Week One of Counting the Omer

Counting the Omer Journey: Day One

Today we begin our journey from Passover to Shavuot! Our goal is to read the entire New Covenant Scriptures from now until June 2. Like any journey let us observe landmarks and interesting places along the way. The beginning of our journey takes us to Matthew’s birth story of the Messiah. It also includes the beginning of the Ministry of Yeshua, the calling of the disciples and the Sermon on Mount. It is clear from this reading that Yeshua is identified as the Messianic King of Israel. The beginning of the Gospel of Matthew is a genealogy of Yeshua. I will make just a few observations. First, the purpose of genealogy is to place Yeshua in the context of Jewish history. If you read the extended genealogy of 1 Chronicles 1-3, you will see similarities with the Gospel of Matthew. This is no coincidence. It places Yeshua in the storyline of Israel. The genealogy in 1 Chronicles ends at the exile. Matthew’s genealogy brings us to Yeshua. Matthew’s genealogy connects the genealogy of Chronicles to Yeshua. He is called the son of Abraham at the very beginning to demonstrate that he is the fulfillment of the Messianic calling of blessing the nations. He is called the son of David because he is the fulfillment of the promise of a Messianic King.

In this genealogy we not only have a list of kings, but also famous heroes of faith such as Isaac, Jacob, Judah Ruth, Rahab, and Tamar. The Jewish readers of this Gospel from the time of its writing to today recognize these names. I can say firsthand that when I first opened the New Covenant Scriptures, I was surprised to read these names! It made me pay attention to the heritage of Yeshua. The inclusion of these names’ places Yeshua at the end and the culmination of the extensive list of Jewish heroes. Remember that some of these heroes were not Jewish and also included women. Heroes of Israel come from many places! Yeshua is indeed the greatest hero of Israel. He gives messianic meaning to all his ancestors – and all his spiritual descendants, those who embrace him as Messiah and King.

We are off to a great start! Let’s keep moving!

Blessings,

Rabbi Howard