BIG IDEA || To redeem the people he loves, God made a plan and kept his promises. In their public prayer, God reveals his . Ruth 4:11-12 (NLT) 11 Then the elders and all the people standing in the gate replied, “We are witnesses! May the Lord make this woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, from whom all the nation of Israel descended! May you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 12 And may the Lord give you descendants by this young woman who will be like those of our ancestor Perez, the son of Tamar and Judah.” Ruth 4:20–22 (NLT) Perez was the father of Hezron. …21 Salmon was the father of Boaz. Boaz was the father of Obed. 22 Obed was the father of Jesse. Jesse was the father of David. Genesis 3:15 (NLT) 2 Samuel 7:12–16 (NLT) 12 For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. 13 He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. 15 But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. 16 Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’ “ Executing His divine plan, God keeps his . Q: What if there’s written evidence God kept this promise? Matthew 1:1–17 (NLT) Matthew 1:17 (NLT) 17 All those listed above include fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah. Genesis 12:1–3 (NLT) The Call of Abram The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” Galatians 3:14 (NLT) Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, … So what now? Be encouraged. Be thankful. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION — Paused for the Summer —