Have you ever wondered why out of all the people in the world in such a day as Joseph and Mary's, that God chose them to be the parents of Jesus? These are the sort of questions I love to think about. Why? Because it makes me question the "why's" in my life, and my relationship with God.
I don't want to throw to much into this by going through alotof scripture, and even going through Luke. I want to shed a little 'insight' in the book of Matthew alone. In chapter 1:19 we see that Joseph is much different than many other men of that day, "He was 'righteous." I do not know very many, or even any men today that when given the news of Mary being with child, would not publicly disgrace their wife to-be's. Joseph was a man of integrity and turly took to heart "Loving your neighbor as hisself."
Another glimpse into Joseph's life is that "The angel of the Lord spoke to him." His righteousness afforded him the daily direction that would take him out of self, and towards God. Joseph knew the Word, and he also knew the prophesies. When faced with the truth Joseph got right up and acted out of obedience to what the angel told him. As I look back into my life, and reflect on the many I counsel, mentor, and share with, I am faced with this truth "Many know, hear, and still do not act."
Chapter 2 starts right off with 'Prophesy being fulfilled.' As Christians we are to know the Word, and also know the end. But, do we truly act in obedience to these truths?
Look t the Magi. They were not men of Jewish descent, but they had read the prophesies and believed that they were true. They decided to pursue truth instead of merely look at it from a distance. They acted on what the believed to be true. Ironically, even King Herod heard and saw 'Prophesy' and acted on it. In God's soveringty and wisdom He again in a dream warned the Magi to go a different way bakc to their country.
Again through the rest of chapater 2 we see Joseph again warned, getting up immediately, and prophesy being fulfilled several more times.
So why Joseph? He 'acted' out of obedience everytime he was spoken to. Not when he discerned it, or thought it through, but immediately. becuase he knoew prophesy and was wiling to not just know it, but believe it. His realtionship with God came before anything else, and he by faith walked by it.
Why Mary? Luke gives a better account of Mary's life. It ws a life obedient and reverent to God. She also would believe and act, not think as to what she might have thought. She honored God through her humility and praise. She stayed committed to her pledge to Joseph with honor and respect.
What about us? When is the last time we have heard from the Lord? When is the last time we walked in total obedience wehn we supossably know the truth? When is the last time we followed without hesitation? When is the last time we really trusted and obeyed?
You see, we ahve alot to learn. God has so much for us, but the truth is "We are to busy with us, to be totaly obedient to Him. I look back at my life and reflect on the areas of my life in which "He spoke" and I waivered. Jesus says in John 14:12 "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." I get the picture, do you? I (we) keep myself from being used in ways I cannot fathom. Why not us? This is the question. God wants to, so why not learn from Joseph and Mary~
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