Joseph's Story
Do you like driving? I cannot forget the feeling of liberty when I first drove by myself to the post office in Madison. Since then, I have enjoyed driving because of its autonomy to be where and when I wish to be. However, I don’t have a good sense of direction, so almost all the time I’m driving, I rely on the navigation on my phone to provide me detailed instructions corner to corner. As I drive with the navigation, I’ve learned it does not always offer the best route to my destination. So, I like to have a company from the local area who knows some secret tips for driving like how to avoid traffic or where to park.
Today we read the story of Joseph, how he ended up becoming Jesus’ earthly father. He might feel betrayed and disappointed at his fiancé when he figured out her premarital pregnancy. However, his initial plan was still gracious and merciful to her - dismissing her quietly. It might have been the best decision he could make.
However, God’s plan was beyond his best one. It was beyond his imagination, opening a new chapter of eternal life for all humanity.
The baby in Mary’s womb was God’s fulfillment of the promise of Emmanuel, “God is with us,” spoken through the prophet many years ago. God was inviting Joseph to be an active part of God’s plan by feeding, protecting, teaching, and raising a baby, Jesus. When he trusted in God, it happened through him. Joseph’s story reminds us that Jesus is the evidence of God’s faithfulness in how God keeps the promise he made. Jesus is the revelation of God among us to speak loud and clear in human terms, “God is with us!”
As we consider our lives, each of us might have stories to share how God has been with us. Because of our stories in the past, we know God is with us today and will be with us tomorrow, even when we feel like God is absent or silent. This day let’s stand firm on the promise of God and trust in the Lord with all our hearts whose master plan is much bigger than our best plan. Let’s follow God’s guidance corner to corner, trusting God is providing secret tips of life to lead us into the faithful journey as we continue to walk together in the way of love.
Reflect on God's Word
Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son
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. 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.”
Matthew 1:18 - 21 (NIV)
Take a Moment to Pray
God of hope and direction, we thank you for helping us navigate this life. We are most thankful for your gift of love and grace offered freely. Help to trust that you are with us. As we celebrate this week, we are forever grateful for your plans. Amen.