Matthew 1

Matthew 1 documents one of the most anticipated and important events in biblical history, the birth of Jesus.  Matthew spends a significant portion of the chapter outlining the lineage of Jesus proving the bloodline through David to Abraham.  However, I just want to key in on a couple points from the last part of the chapter:

1.Joseph's thoughtful pause:  I am not sure how long Joseph pondered the scenario of the Virgin birth prior to the Angelic visitation.  However, the indication is that he was pondering the best approach to handling the situation.  Vs 19 says that he was a just man and did not want to make Mary a public example.  Joseph evidently had questions regarding the events leading up to this point in time.  No doubt he was well aware of the prophetic proclamations of the birth of Jesus.  No doubt he understood that prophesy pointed to this event, but how could he possibly accept that Mary and he were chosen to be such an intimate part of the fulfillment of the promise.

Imagine the enormity of the situation at hand.  This moment has been discussed, taught and prophesied for generations, but to think that he is the chosen descendant is more than he can fathom.  Put yourself in his shoes after you are informed by your fiancée that she is expecting and Gabriel told her that she was going to birth the promised Messiah.

What I like about this passage is that Joseph did not react based on his feelings and questions, but rather he began to think on it.  It was in this time of thoughtful consideration that he experienced the Angelic visitation.

So many times we allow time to steal the freshness of our promises and time allows doubt to creep in.  We may just find ourselves faced with dilemmas without understanding the direction to take.  Don't be hasty with your actions, but stop long enough in thoughtful consideration to allow God to speak to you.  If you act on your own, you may just miss out on your promise.

2.Joseph's obedience:  Joseph had a decision to accept the dream that he had or write it off to another bad pizza night.  I have often wondered what would have happened if Joseph had taken his own path to "put Mary away privily".  No doubt God's plan was going to be fulfilled, but would it have changed his role in the events that were unfolding.  However, due to his obedience to the angel of the Lord, he sealed his role in the fulfillment of prophesy.

This world is filled with static that, if we allow it, will confuse us in to accepting less than what God wants for us.  Let's ensure that we take time to stop and listen to voice of God as it guides and directs us.  Also, once we listen we must obey that voice.

Jeff McGee