But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” …….Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: Matthew 1 :21,22,24
When we read of Jesus miraculous conception, we often focus on Mary, but today God opened my eyes to see how very important Joseph was in this plan. Jesus earthly linage is traced through Joseph. Joseph was a man of honor who was concerned with Mary’s reputation and determined not to cause her to be disgraced. They were betrothed and their marriage was a good as done and required a divorce Joseph thought he should divorce Mary but paused to give it some thought.
While contemplating the situation an angel appeared to him. Guess what his first words were? Surprise! “Do not be afraid!” Yikes! What must there be to fear? Joseph was assured that taking Mary as his wife was the best thing to do. He was even given the name of the child and a word of prophecy about this child. WOW!
God must have thought as much about Joseph’s character as He did Mary’s. After all, in that culture the man was head of his wife. Joseph obeyed God and was given the privilege of teaching Jesus about God (humanly speaking) and the trade of carpentry. He got to name Jesus…what an honor!!!
This speaks to me about having to know all the details and the end results before I obey when God speaks to me. I have never seen and angel, but I have experienced the words, “Do not be afraid.” If I obey, even when I don’t humanly understand the circumstances and have all the details, I too can be used to accomplish my part of God’s great plan. It is both sobering and exciting to be a part of God’s plan of salvation for those around me.
How about you? Have you ever heard those sobering, yet exciting words. Reminds me of the passage in Isaiah….
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Dear Father, thank You for all the Josephs and Marys down through the ages who were obedient so that we could hear and be a part of the Good News and experience Your great forgiveness and redemption!! Thank You for those who have obeyed when they did not fully understand. Help us to obey Your voice when we do not understand even when others question the logic of our obedience. Thank You for opening our eyes to Joseph and the great honor bestowed upon Him as a great man of God and earthy father of Jesus.
Journey with Joyce 