Dalton Conley, a sociologist at New York University, and his wife, Natalie Jeremijenko, have two children. Several years ago, they sought permission from the city to change their 5-year-old son’s name to Yo Xing Heyno Augustus Eisner Alexander Weiser Knuckles Jeremijenko-Conley. Actually, a lot of that name was already his, but his parents added three of the middle names. They had specific reasons for each one.

I believe that God had specific reasons for the names He included in the beginning of Matthew’s gospel. It may seem like a long, boring list of meaningless names, but those names served at least two purposes. First, they provided the framework by which true Hebrews could establish their family roots and maintain religious purity against outside influences. Second, the names reflected the sovereign work of God. They revealed God’s dealings in the past, which resulted in the birth of the Messiah. The Lord used all kinds of people in Jesus’ lineage—farmers, kings, a prostitute, adulterers, liars. When we read this list, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness.

As you think about being a part of God’s family by faith in Christ, remember His faithfulness to you and His desire to use you to bring about His purposes.  — Marvin Williams