Joseph's obedience
Today's focusJoseph, a just and gentle man, faces a hard situation; when God speaks in a dream, he quietly obeys and names the child Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
Read
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Reflection
In this passage, we meet Joseph, a "just man" facing a confusing and difficult situation. When he learns Mary is with child, his character shines through his quiet gentleness. He is "not willing to make her a publick example" and seeks a way to handle the matter "privily." Even in his uncertainty, Joseph chooses a path of mercy. You may also find yourself in situations where the right path is not immediately clear, yet like Joseph, you can choose to respond with a heart that seeks to protect rather than to shame.
When the angel of the Lord appears in a dream to explain that this child is "of the Holy Ghost," Joseph listens. He is told that this son will be called "JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." Upon waking, Joseph chooses immediate, quiet obedience. He does exactly "as the angel of the Lord had bidden him." By welcoming Mary and naming the child Jesus, Joseph participates in the arrival of "Emmanuel," which means "God with us." His example reminds you that simple faithfulness in hard moments brings us closer to the saving work of God.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
Is there a difficult step of obedience in front of you, and what can you learn from Joseph's quiet faithfulness?
Pray
Lord, thank you for Joseph's gentle and obedient heart. When the path is confusing, help me to listen for your voice and to obey. Thank you that Jesus came to save us from our sins.