Joseph's Obedience

"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 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'" (Matt. 1:20-21, ESV).

Joseph had discovered his betrothed, Mary, was with child.  He knew the child was not his, yet he did not want to open Mary up to public humiliation. Because he walked with the Lord, he knew instinctively that it was not the right thing to do.  But how could he marry her?

As he thought about this the Lord spoke to him through a dream.  Whatever the dream consisted of beyond the angelic proclamation, we cannot say.  We can say that it was sufficient evidence for Joseph to commit to the plan.  He would marry his beloved Mary, and raise this child as his own.

Some might call Joseph a fool, because he "bought" Mary's story of a virgin conception.  Others write the dream of as wishful thinking.  However, the evidence we have surrounding Joseph doesn't leave us with the image of a fool.  He isn't Mr. Gullible.  He is Mr. Devout, or Mr. Take-God-At-His-Word.  He knew this was no meal induced nightmare.  He sensed the holy presence of the Lord's messenger, and his conscience ached with urgency.

The message in this dream roused Joseph from his sleep, and sent him running toward his destiny.  The doubt that had filled his heart and mind prior to closing his eyes were wiped away in an instant.  The hesitance we see before Joseph's dream is nowhere present afterward.  No, Joseph had heard the voice of God, and as a righteous man he had no choice, but to obey.

Not only was he to take Mary to be his wife, but he was to raise her son as his own.  The angel said, "You shall call his name Jesus."  Joseph would adopt, raise, and love this child "conceived of the Holy Spirit."  All the while, he would know that this son of his would "save his people from their sins."  The long awaited king had come, and Joseph would help ready him for his throne.

Joseph reminds us that it is not the size of the task that matters, but hearing the voice of God.  For when we truly trust the Lord, we will be driven to obey his voice.  What may seem like foolishness to others, who have not heard the voice and who cannot understand, will to those who believe the only course of action.  The only logical, sane response to God's command is obedience.  Joseph demonstrates such sanity.  He hears and rises to obey.

As you look at the numerous nativities you will see this Christmas season, meditate on the characters you see.  The baby Jesus, our Immanuel-God with us, calls us to hope.  Mary, Christ's mother, calls us to faith.  Joseph, Jesus' adoptive father, calls us to obedience.  Though a carpenter by trade, Joseph appears to be a shepherd at heart.  He watches over his ewe, Mary and their son, Jesus.  He goes to great lengths to protect them and to provide for them.

As their figures sit silently in the stable scene, realize they preach non-stop.  Father and mother look toward their child who signals hope anyone who will look to him, also.  They would have us bow to our King with joyful hearts prepared for service.  They would have us come and see the fulfillment of all the promises of God.  God's Gift had come, wrapped in flesh, and free to all who would receive him.  Joseph received him with a ready heart.  Have you?  I certain hope you have, but if you haven't it isn't too late.  Hear the voice of the Lord, and realize Jesus is still saving his people from their sin.