Today’s Scripture Passage: Matthew 1.
- We’re super excited to examine the life of Jesus in the Gospels together, with an internal 90 Days in the Gospel.
- I want to encourage you to read the chapter (or listen to it’s audio Bible chapter). Let’s start with Matthew 1:
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.” ~ Matthew 1:18-19
Each time I read this story, I imagine the kind of man Joseph was, and I get to understand why God probably chose such a man to be the earthly father of Jesus.
Imagine getting ready to marry, and your sweet and lovely beloved is pregnant for someone else (Mary would have been stoned to death if he had gone public with this).
- You see, Joseph is described as a “just man.” He was a person of moral integrity and righteousness.
- We also see his compassion and empathy towards Mary, as he was not willing to make her a “public example.”
How many of such empathy and mercy exist after being disappointed? Rare don’t you think?
- He planned to call off the engagement quietly and avoid bringing shame (even death) upon Mary. What a man!
- Joseph handled the situation with such kindness and discretion, rather than seeking retribution or punishment for Mary’s perceived unfaithfulness.
- In his hurt, pain, and confusion, he thought and considered things (v20). Now, his righteousness got to his wit’s end (so we know our righteousness or our thinking is limited).
But because he was thinking and considering things, it allowed God to have a chance to communicate His ultimate plans to Joseph and guide him.
Even before God came in, Joseph first thought of Mary; not to shame her. That is God’s definition of a righteous person: one who loves others and considers them above himself or his current situation.
- How do you react to situations around you?
- How do you react to pain caused by others or fear rising in you?
- Find time to dig into the scripture, sit and think (meditate) about it, and allow God to direct your life.
- I pray that as we do this, may we also have angelic visitations and Holy Spirit revelations!
“Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.” (v24-25)
- Joseph was also a man God could count on; He obeyed the voice of God fully and did what God commanded him to do.
- Can you be commanded? Can you take instructions and live them out fully, as though they were your original life plan or dream?
- Or will God have to diplomatically ask you to do things and beg you to live for Him?
- Jesus said, “If you love me, consider my suggestions… No!!! If you love me, obey my commands! Then He said, “a new command I give you…”
- From Jesus’ words, love is obedience, and obedience is love. God requires humble people He can use for His ultimate plan.
- Dear friend, let us get off our high horses and be humble; be submissive to instructions and commands.
Like Joseph, can we also make sacrifices for God’s sake? Precious and difficult sacrifices just because of God’s purpose and plan for our lives?
I do not believe God specifically asked Joseph not to sleep with his legal wife Mary (at least the angel didn’t say). But Joseph understood that he had to make some tough sacrifices for Jesus’s sake.
- One lady in our church gave her testimony and said, “When I saw my picture on the church’s evangelism flyer, I decided I can’t continue my lifestyle of clubbing, etc.”
- This change and sacrifice led her to salvation and a start of a greater life and purpose in God.
- Dear friend, if the world can’t seem to deny themselves (sexual purity; delayed gratification; discipleship) and make sacrifices for the sake of the kingdom, may it not be you and I.
- We will be difference-makers in our generation and God will find us ready and worthy to fulfill His plans and purposes.
Hey, you're blessed and highly favoured and dearly loved!
☆ IG/X/FB: @awg_devotional