JOSEPH

I invite you to listen to the upbeat tempo and words of this simple song.

Remember that we need to have Faith as a little child.   Enjoy...  

   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISgr8SgCYbY

One truth is that changes is constant and needful. As people, we need to continue to mature and learn. So many times, it through our mistakes that we learn our best lessons. 

With changes we need to have an open mind and find the way to look at the positive perspective of them. Challenges may be from poor decisions we made or they can be an opportunity for us to challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zone and allow ourselves to see and try something new something. 

This week as we take a look at the life of Joseph, think about his challenge and look closely to how he approaches this opportunity. 

Let's look at Joseph
·        Comes from the lineage of David, (Matthew 1:5) and Mary comes from the lineage of Aaron 

·     Joseph’s lineage includes Rahab, the non-Jew who heard about God and believed and was saved along with all of her household (Joshua 6:17-25), she was Faithful (Hebrews 11:31), she was an example (James 2:25)  AND  Ruth, the Moabitess, who was the great-grandmother of King David (Ruth 4:22)

Matthew 1:18-25

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

·        Joseph is described as a “righteous man” being a good man with a good heart and conscience.

·        Joseph is described as a “compassionate man” because he did not want to publicly humiliate Mary.

 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

·        Joseph is shown to be a “reasonable man” as he “considers” and meditates upon the situation.

·        Joseph receives a special salutation as he is referred to “Joseph, son of David” and serves as a reminder to Joseph, of the OT promise given to David that “The Holy One” would come through his lineage (2 Samuel 7:12-13).

·        Joseph is given favor, instruction and understanding by God, as the angel explains God’s plan and purpose to him.

 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child!  She will give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’

·        Joseph is included into this promise spoken through the prophet (Isaiah 7:14)

Not by title of being the father of Jesus, but rather as a caregiver and husband to Mary.

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

·        Joseph did as the angel commanded showing his obedience.

·        And Joseph names him Jesus. It is done! It is complete!

CLOSING

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

When God reveals Himself through the Holy Spirit, You can stand on His Word and not be afraid and show your faith so others can see that the God who is in you is greater than all who are in the world. And your Father in heaven, will be glorified.

ASK YOURSELF

1)    Could I be obedient in such a way as totally trusting God like Joseph did?            
2)   What did you learn about Joseph?