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. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21 (NLT)
A father is a protector, a teacher, and a provider. When God sent His Son to earth, He chose a carpenter, Joseph, to be His hands and feet in caring for His Son. He continues to do that with you and me, gives us earthly parents.
Earthly parents aren’t perfect. Joseph’s response to Mary’s announcement of God’s plan was probably the way I would respond. Disbelief and hurt that I had been deceived. Would I have believed a dream and followed the instructions of an angel? Joseph knew that this plan of God’s was not going to be easy. He knew there would be gossip and even the possibility of exile from the Temple leadership. That was only the beginning of their trials.
When I was young and newly married, I had a plan, a dream of what my life was going to be like. I saw the husband, the children, the house, and life we would have. Almost 40 years later I can say without hesitation that little of my plan has brought forth any fruit. My life is more wonderful and more painful than I ever imagined but the process of moving from my plan to God’s was disconcerting and difficult.
Joseph’s example is one of faith and steadfastness. He did not demand understanding before he gave obedience. Can I do that? Will I let go of my plan and accept God’s plan for my life? Will I trust God for His timing and outcome? And not only in my life but in the lives of my children as well?
Jesus promised us a life that is abundant, not with the world’s definition of prosperity but in the Presence of God in my life that produces a tremendous harvest for His Kingdom and personal fruit in my life. Jesus said He came to glorify the Father. As His disciple, that is why I am here also – to glorify my Father in Heaven. I am here to tell everyone about God’s Gift for each of us. My Father: protector, teacher, and provider. (And so much more!)
A Strange Way to Save the World written by Dave Clark, Mark Harris, Don Koch & sung by 4Him
