Tag: Joseph

God’s Grace in the Stable for Us!

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Today’s scripture reminds us of God’s infinite grace towards us.

Luke 2:6-7 “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.“

Why did I choose Grace as God’s attribute for this part of the Christmas Story? God is gracious and kind to those who do not deserve it. God longs to forgive His people, and reached out to us with the offer of salvation. God is compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. God shows grace to all people and gives good gifts even to those who do not love Him. He is the giver of life and brings families, sunshine, rain, music and hope to all mankind.

God in His grace brought Jesus into this world to save us from our sins and reconcile us to Himself. We did nothing to deserve this, but God in His love sent Jesus for us. Romans 5:8 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He sent Jesus to live among us to we could know more about God and learn to trust in Him more fully. He did that even though we were indeed sinners without hope. When I think of his humble birth, in a stable, I am overwhelmed by His love for me. He came and lived here among us in our sin-filled world, suffered and died to I could live in faith believing and knowing His love and care.

God’s grace abounded towards Mary and Joseph that night. There were no rooms to be had but a stable was provided. They were warm and safe as Mary delivered Jesus. There was even a manger, cradle, for Mary to use. God was with them on the journey and was there with them in the stable. John 1:14 tells us Jesus was filled with God’s grace, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” That night in the stable, the grace of God came to us!

Where have you seen God’s grace in your life? Ephesians 2:8-9 gives us a place to start, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” and Romans 3:24 “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Martin Luther discovered God’s grace in Romans and transformed the thinking of His day. My faith and salvation are a gift I did not deserve them and are given by and through God’s gracious heart towards me. The hope we have in Christ is transforming and causes us to live for Him and with Him. In Romans 12:6 Paul reminds us that because of God’s grace towards us, He has given us gifts through His indwelling Holy Spirit, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.”

So how are you using the gifts God has given you through faith in Jesus? Are you seeking to use your gifts of teaching, speaking, writing, helping, carrying or counseling, etc. for His glory? When we use our gifts for His work He blesses us with his love and grace. John 1:16 tells us through faith we receive grace constantly from Him, “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” God is constantly blessing us with his unmerited favor which is His grace.

As you go about this busy season, look at things more carefully and see where God’s gracious hand is upon you. It may be in a smile, a welcoming friend, a song, an unexpected gift, but we are blessed by Him each and everyday! God is with you in your ‘stable’ when there was no room at the inn. Rest in Him and know He is with you and loves you!

Linda

Have a Safe Journey with Protector God

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Have you ever considered God’s perfect timing with the events in history? Today’s scripture tells us how God manipulated the scene to make sure that His Son would be born in Bethlehem. The prophet Micah had foretold years before that Messiah would come from Bethlehem. “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” Daniel reminds us of how God orchestrates events to His will in Daniel 2:21“He changes times and seasons;  he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;” God moved Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in an amazing way.

Luke 2:1-5 “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.”

Compelled by the governor’s decree, Joseph and Mary set out for Bethlehem. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 70 miles if they had been able to go in a straight line, but they would have gone around Samaria to avoid hostile Samaritans and through the hill country. The journey would have been arduous for Mary in late stages of pregnancy and the estimated 90 miles would have been on foot or riding a donkey. I marvel at God’s protection for this journey that was upon Mary, Joseph and the unborn baby Jesus. God protected them and He is our protector too.

God protection is evident so many stories in the Bible. God protected David as he fled from King Saul’s hatred and desire to kill him. God protected the Israelites in the desert for 40 years providing them with manna to eat, water and guidance with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. God protected Ruth as she gleaned in the fields and met her kinsman redeemer in Boaz. God protected Paul as he was shipwrecked, beaten, flogged, jailed, etc. God desires that His work continue and will always see it to completion. We have God’s promise in Philippians 1:6 to cling to,“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Psalm 121 puts His protection this way:
“I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.

