Joseph Obeyed

Matthew 2; Psalm 3 Joseph obeyed. He got up, took the child and his mother under cover of darkness. They were out of town and well on their way by daylight. (Matthew 2:14 MSG) Joseph seems to almost play a bit part in the overall story of Jesus’ life. He disappears from the story after a brief mention when Jesus is twelve. But if it hadn’t been for Joseph, for his goodness and character, for his willingness to obey God without question or hesitation, there might not have been a Jesus story. Mary had to accept and obey Gabriel’s message, Joseph had to accept Mary as his wife in spite of the out-of-wedlock pregnancy. For Joseph and Mary to have the resources to finance their time in Egypt, the astrologers had to come and bring their gifts. For Herod’s murderous intentions to be thwarted, the astrologers had to go home another way. For Jesus to survive Herod’s massacre of the innocents, Joseph had to get up in the night and take his wife and baby Jesus to Egypt.

Jesus was a helpless baby who was destined to become the Savior of the world and the Lord of all creation. But for a season, it required the sensitivity and obedience of several people for the ultimate purpose to be fulfilled. Each person had to be sensitive and obedient, and play their part in the plan. Joseph obeyed. Joseph’s example challenges me to be open and attentive to God, even under pressure. I don’t know whether God’s commands always even made sense to Joseph. But Joseph simply obeyed. Like Joseph, I want to simply obey. Like Joseph, my obedience is not just for me, but for others. I may be part of God’s plan for someone else’s growth, blessing, and success. I must be aware and sensitive and obedient, not just for myself, but for others in whose destiny I play a part. Prayer: Father, Whether I play a bit part in the story or at times stand in the center of the stage, help me to play my part well. Help me to be sensitive to your direction even under pressure – even when you’re saying something that’s hard to hear. I purpose to seek you earnestly, listen carefully, and obey quickly and completely. Amen.