Difficult Obedience

“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.”

Imagine how Joseph must have felt when he first heard the news? Perhaps hurt? Embarrassed? Disappointed? Betrayed? Most likely his emotions were all over the place as he felt all of the above. He didn’t realize that God was working, even in what seemed like a terrible situation. He didn’t realize that God was working out a solution to the world’s problem, even in what seemed like a terrible situation. He had blinders on and His perspective was wrong! He didn’t see things the way they really were and He had a plan to ‘fix it’ the best way he knew how. He decided to break the engagement quietly so as not to disgrace Mary. He wanted to do the noble thing, the right thing, but he was so wrong in his thinking that it was necessary for God to intervene, take the blinders off and enlighten Joseph’s mind! He sent an angel to set him straight and encourage him through a difficult time. Joseph’s response was immediate, simple, selfless obedience. What prepared Joseph to handle such a surprise with such grace? He was a ‘righteous’ man. Righteousness, in the Old Testament was defined as being innocent and doing right; for Matthew, the most Jewish of the gospel writers, it was being ethical and doing the will of God. Joseph truly sought to do the right thing in all situations and this situation was no different, but his plan was wrong! When God spoke through the angel, Joseph knew his plan to break the engagement was not an option. He had to be willing to make necessary changes, even in light of his reputation that was no doubt, at stake. He had to be willing to experience some difficult moments in the face of others and be obedient even through it all.

Are there any surprises in your life? Are there things that have thrown you off course? Intruded in on your life at the seemingly worst possible time? Things that are threatening your well – being? Maybe your reputation. Sure, maybe you think you know the best way to deal with it, but be careful! Handle with care! Did you ever think that quite possibly it’s God’s intervention in your life? Quite possibly it’s the storm before the blessing in His recycling program; always turning the less than ideal circumstances into good, in order to fulfill His purpose! Seek God and His righteousness! Talk to Him! Listen to His counsel and let Him enlighten you! Get a proper perspective! See things through His eyes! Make wise choices! Do as He says and do the right thing! In humbleness of spirit watch His grace surround you as He guides you through difficult days into glorious blessing.