Psalm 91, which is often referred to as God’s 911 calling number, and is one I often claim: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust. 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.“

God is our protector and deliverer just as He was for Mary and Joseph as they journeyed towards Bethlehem. He saw them safely there. He will walk with you through life’s trials, seeing you safely home to Him one day.

Linda

Promises Give Power for Living

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Today I want to look at the two portions of scripture where the angel delivers the messages from God to both Mary and Joseph. We can compare what is told to each and marvel at how specific God is about this coming child.

Luke 1:31-35 “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.

Matthew 1:21-23 “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,  and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).“

Both Mary and Joseph are told that the child will be God’s son, he will be a descendant of David, he would be born of a virgin and he will be called Jesus which means God with us. All of these things had been prophesied in the Old Testament about the coming Messiah. Both of them would have been familiar with the scripture and must have marveled at how God keeps His Word. Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born,  to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder,     and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 11:10 “In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.” Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Matthew 1:16 “and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.” All those things foretold about Jesus came to pass, and we can trust those things still future to us will be done as well. We know that God is and always will be a Promise Keeper. That which God say will come to pass and His will cannot be thwarted. Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

I love 2 Corinthians 2:20 “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” and 2 Peter 1:3-4 “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” God has given us His great and precious promises so that we can know and trust Him fully. We can count upon His promises as all God promises are true.

I find God’s promises to be very powerful in my life. The knowledge of God’s promises give me power and assurance for living each day. Here are a few of my favorites that you can claim too! Deuteronomy 31:6 when I am experiencing fear or feeling lonely, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” When things seem bleak and I can’t see how things will work out, I claim the truth of Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” When I am up against the world and need Jesus, I claim 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” God’s Word has power and helps us to live strong committed lives depending upon Him!

Be Assured along with Mary and Joseph that God is a Promise Keeper!

Linda

Where do You Go for Guidance? Joseph looked to God!

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I love today’s scripture as it speaks to me of the guidance of God. Often we pray to God when in difficult circumstances, seeking His wisdom and direction. God tells us in James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Well, Joseph found himself in a difficult position. He was betrothed to Mary which in their culture was more than an engagement as legal papers had been signed, and they were considered man and wife. Though they had not been together, as having relations during this waiting period was considered immoral. They could not sever this binding agreement except though divorce. Joseph was torn between causing shame for Mary by denouncing her or quietly divorcing her. Joseph needed guidance.

Luke 1:18-25 “ Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

God intervened by providing an angelic dream to guide Joseph. He gave him many reasons to follow His leading: Mary’s son was conceived by the Holy Spirit – not by relations with a man, so she had not broken her vows, her son would be the one to save Israel from their sins- the long awaited Messiah, the babe would be God in the flesh come down to earth to bless and be with mankind, and his name would be Jesus-God with us. What a persuasive list presented by the angel! Joseph followed God’s guidance immediately and took Mary as his wife.

How have you known God as your guide? Being our guide, God lead us in the way we should go. His word teaches us how we are to live and think. He gives us the Holy Spirit to indwell us through our faith in Jesus which allows us to know His voice and follow Him. Jesus told us in John 10:4 “When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” We can trust God’s guidance, for without His direction we will surely stumble and fall like people in the dark.

Some of the most beloved scriptures focus on God as our guide. Psalm 23:2-3 “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 25:5 “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;  I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.” John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” You can depend upon God’s guidance in all situations be they simple or complex like Joseph’s. God is good and will faithfully show us the way. We need to remember Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God is high and lifted up, holy and perfect. We can always trust in His guidance. His ways are truth for our lives. We may not fully understand God and His ways, but we can trust them to be sure and perfect.

Be bold this week and seek God’s guidance through prayer and in the Word. Then let your boldness show your trust as you walk with Him in faith!

