Matthew 1:16 (NKJV) 16 And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.
At the beginning of the book of Matthew, in the very first chapter, the genealogy of Jesus Christ is written out.
It goes down the list of who begot whom, starting with Abraham and running all the way to Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Joseph was chosen long before he was born to be the earthly father of Jesus. He played a very important role in God’s redemption plan.
When Joseph and Mary were betrothed (engaged) to be married, a formal contract was involved. This contract was entered into before witnesses.
Joseph and Mary stayed apart until the actual wedding day.
Mary, being a virgin at that time, was found to be with child.
Joseph, being an upright man, was chosen by God for this time and this purpose.
What man other than him would have listened and understood the power and purpose being carried out by the hand of God?
Yes, when he found out that Mary was with child, he was ready to put (send) her away silently. He knew it was not his child.
But as he pondered this, the Angel of the Lord spoke to him.
Matthew 1:20 (NKJV) 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
Being the man that he was, Joseph listened and continued with the plan God had for Jesus being born through Mary, his wife.
It is very difficult to imagine what it must have been like to be the earthly parent of the Son of God; every day, looking into that baby’s eyes knowing He was the Messiah!
Joseph and Mary were loyal to God and obedient in raising Jesus.
Matthew 2:13 (NKJV) 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”
Joseph received His directions and steps from God.
Based on God’s leading, Joseph knew when to move, where to stay, and for how long. It was by God’s guidance they raised Jesus and kept Him safe.
All of this had been set in motion long before Joseph and Mary were born; the blood line of Jesus Christ was miraculously planned out.
This is so powerful!
Let us take a look at the hand of God in our lives today. See how He is working behind the scenes, even in our past.
As we look back at our lives, we will often see the hand of God at work.
We may have thought at that time that it was just us doing it all. But, no! It is often God.
We just don’t understand or recognize it until later. But rest assured that He will order our steps if we trust Him and follow His leading!
Psalm 37:23 (NKJV) 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.
Amen.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!
To have the Bible Verse of The Day delivered to your inbox each day, please Click Here and then enter your email address in the box near the upper left corner of the page.
Please consider making a Donation.
Get our mobile app here:
Android: http://goo.gl/oQ6qa7
Apple: http://apple.co/2lZdgYy