Matt 1:18-25

"18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

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 as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus."

When the time has come for God to send His son Jesus to the world, there would be the perfect vessel is needed. Since He is the Son of God, he didn’t need the human male to father the child. But since Jesus would be born as a helpless infant, there should be someone who takes care of him. therefore, God chose Joseph to be the earthly father of God’s Heavenly Son!!

Joseph’s character

“Faithful to the Law” = compassion for the Lord

“Din’t want to expose her to the public……to divorce her quietly”= the Love and grace

“ he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him” = Committed to God’s will

“God knew that Joseph was humble man in the eyes of the Lord and God chose Joseph for God’s mission” He is looking for a person who God could use for His glory.

The tragedy is always waiting for you

Just as other engaged couple, Joseph and Mary were excited for the marriage. However, when Joseph found out the truth, his dream and plan was shattered. Probably his feeling was a heart ripped. Many time, we do our best to make our plan and get all things lined up. but when something happened we didn’t expect, it breaks our heart. However, what we have to remember is that God sometimes break and shatters the plan we made for His plan in our lives. All the hardship are carefully planned to help us grow in the Lord. It is hard to understand and accept, but it is true.

The answer is already provided

We often think that God only gives us hard time to grow our faith in the Lord, however, he also provides the answer and the way we could go through. God revealed to Joseph and gave him a task, and then Joseph took it by faith (v.20). Furthermore, not only God reveals, but also, gives the instructions. He would not understand all things that happening in his life. Joseph would not know what the Jesus Christ would do on the earth, his ministry, his mission, and so on. What he found out is that God comes down to the earth in the form of human being.

All we see is the part of our life, but God is in the top of all things. He knows the beginning and end, because he is the one who planned. the best thing we can do is to simply trust Him and know He still takes care of his children.

Become a great evidence and witness for God’s plan

We can see someone’s character by what they do with what they are handed. Joseph did not walk away. Instead he took Mary as his wife. Others would be like, they were unwilling to wait until the Marriage. But Joseph didn’t care what they were saying. He only cared about the task that the Lord has given to him and his family. He obeyed the Lord. He wanted nothing more than to do the perfect will of God. THIS IS THE TESTIMONY! 

There may be some significants difficulties and bumps in our path, but our genuine faith in God never seeks the easier road. The faith is the will that we go where God leads, regardless the cost and regardless of the consequences. 

What kind of person are you? God is still looking for special people he can use to carry out his will in the world today. He is looking for people who will follow him. Are you that person?

Let’s answer “Here I am Lord, Send me”