Linda

Advent Day 25, How Much We Have in JESUS

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This Christmas Day our scripture is from Matthew 1:18-23. This passage recalls the angel’s appearance to Joseph and the revelation that Mary, his betrothed, was to bear the son of God, the Messiah. Let the familiar words cause you to reflect on the place Jesus has in your life.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).“

What does it mean that God is with us? How much God must love us to send His son to dwell with us and die for our redemption? Without Jesus, we would still be stuck in our sinful nature and subject to God’s wrath. Without Jesus, we would not know the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit in our lives through faith. Without Jesus, we would be lost and without hope.

Thank you God for sending Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-6 captures our hope in Jesus. “ But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Thank you Jesus for coming to save us.

May you have a blessed Christmas as you remember how much we have in Jesus!

Linda

Advent Day 24, A Journey, A Birth, A Heavenly Chorus

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Today we come to the Christmas Eve story of the birth of Jesus. I marvel each time I read this passage at the protection, the provision and the majesty of God that we see in these words. Luke 2:1-20

The journey for Mary and Joseph at the decreed of the government was used by God to reposition Mary and Joseph to be in Bethlehem for Jesus’ birth as foretold by the prophets hundreds of years before. “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.  God protected them on the road, made it possible for Mary to withstand the journey on a donkey and brought them into Bethlehem for the birth.

The birth of Jesus was timed perfectly as God provided a place for them to stay, when there was nothing available, and provided for the delivery of the child. “6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.“

After the birth, God joyously announced the arrival of His Son to the lowly shepherds watching their flocks just outside Bethlehem. “ And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Having received the glorious news the shepherds wanted to see this child for themselves. “15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.“

Do you seek to see Jesus yourself during this Advent season? Do you identify with the journey and how God provided? God can and will do similar things in our lives if we know Jesus. Knowing Jesus is the key to life and happiness as he brings love and peace into our hearts.

I pray this Christmas Eve story finds a special place in your heart today.

Linda

Do You Hear Yourselves? What Are You Thinking?

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Acts Chapters 6 and 7 focuses on the story of Stephen, a prominent leader in the Jerusalem church. Scripture describes him as “full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.“ The opposition arose against Stephen from within and from foreign influences and they decided to bring him up on charges of wanting to destroy the Temple and change the customs of Moses. In Chapter 7, Stephen gives his eloquent response to their charges. Actually, it is one of my favorites as Stephen gives a short concise review of the Israelites journey with God. He goes from Abraham, to Isaac and Jacob, to the selling of Joseph into slavery, Pharoah’s treatment of Joseph and God’s favor upon the family of Joseph. Later, he includes the 400 years in captivity in Egypt, Moses’ killing of an Egyptian and fleeing to Midian, God appearing the Moses in the Burning Bush and commissioning him to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt. He tells about the 40 years in the wilderness, conquest of Canaan, David as king then Solomon and his building of the temple. In Acts 7: 51-53 Stephen turns to the leaders and accuses them of persecuting the prophets and rejecting and killing the Righteous One. “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.” It was a valid complaint as they were calling themselves righteous and holy because they kept the ‘law’ but were actually hypocrites. Stephen’s forthright accusations were too much for the leaders and they called for him to be stoned.

As Stephen was being stoned, scripture gives us a glimpse of this scene, 54-56 “ Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Scripture also records the presence of the Saul, later to be Paul the Apostle. Stephen’s words undoubtedly had an effect upon Saul. “7:59-8:1 “And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 8 And Saul approved of his execution.”

Why does this story of the stoning of Stephen have such an effect on me? The accusations were false and he was innocent. No one likes to see the innocent punished. Stephen was learned and delivered his impassioned plea with eloquence and logical reasoning and yet he was rejected. One must always be aware and cautious of not responding to a ‘mobs’ mentality’ or just going along with the crowd. Jesus calls us to think and be wise and discerning. We are to test false teacher against the Word of God. We can never know how much of an impact Stephen’s testimony and death had upon Saul. I’m sure he remembered Stephen’s word and the look upon his face as he look upon God in heaven.

I encourage you to read these chapters again for yourself. Stephen’s words speak to us today.

