in a hospital and also your reference to Mother Teresa on Indian soil And Ravi from India...keep up the good work.