Matthew 1:20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home.
Joseph was a man of integrity and when he heard that Mary was with a child, he wanted to quietly divorce her and not expose her to public disgrace. But the angel of the Lord instructed in a dream to take Mary as his wife. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus (vs 24-25). Joseph did not deliberate or discuss the dream with his comrades. He did not go to a prophet to interpret the dream. He obeyed. His role in the Nativity was crucial and commendable.
Mary is the heroine of the Nativity. Her trust in the Lord made her the most blessed among all women. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Both Mary and Joseph took God at His Word and submitted to His commandments even when they did not fully understand. Hence they are celebrated and commemorated.
Those who endeavour to walk blamelessly in the ways of the Lord and are obedient to His Word and His voice without contention are the heroes and heroines of faith. We are the Bible that some people read. It is only through us that the Saviour of the World can be revealed to those who live in darkness. Those who practice and preach the Word of the Lord will be celebrated as heroes/heroines in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:19-20).
We are part of Nativity:
- Questions: We will be part of the story of the birth of the Saviour in the world if we obey without questions. Don’t question God’s ways – just obey.
- Qualms: Doubt, qualms, and disbelief are nuances of disobedience. Dismiss qualms.
- Quests: Only when we trust and step into the water in faith we will fulfill our God-given vision and quests.
Surrendered and consecrated life to walk in obedience is the highest form of worship.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I submit to your Word and surrender to your instructions. Amen.
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