Linda

Joseph a Man of Commitment

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Yesterday I looked into Joseph being the right man for God at the right time. His character was godly and he cared deeply for Mary and did not want to damage her reputation. God affirmed Mary in his eyes as He revealed to him the child was to be of God and that they together had a mission to perform for Him. Today’s passage looks at the vision God gave Joseph and the reassurances he needed to step out in faith and trust in God alone. Matthew 1:20-25

 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Joseph was considering what to do about their situation and God’s timing was perfect when He appeared to him in a dream. He assured him it was right to go ahead and take Mary as his wife. He assured him that the child was of God and they would call him Jesus. The baby was the fulfillment of scripture concerning the virgin birth from Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Joseph, being a godly Jew, would have been familiar with this prophesy concerning the coming Messiah. God also gave him a significant reasons to move forward, as this coming child would be God coming down to them. He would be dwelling with them physically and He would save them from their sins.  Joseph was convinced and trusted God to work out all the details. He got up and did what the angel said and too Mary as his wife. Out of respect for God and the baby Mary was carrying, he waited to make Mary fully his wife until she had delivered Jesus.

God had His hand upon Joseph in a mighty way. He assured him, guided his thoughts, affirmed the truth of the situation but left the commitment to Joseph. God wants us to desire to serve Him with our whole heart, mind, will and devotion. Joseph stepped up and followed through for God. How about you? Do you lack commitment and resolve in godly matters? Ask God for reassurance and to speak to your thoughts and affirm what you are to do. Then stepping out will be easier than you think.

Linda

Third Sunday of Advent, Shepherd’s Candle

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Today is the lighting of the third candle in the Advent wreath. It is called the Shepherd’s candle and represents joy. During the lighting the story is told of the angels appearing to the shepherds announcing the birth of the Christ child and where He could be found. Joy is contagious and once the arrival of the Messiah was proclaimed the shepherds wanted to find the child and worship Him. May you feel that same joy today and may it draw you closer to the Savior.

This next week we will be riding to Bethlehem on a donkey, be looking for room at an inn, seeing shepherds in their fields and rejoicing with angels. Here are some words of JOY for today as we worship.

Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
    let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may exult in you.”

Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Luke 2:10 “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

Romans 10:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

May we be filled with the joy of the Lord today as we continue to anticipate the coming of the Christ child who brought freedom from bondage to sin through His life, death and resurrection.

Linda

Joseph- right line at the right time!

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Joseph, at last we get to his part of the story. His genealogy is presented by Matthew in Chapter 1. He was of the line of David, as was Mary. It was foretold that Jesus would come from the line of David although it was not known until his birth that it would be a miraculous birth. Matthew lists Joseph’s father as being a descendent in David’s line. Matthew 1:16-17 “and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.” It was important for Matthew begin with Jesus’ birth line as prophecy specifically said the Messiah would come from David’s line and be born in Bethlehem, David’s ancestral home. Both of these were true of Jesus “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,  though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micha 5:2  With this beginning, Matthew establishes Jesus’ credibility through Joseph’s story recorded in Matthew 1:18-21. 

 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

What can we tell about Joseph from this story? He was a believing Jew who sought to please God by following the law. He was also a compassionate man as he did not want to expose Mary, the girl he loved, to public reticule. He was a thinker, slow to react and not prone to rash decisions. Isn’t that the kind of person you would like to know and be associated with? Joseph was steady and reliable, seeking to do what was kind and right.

What can we tell about God from Joseph’s story? The Lord knew he was not a rash, impulsive man and would deliberate about the consequences of his actions. He allowed him time to think and consider before revealing the true nature of Mary’s condition. God sent an angelic messenger in a dream to Joseph to impress upon his mind that which he should do. God cleared her name and character in Joseph’s mind. God gave him a godly reason and mission by being the future father of the Messiah. God did not tell him everything, m but enough to convince him that marrying Mary was the right thing to do. How like God to give motivation and assurance to activate Joseph’s faith and cause Joseph to trust in Him. 

God is always trustworthy and He keeps all His promises.

Linda