“This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ . . . When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.” (Matthew 1:18-21, 24-25, NLT)
“After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,’ the angel said. ‘Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’ That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death.” (Matthew 2:13-15, NLT)
Joseph devised the best plan he could, which was to divorce Mary quietly. He didn’t want to make a scene or disgrace Mary. Perhaps he feared the public scandal and shame that would fall on them and the child Mary was carrying. If he married her, others would likely assume he had slept with Mary and would accuse him of a sin he wasn’t guilty of.
There were many reasons to break off the relationship; but God had different plans.
As careful and considerate as Joseph’s plan was, God wanted more. He wanted Joseph to be Mary’s wife. He wanted him to be Jesus’ father on earth. The Lord planned for Joseph to be an integral part of this holy family.
This plan wasn’t clean, or quiet, or pretty. It was risky and scandalous. In following God, Joseph and Mary found themselves in a messy situation. They were willing to be accused of wrongs they did not commit for the sake of the Lord’s salvation strategy.
Joseph was obedient. Simply yet scarily obedient.
He followed God faithfully, trusting in whatever the angel told him and heeding the warnings in his dreams.
He didn’t question or object, but submitted in full and quick compliance. He followed instructions word for word and step by step.
Though there was much danger involved, Joseph and Mary had no need to fear being killed or cast out. God was with them, and He blessed their obedience.
Going after your King and trusting His plans may put you in scary situations, but you are never unsafe when you are in your Father’s will. It may feel that way. It may appear so. However, the Lord will always protect you on the path He leads you through.
Are you willing to risk it all in order to obey Jesus? Will you trust Him unshakably? Will you let Him direct your life and follow Him no matter what it looks like?
You can be a Joseph. You can be a Mary. All you have to do is believe God’s promises and trust His leading. When you surrender all for the sake of His Kingdom, you’ll see Him do mighty works through your life.
You have the capability to make an incredible impact on the world. Are you willing to embrace the life Jesus has for you?
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