MORNING MANNA 12/27/19
JOSEPH’S JOB
Matt. 1:18-25
Someone called Joseph “the unsung hero of Christmas”. While opinions may vary one thing is for certain, he is not your “average Joe”. He was a man of great character. Sadly, greatness is not always recognized and that seems to be the case with Joseph. Although he is a wonderful example of the kind of person God uses he seldom gets the attention he deserves. But, out of all the men on earth God chose Joseph to be a father to His Son. And there was good reason for it. From our text we see four things that helps us understand why.
HIS DISCOVERY – VS. 18
Can you imagine Joseph’s shock when he discovered that Mary was pregnant. That no doubt was devastating news and difficult to deal with. Think about the questions he must have had. You could say that this serves as a commentary on the harsh reality of life. Things don’t always happen the way we plan or prefer. Sometimes our dreams turn into nightmares.
HIS DILEMMA – vs. 19-25
Rather than stoning her to death Joseph reasoned that he would give her a bill of divorcement (as allowed in Deut. 24:1). Not wanting to harm or embarrass her, he decided to deal with the matter privately. But as he reasoned God gave him a revelation that changed everything. It is a good thing that Joseph didn’t just react without thinking, or do what some men would have done.
HIS DECISION – vs. 24
After being armed with the facts Joseph made the wise choice – a true measure of his character. He and Mary were properly married. That tells us that Joseph was willing to subject himself to the scorn of others who did not understand. He did so because he loved Mary and wanted to please God. Those are motivating factors that should shape all the decisions we make in life.
HIS DEDICATION – vs. 25
Joseph’s dedication was revealed by his abstinence, due to the fact that he knew she was to be a virgin. It was also revealed by his announcement when he said, “called his name Jesus”. That was an act of obedience, courage, faith, and great importance. What a wonderful story – God using a humble carpenter to carry out His heavenly mission! That ought to challenge all of us. The fact is that God can and will use you also if you are willing to comply to His plan for your life. That’s what true greatness is all about. Joseph possessed the qualities that God desires for all of us. He was compassionate, prudent, obedient, courageous, disciplined, faithful, and committed. Are you? God’s plan for you is much different than Joseph’s job, but it is still of great importance. Whatever it is it’s the wisest course you could take. – HDS
Someone called Joseph “the unsung hero of Christmas”. While opinions may vary one thing is for certain, he is not your “average Joe”. He was a man of great character. Sadly, greatness is not always recognized and that seems to be the case with Joseph. Although he is a wonderful example of the kind of person God uses he seldom gets the attention he deserves. But, out of all the men on earth God chose Joseph to be a father to His Son. And there was good reason for it. From our text we see four things that helps us understand why.
HIS DISCOVERY – VS. 18
Can you imagine Joseph’s shock when he discovered that Mary was pregnant. That no doubt was devastating news and difficult to deal with. Think about the questions he must have had. You could say that this serves as a commentary on the harsh reality of life. Things don’t always happen the way we plan or prefer. Sometimes our dreams turn into nightmares.
HIS DILEMMA – vs. 19-25
Rather than stoning her to death Joseph reasoned that he would give her a bill of divorcement (as allowed in Deut. 24:1). Not wanting to harm or embarrass her, he decided to deal with the matter privately. But as he reasoned God gave him a revelation that changed everything. It is a good thing that Joseph didn’t just react without thinking, or do what some men would have done.
HIS DECISION – vs. 24
After being armed with the facts Joseph made the wise choice – a true measure of his character. He and Mary were properly married. That tells us that Joseph was willing to subject himself to the scorn of others who did not understand. He did so because he loved Mary and wanted to please God. Those are motivating factors that should shape all the decisions we make in life.
HIS DEDICATION – vs. 25
Joseph’s dedication was revealed by his abstinence, due to the fact that he knew she was to be a virgin. It was also revealed by his announcement when he said, “called his name Jesus”. That was an act of obedience, courage, faith, and great importance. What a wonderful story – God using a humble carpenter to carry out His heavenly mission! That ought to challenge all of us. The fact is that God can and will use you also if you are willing to comply to His plan for your life. That’s what true greatness is all about. Joseph possessed the qualities that God desires for all of us. He was compassionate, prudent, obedient, courageous, disciplined, faithful, and committed. Are you? God’s plan for you is much different than Joseph’s job, but it is still of great importance. Whatever it is it’s the wisest course you could take. – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
