Day 174

2 Chronicles 8–9 | Matthew 1

⸻

Some names make headlines.

Others make history.

But most don’t make it past the family group text.

And that’s exactly the kind of people God loves to use.

Open to Matthew 1 and you’ll find a list most of us skim.

But don’t skip it. Because tucked into that genealogy are stories of scandal, shame, and surprising grace.

And tucked into that scroll of names?

Tamar.

Rahab.

Ruth.

Bathsheba.

Women who weren’t supposed to be there—by law, by bloodline, by reputation.

And yet God writes them into the lineage of Christ.

Not as mistakes.

Not as footnotes.

But as proof that He redeems what others reject.

This list isn’t clean or curated.

It’s messy. It’s awkward. It’s honest.

Just like the people it represents.

And just like the people He still chooses.

Gold Fades. Grace Stays.

Meanwhile in 2 Chronicles, Solomon is at the peak of his power.

Gold shields. Lavish palaces. A reputation that spans continents.

Even the Queen of Sheba travels far to hear his wisdom firsthand—and leaves breathless.

But Solomon doesn’t last.

His legacy crumbles. His kingdom fractures.

And by the end of the chapter, we’re reminded that human greatness is always temporary.

Here’s the contrast Scripture wants us to see:

Solomon was remembered for what he built.

But the names in Matthew 1 were remembered for what God redeemed.

One left behind wealth.

The others left behind a witness.

And in the end, that’s the story that matters.

Forgettable Isn’t the Same as Fruitless

This morning, I begin a five-day adventure as the Vacation Bible School leader for a group of eight wild, sweaty, unpredictable 5th and 6th grade boys.

It’s going to be loud.

It’s going to be messy.

And I have no idea what each day will bring.

But I know what I’m praying for.

Because while I may be forgettable…

While I may never make headlines, earn awards, or be remembered for what I once built…

I just want my name to echo in the hearts of these eight boys for eternity.

Not because I’m memorable.

But because I was an arrow—one God used to point them to Jesus.

And really? That’s the prayer for all of us.

Whether you’re teaching Sunday school or changing diapers.

Writing emails or checking in on aging parents.

Washing dishes or counseling a friend through tears.

You may feel unseen.

Unnoticed. Uncelebrated. Unimpressive.

But you’re not unimportant.

Because the Redeemer born from a messy genealogy is still writing stories through messy, ordinary people.

People like me.

People like you.

You Don’t Have to Be Spectacular

You don’t need to be spectacular to be significant.

You don’t need a platform to be part of God’s plan.

You just need to belong to the One whose grace rewrites stories.

Because the gospel doesn’t need polish.

It needs people.

Broken ones. Forgotten ones. Flawed and forgettable ones.

People like Tamar.

People like Bathsheba.

People like you.

People like me.

Celebrate the Right Story

So celebrate today—not because your name is known, but because your name is written.

Not because your story is clean, but because His grace is greater.

Not because you’re flawless, but because Jesus came from a family like yours—to save a family like mine.

⸻

Lord, thank You that I don’t have to be impressive to be used. Make me faithful where You’ve placed me—even in the chaos and the unknown of a week ahead. Let these boys see more than me—let them see You. And may my name, forgotten on earth, echo forever in heaven—not because of who I am, but because of who You are. Amen.