Matthew 1:24 “Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary to be his wife.”
Have you ever pondered on the key “Christmas Characters” in the Christmas story? Much of the Christmas story focuses on Mary, His mother, and for good reason. One has to love her availability in Luke 1:38. (Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”) There are the Angels who were making the most incredible announcement that a Savior has been born. (“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.) There are Shepherds who heard one of the greatest announcements of all time and immediately take action and go with haste to see the baby that is born to save the world! Then they went from hearing the announcement to being announcers! (Luke 2:17 “Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.) There are Wise men who will make their way following a star and offer extravagant gifts to the newborn King!
And then there is Joseph. Joseph seems to be very much behind the scenes. If one was writing a Christmas play for children’s church play Joseph would have no lines if one follows the Bible story as there are no recorded words that he ever spoke. That is right. He never speaks a word. He was the strong silent type.
Yet, what an incredible example Joseph is to every one of us. He is one of the best examples of immediate obedience. Not just obeying God when told what to do, Joseph immediately obeyed. Immediate obedience to God! That is Joseph.
Let us ask how quickly and quietly do you obey God? If heaven is recording a Matthew 1:24 action regarding you, would your name be placed by Joseph? Would a reading of Matthew 1:24 have your name, “Then (your name), being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded?”
Are you known for immediate obedience to God?
One more thought: Jesus had parents with extraordinary abilities:
Mary brought to the table availability and Joseph brought dependability.
Availability is the first ability but dependability is the greatest ability!!
Continue Strong immediately obeying God,
And remember to DATE The Word