Tuesday 10 December, 2013

[ursen]

Matthew 1:18-25
New King James Version (NKJV)
Christ Born of Mary

18 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. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son.[a] And he called His name Jesus.

I just can't help it, another wall of verses. 2nd Sunday in Advent and I missed church again, bad weather this time. So I have been concentrating on the verses that make up the Christmas story. Here we see the character of one of the most forgotten heroes of the Bible. Joseph was a just man, but more important he was obedient to God. After an angel visits him in a dream and explains the situation of his pregnant bride to be look at his response in verses 24 and 25. Obedience even when it may bring social ridicule on him and his bride. It appears that one of the most important items in accomplishing God's will is to be able to accept His will, and be obedient to it no matter what. Sooner or later living the Christian life will ask you to make choices which may be difficult, ready yourself now to obey when it happens. Be like Joseph.

 

[Abba San]

We can't get too much of the Christmas story. Thanks, Ursen.