I'm In the Book

Just the other day I was reading a book written by a friend of mine. As I read through it I came across names of several people I know! They are part of his story. I have to admit, I would love to have seen my name in his book - to have been part of his story. We all would like to think we are part of a significant story - that our lives are worth 'writing about.'

Good news! They are! We are in God's book - the ongoing story of his kingdom and his son Jesus. Matthew chapter one is not the most exciting part of the bible (the list of names of Jesus ancestors) unless you are one of those people! That list of names reminds us that Jesus birth was not a separate, unrelated event - but a continuation of all that happened and all that continues to happen in God's story. And you and I are part of the story - in fact he says our names are written in his book! When the whole story is finished and the whole 'book' published, we will find our names in the book. We are part of the ongoing story of Jesus and his work.

Another encouraging thing about the list of names in Matthew 1, is that not all of them are 'perfect' - in fact it includes a prostitute, an adulterer, and many non-illustrious characters. What hope! My life may not be perfect, but as I offer it to him, he will work it into the grand story! My life will play a part in his great continuing work.

I'm in the book!