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A 12-day Devotional: Joseph-a study in trusting God
The Christmas story gets started in Matthew’s Gospel.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spiritâ (Matt. 2:18).
It must have come as quite a surprise for Joseph to discover his fiancĂ© was pregnant and to know that the child wasnât his. The text says, “And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietlyâ (Matt. 2:19). Joseph was looking for a merciful way to take care of Maryâs presumed adultery.
If Maryâs pregnancy was a surprise, then the visit from the angel must have been more so. The angel confirmed to Joseph that Maryâs pregnancy was not a result of her unfaithfulness, but the work of the Holy Spirit. The angel also passed on the name of their son. They were to call him Jesus because he would save his people from their sins. Â He quoted the prophet Isaiah, giving his message authority, and declaring Mary would play a part in its fulfillment. There was so much for Joseph to take in, and nearly all of it would have to be taken by faith. Trust is a word that marked Joseph.
- Trust that Godâs servant, Mary, had told him the truth.
- Trust that Godâs messenger, the angel, wasnât simply an aberration.
- Trust that Godâs voice piece, the prophet, had recorded Godâs words and not his own.
- Trust that Godâs timing, a 90-mile trek to Bethlehem wouldnât be too much for his pregnant wife.
- Trust that Godâs choice of Jesusâ earthly father, Joseph, would be up to the task.
God calls each of us to participate in his kingdom building work too. Itâs easy to think we can do it on our own, but that is not Godâs plan. God is developing in us the ability to trust him, even if it costs us greatly. For the Scripture says,
Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; donât try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for GODâs voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; heâs the one who will keep you on track (Proverbs 3:5-6, The Message).
PHIL MOSER is the author of the Biblical Strategies series, and the developer of 4M Training: a unique approach to spiritual growth for men. All of his resources can be found on amazon or at biblicalstrategies.com.
