We have read the Christmas story in Matthew and Luke many times. So we are quite familiar with the story.
We read about Mary, Joseph, the angels, and shepherds. As we read, all of them have a speaking part, except Joseph.
There is nothing recorded of him speaking in the text, yet we learn a lot about him through the narration of the events.
We see his actions in the story. Joseph was a remarkable man. His heart for God is shown in his obedience and faithfulness to God.
Even though Joseph was silent and we see his life through his actions, we can see God working in his life.
God is our guide
“This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.”
“As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:18-21 NLT
“When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus”. Matthew 1:18-24-25 NLT
Joseph had a difficult decision to make. What should he do? In verse 20, God helped to guide Joseph in what to do. The text does not say that Joseph prayed about his decision, but it did say that he was “a righteous man.” I don’t want to place anything into the text, but I could see Joseph praying about what to do. He got his answer in a dream!
God can use different means of guiding us to the right decision. In this case with Joseph, He told him in a dream.
If we trust in God to guide us, His will. We need to ask for His help.
James tells us, If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 NLT
God is our protector.
There have been many times in my life where I have seen God’s protection in my life. And I am sure there have been times where God has protected me and don’t know it.
We can see clearly God’s protection of Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus in Mathew 2:13-15,
“After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
“That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.” (NLT)
Because God sees and knows everything, He is better at protecting us. God is always watching over us, so we have nothing to fear.
The Psalmist tells us this,
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
Psalms 23:4 NLT
God protects us from trouble and guides us in difficult times.
Through all of these situations, Joseph was obedient to let God show His character and care for him. The character of God would not have changed if Joseph was not willing to follow, but he would have never experienced God’s guidance and protection if he was not willing.
God is every present in our lives, showing us who He is and what He can do. The question is, are you willing to obey as God moves?
