Matthew 1:20 “But while he (Joseph) thought on these things, behold an angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take Mary as thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the HOLY GHOST.'” (KJV)
Fear not taking one who appears unfaithful as your bride? This pregnant woman has conceived of the Holy Spirit. Who could or would believe this? Who believes their dreams? Joseph heard his name called. He was told what to do by God Himself. Has that ever happened to you? Me either, but I know others that will tell you it has happened to them. The Word tells us that God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. (Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8)
What the LORD asks NEVER makes much sense to our way of thinking. From all appearances Mary should be stoned according to Jewish law. But God stepped in to protect her life and the life of Christ but not necessarily her reputation. This event left her dependent on God and Joseph. In all likelihood, only cousin Elizabeth in her family “got it” because Elizabeth was also carrying a miracle child. (Fear Not the Angels-December 7, 2015)
Joseph had to trust and not doubt. This was accounted to him as righteousness.
Joseph was obedient though what God was asking made no sense at all! Trust the voice (The Voice-August 26, 2015), the still small voice, and if it does not make sense to our finite minds we can know that it is God! Go read the stories of Gideon, Daniel, Joseph, Paul, and so many others. God’s plan never made good sense! In fact, it always looked like a plan for disaster—-But God! (No Control- August 19, 2015) His Glory, Our Good………This is always His Plan!
During the past year, I have been asked to trust God with a family member who is CERTAIN they have heard from God and are doing as He asked. If I had not been learning this in my own personal Bible study prior to the request to undergird with prayer and support, I would have had what we call a “come apart,” a “royal throw-down,” or an adamant refusal to be a part of this! Can I just confess, it still looks and feels like a total disaster. I am trusting God, because sisters, this makes NO SENSE! This is a Christmas present that MUST be unwrapped with total FAITH in the ONE who alone can bring good out of seeming disaster.
Joseph trusted God and had the awesome privilege of serving as the earthly father of the MESSIAH! This was a calling with immense responsibility and profound blessings.
Strange Way to Save the World by Dyan Gardner
Yvonne
