The Unknown Journey

 

     Joseph was engaged to the young and devout Jewish girl, Mary. Can you imagine his thoughts, his reaction to the news? She was expecting a child. The Bible tells us, “…before they came together, she was found to be pregnant…” (See Matthew1) As was right according to Mosaic law, Joseph was going to petition for a divorce from the betrothal. God had other plans. He often does. God not only chose Mary to carry the Christ. He chose Joseph to raise the child.

     Joseph was a decent guy. He did not want to disgrace Mary. He had in mind to divorce her quietly. No Facebook page announcing the single girl’s pregnancy. No, “How could she do this to me?” Just a quiet exit from a devastating shock. Instead, Joseph had a heavenly encounter with an angel.

“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 1:20-21

    The virgin birth reminds us that this very news fulfills a prophecy written by the prophet Isaiah hundreds of years before Christ’s birth. (See Isaiah 7:14)

     God chose Joseph and Mary. He chooses you. He saw you before the beginning of time and He sees your path. He will step in and use you to fulfill His purposes on earth. Joseph obeyed. He took Mary as his wife and they named their newborn son, Jesus. Mary had been told her newborn son would be the Son of God and His kingdom would have no end. (See Luke 1)

     Tomorrow we will journey with Joseph and Mary as they, unknowingly, fulfill another prophecy written 500 years before their child’s birth, and we will sit with them in their unusual surroundings as they and we get ready to greet the Messiah.

Dear Lord,

Your humble beginnings speak to us. Your servant’s heart shows us. The people you chose give us hope. Speak now. Show us today. Choose us. Fill us with that same Holy Spirit that gave birth to the Christ, the same Holy Spirit that resurrects the dead. The Spirit that changes us.

Amen