2022 Sure Footing Reading Plan
in the Gospel of Matthew
Day 1 of 58, January 3
Scripture
‘So there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen generations from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen generations from the exile to Babylon to the Christ. ‘
Matthew 1:17
https://my.bible.com/bible/37/MAT.1.17
Observation
I often overlook this chapter because it is full of names that I can barely pronounce. However, there is a beautiful symmetry. I must slow down and pay attention.
Fourteen generations multiplied 3 times.
14 = 7 x 2
Two is the biblical number for union, meaning the union of God and humanity through Jesus Christ (incarnation).
Seven is the number of completeness as God rested on the seventh day, and saw that it was good.
Therefore, 14 represents the fulfillment of perfect unity through the incarnation of God in the flesh through Jesus Christ.
Subsequently, 3 is number that corresponds to resurrection. Jesus lay in the tomb for 3 days. It also a number that represents ancestry as in the Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Thus, 3 in this context means redemption through ancestry.
Lastly, 42 is a more obscure reference, but I believe it to be an allusion to Numbers 33, referring to 42 wanderings of the children of Israel until they reach the Promised Land 40 years after the Exodus, and after nearly an entire generation dies off.
In my take on biblical numerology, this is the equation:
7 (fulfillment) X 2 (unity) x 3 (ancestry) = 42 (wandering)
Meaning:
God fulfills unity through the lineage leading to Jesus, overcoming past wanderings.
Application
Before I turn to the future, I should examine my past to discover the lessons of my ancestors and the appreciate the work of God in past generations.
Prayer
God of our ancestors, deliver us from our wandering into union with you through your Son Jesus Christ. In your holy name I pray. Amen.