Life Journal, November 19, 2008
Today's readings: Matthew 1-4

Faithful

Scripture

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 fiance 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 name him, Jesus.

Matthew 1.18-21, 24-25

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 2.13-14

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. "Get up!" the angel said. "Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead."

So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother. But, when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod's son Archelaus, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee.

Matthew 2.19-23a

Observation

Without questioning, Joseph listened and obeyed what God told him to do.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Joseph's faithfulness is amazing to me. He listens to God--not questioning whether it is God speaking to him or a bad case of indigestion--and he does what God tells him to do.

And, it all begins with going through with marrying Mary. She is pregnant--no one will believe him, that either he is the father or that someone else is. He has a gentle heart/spirit and looks for a way to divorce her quietly--otherwise she will be stoned. He can get his revenge. Yet, that's not what he is looking for. Then the angel comes and speaks to him and he takes her for his wife. His reputation would be shot because of his action.

Each time God spoke to Joseph,he did what he was told. He trusted God so completely--no matter the consequences or cost.

As I prepare to enter into the season of Advent, what a great time to reflect on those who are part of "the Story." What a perfect time to look at Joseph's life and see the example he sets for us. Two important pieces--first to be open to listen to God's voice (especially when it doesn't go along with the "norm") and secondly, do what He tells us to do.

So, today, I will be listening and I will be faithful to what God calls me to do--no matter the cost or consequence.

Prayer

Father God, it is easy for me to understand why You chose Joseph to be Jesus' earthly father. He was a man after Your heart. He was open to listen to You and then he was obedient. Lord, I want to be like Joseph--someone who listens to You and then is obedient--no matter what. But, I know that I cannot do it without Your strength and wisdom. So, today, Lord God, help me to hear You and then to be obedient.