Joseph's Dreams

Matthew 1.20

 

But just when he had resolved to do 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 as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

                                                            

 

In Matthew 1:19, we see Joseph struggling with the decision he must make regarding Mary, his betrothed, being pregnant. Joseph knows he is not the father and by law Mary should be stoned. The law says stone her – love says forgiver her. Now we visit Joseph after he has struggled with himself and decided how he will handle his problem. The angel appears telling him, “that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit”. Now Joseph faces another dilemma. Does he obey the words from the Lord and give up his standing in the community or does he continue with his decision to have Mary put away secretly. 
 
Take a minute and put yourself in Joseph’s situation. What would you do? Would you be obedient to the words from the Lord and give up your standing in the community or cave in to public opinion and your place in society and go ahead with your plan? This is not any easier for us today than it was for Joseph.

During this time of preparing our souls for the birth of Christ will we recognize that call from the Lord and make the same choice Joseph did? Will we also be obedient and trust the Lord to help us through the unknown that lies ahead for our lives and our families. I encourage you to take time each day and listen for the message coming to you and prayerfully consider your answer to the call you may receive from God’s angel.

Lord, during the busyness of this season, help us to pause and listen for your direction in our lives. Help us to make the choice of obedience and follow your plan for our lives and not our own plans.  

Sandra Wilbanks, Adult Education Council