Daily Devotions

Matt 1:18-25 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

This is the second time the Lord has brought me to this passage of Scripture for these devotionals this week. One thing I have learned over the years is to listen when God speaks so we look again at Joseph in this passage. What was this just man thinking about? (Verse 20) Joseph was in a time of great trouble and trial just as we go through troubles and trials today. He was also a man that was able to overcome those trials in the Lord. How did he do it? Consider these thoughts.(1) In trouble he thought of others. He thought of Mary more than himself. (2) In trouble he thought on spiritual things. He had no trouble believing the angel. (3) In trouble he thought of service. He would serve the Lord in guarding over the Messiah. Joseph did not focus on self or even the trial, he looked to others, to spiritual things, and to serving the Lord. Now the point this morning. Because of the way he reacted to the trial and troubles of life Joseph was rewarded. He was given as a wife the one whom he loved. He was privileged to see the Lord Jesus Christ and to watch as He grew in the home. He is forever remembered in this world for what he did for the Lord. It all would have been different if Joseph had not been that “Just man”. Always remember it is God that is working in and through us for His good purpose. It is not the troubles and trials that come into our lives that are important. It is how we react to them. Let us look to Joseph as an example.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 16th, 2011 at 6:42 am and is filed under Daily Devotions. You can skip to the end and leave a response.