Who doesn't love a good scandal?
Okay, so I know that the good Baptist girl in us probably won't be raising our hands and admitting to this... but the world loves a good scandal. Don't believe me? Just try checking out at the grocery store or going Yahoo.com or watching the news- scandal sells. The world loves to build a person up, just to tear that person down. Satan loves it, too. I am speaking from personal experience. Do you know the feeling?
My early 20's played out like something a reality show on MTV. In other words- SCANDAL. Satan was having a hay-day with me, whispering words of pride into my ears... building me up for the fall that would inevitably happen. Too bad for him, I fell right into the arms of my Savior and I haven't looked back since.
You see, once I picked up my Bible I began to read about women like myself- scandalous women. I only meant to share one with you today, but there are just too many to choose from. (Pretty wild, huh?)
The book of Matthew in the Bible included five women in the genealogy of Christ. This is notable since it was not customary for Jews to include women in their records. Even more remarkable is the fact that Matthew included some scandalous women.
The descriptions of these women could easily be the headline for a tabloid magazine-
Tamar (Genesis 38:6-30)- Diguised herself as a prostitute, seduced her Father-in-Law and bore his child.
Rahab (Joshua 2:1-24)- A prostitue who risked her life to hide spies.
Ruth (The Book of Ruth)- A foriegner, so desperate for a husband that she is willing to sleep at his feet.
Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-27)- Commits adultary with the King, who then has her husband murdered.
Mary (Matthew 1:30-36)- A virgin who claims to be pregnant with the Messiah.
All of these women were used by specifially by God for His glory, despite the circumstances. He can do the same for you. All He asks is that you repent from your sin and follow Him. He can give you beauty for your ashes.
My life verse is-
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20
Don't let your past keep you from your future. God wants to use YOU!!! Despite all of the scandal.
I'll close with another video. The song is 'I Am New' by Jason Gray. It's my anthem. I hope it encourages you as much as it has me.
