Christian Devotional - Joseph

As we officially get into December, we’re taking a look
through the first Christmas story. Last week we saw that Mary was obedient even
in the midst of the unknown with the change of plans that the angel brought to
her.




Her betrothed, Joseph, had a slightly different path to
come through. Joseph’s journey is found in Matthew 1:18-25.



“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His
mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was
found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a
righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away
secretly. But when he had considered this, behold an angel of the Lord appeared
to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary
as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy
Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will
save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was
spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child
and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,” which translated
means, “God with us.” And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of
the Lord commanded him, and took Mary to be his wife, but kept her a virgin
until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.”



Mary had been obedient to God’s plan for her, but she
wasn’t the only one involved in this plan that God had for her. Joseph was
betrothed to Mary and all he knew was that his wife-to-be was pregnant and the
child wasn’t his. Mary may or may not have told him about her angelic visitor.
Either, way, Joseph wasn’t convinced and figured that he was not to be part of
Mary’s life anymore. He thought he was doing the right thing. He thought he was
being kind and considerate. Mary couldn’t convince him to stay with him. All
she could do was continue to be obedient to what she knew was God’s plan for
her.



God took control of the situation and He brought Joseph
into the loop. Joseph received a vision that showed him what was going on and
what he should be doing about it. Still Joseph had to take the opportunity to
be obedient to the plan that God had.



Last week we saw that Mary was obedient in the face of
the unknown. This week we see that Joseph was obedient in the face of the
known. Joseph knew what he was facing and the angel explained the plan and he
chose to be obedient even in the face of the known issues and concerns.



When we see what God has planned for us and when we are
staring down the path that God has for us, do we still take that next step down
the known path that God has for us.



Known or unknown, God’s plans in our life require our
obedience so that we can move forward with all that set in motion for us.

 
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker

Living in the World – Living out the Word

Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook pagewww.BooksByAmanda.com