Do not be afraid – obey God
Part of a series for Advent
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. 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. 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.’
Matthew 1:18-20 (NIVUK)
Joseph was expecting to marry Mary, take her home as his wife, settle down together and maybe in time start a family, but the knowledge of Mary’s pregnancy must have shattered those dreams. No doubt many emotions welled up in Joseph’s mind including disappointment, anger, hurt, betrayal, and fear for the future.
The Bible does not tell us when Joseph learned of Mary’s pregnancy nor who told him, but when he learned of the situation there appeared to be only two possible solutions: he could divorce Mary quietly and have her sent away until the baby was born, or he could divorce her publicly, and subject her to the ridicule and humiliation of the public. The second option could well have resulted in Mary’s death according to the law outlined in Deuteronomy 24.
Although today we would say that Mary was only engaged to Joseph, in that culture, engagement meant a couple was considered married, even though the marriage had not been consummated. So you can imagine Joseph’s alarm, but because he was a just man, he decided to privately divorce Mary. He loved her too much to bring her public embarrassment.
As Joseph thought about these things he received a message from an angel of the Lord telling him that this birth will be the fulfilment of prophecy (Matthew 1:22-23). Despite the cultural expectations and practises, Joseph listened to the voice of God even though it would take him through some tough times. I can imagine him thinking, I don’t understand all of what I have been told, I certainly can’t explain it, I’m not even sure I’m happy about it, but if it’s God’s will then I will obey it. And that’s what he did, ‘When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife’ (v.24).
The lesson for us today is, do not be afraid of God’s purposes for you. They may look bad or difficult in the beginning, but in the end he will be glorified, and you will be blessed. The Bible does not say that all things are good, rather, ‘…in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’ (Romans 8:28).
So, never be afraid to obey God. Sometimes we fear that we are not good enough, not gifted enough, or not strong enough, and actually all of that is true. But don’t be afraid, God will work with us as we allow him to, and as we place our trust in him. And, as with Joseph, when we participate with him great things can be accomplished because we have a great God.
Prayer
Loving Father, just as you spoke to Joseph in his moment of confusion and fear, speak to our hearts today, and remind us that your plans are greater than our fears. Give us the faith to believe your promises and obey you, even when we don’t fully understand your plan. Fill us with the same assurance you gave Joseph, that you are faithful, you are near, and your purpose for our lives is for good. May your peace guard our hearts, and your love cast out every fear. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
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Study by: Barry Robinson About the author: |
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Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
London
NW6 2BA
Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm
Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church