Joseph's Gift of Obedience

Matthew 1:18 – 25                                                                                            
Now the birth of Jesus Christ[a] 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. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 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. She will bear a son, and you shall call     his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
   “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel”
            (which means, God with us).  When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the   Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
 
Joseph was a man of impeccable character. His desire was to treat his beloved Mary with the respect and tenderness that she deserved.  But clearly his heart and mind were in conflict.  However, it didn’t take him long to determine what he would do.  God had spoken, and Joseph would obey.  He also knew that people would question and talk, but he knew that if God directed, God would give them both the ability to withstand any criticism that came their way. He was determined to prove his love for God by following the words Jesus Christ would speak many years later. 
 
John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments”
 
Is God asking you to step out and to do something hard and out of your comfort zone this Christmas season?  There are many who cross your path every day who need a word of encouragement, a warm meal, or a warm pair of socks.

Has God given you a clear plan, or commandment?

​How will you respond with your gift of Obedience?
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