Genesis 19:37 tells us that Lot’s older daughter gave birth to a son and named him Moab. He is the father of the Moabites of today1. The Moabites were a people who often opposed and oppressed the Israelites, God’s chosen people. They worshiped false gods and led Israel into sin and idolatry. They were enemies of God and his people.
But there is another son mentioned in the same verse. The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi. He is the father of the Ammonites of today1. The Ammonites were also a people who fought against Israel and worshiped idols. They were also enemies of God and his people.
These two sons, Moab and Ben-Ammi, were the result of a sinful and shameful act by Lot and his daughters. They were born out of incest and desperation, after they fled from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. They were the offspring of a broken and dysfunctional family.
But God, in his grace and mercy, did not abandon these two sons. He did not reject them or curse them. He had a plan and a purpose for them. He had a promise for them.
In the book of Ruth, we read that a Moabite woman named Ruth married an Israelite man named Boaz. She became the great-grandmother of King David, and an ancestor of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. God used a Moabite woman to bring forth the Messiah, the hope of all nations.
In the book of Jeremiah, we read that God sent a message to the Ammonites. He said, “I will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites in days to come, declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 49:6). God promised to bless and restore the Ammonites, to show them his compassion and kindness.
These two sons, Moab and Ben-Ammi, remind us that God can redeem and transform anyone, no matter how sinful or hopeless their situation may seem. They remind us that God can use anyone, no matter how broken or flawed their family may be. They remind us that God loves everyone, no matter how hostile or rebellious they may be.
God is the God of grace and mercy. He is the God of hope and restoration. He is the God of love and forgiveness. He is the God of Moab and Ben-Ammi. He is the God of you and me.
God can use anyone for his glory, no matter their background or circumstances.
The story of a Tale of two sons shows us that God can redeem and transform anyone, no matter how sinful or hopeless their situation may seem. Moab and Ben-Ammi were the result of a sinful and shameful act by Lot and his daughters, but God used them to bring forth Ruth and the Ammonites, who were part of his plan and promise.
Life inspiring conclusions:
God’s grace is greater than our sin. No matter what we have done or where we have been, God can forgive us and restore us to a right relationship with him. He can turn our mess into a message, and our test into a testimony.
God’s purpose is bigger than our problems. No matter what we face or how we feel, God can work all things together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. He can use our pain for his gain, and our trials for his triumph.
God’s love is stronger than our hate. No matter who we are or who we encounter, God can help us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. He can break down the walls of hostility and division, and build bridges of peace and reconciliation.
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