LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 1:18-20, Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 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.”

Just when I believe I have heard everything about the Christmas story, I am shown something I have not seen before. Pastor Ed Newton, Lead Pastor of Community Bible Church, shared something many of you probably already know, something I have overlooked! When Mary was “with the child of the Holy Spirit”, she went “with haste to where her cousin, Elizabeth was” (Luke 1:39-56). Verse 56 states, “And Mary remained with her [Elizabeth] about three months, and returned to her house.” Joseph did not see her during this time; “he was busy preparing a place for his bride” (Pastor Newton).

After three months, Mary was probably showing her pregnancy. Did Joseph notice or did Mary tell him about her condition? Understand some terms at this point. “Betrothed” and “divorce” indicate that Joseph and Mary were married. It was at this point Joseph shows his character by “not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly”. “He was heartbroken, his world was turned upside-down” (Pastor Newton). It was at this point that “divine intervention came in the form of a dream to Joseph. God began to work in the heart of Joseph, giving him confirmation of the conception and birth of Jesus Christ”. (Pastor Newton). 

Matthew 1:21 reveals the mission of Jesus, “He will save His people from their sins.” “That’s why Jesus came!’ (Pastor Newton). He fulfilled the prophecy (verse 23). “Immanuel, which is translated ‘God with us.’” Pastor said, “There is no place Jesus will not go with us.” Think on that statement. Jesus goes everywhere with us! Think about that the next time you consider going “there” or “doing that” or “you fill in the blank”. Take a moment to read Psalm 139, a Psalm of David about God knowing everything about him [you], everything he did [you do], everything about where he was [you are]. I have written in my Bible, “As God’s child, I can never move beyond God’s care, guidance, and supporting strength. He is with me in every situation – past and present.” Consider that as you walk on the narrow way each day!

When Joseph woke up from his sleep, “he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife.” Pastor explained, “Joseph was crazy in love with Mary, but more crazy in love with His God. Joseph and Mary were going to do this together. Taking her as his wife meant that people were going to now look at him, thinking he had not fulfilled his role as the spiritual head in their marriage. Rumors were now going to move to his failure, that he was weak by not waiting the consummation of their marriage.”

The takeaway for this message was: Every encounter with Jesus requires a personal decision (Listener Guide). Joseph did not take Mary’s word; he needed his own encounter with God. So, it is with each Believer. Our encounter with God cannot be based on someone else’s encounter with Him, their relationship with Him. Each Believer must be spending time in God’s Word reading/studying/meditating on it and by spending time in prayer, both talking and listening to Him. Being in His presence comes by being obedient to Him and to His Word as each Believer walks daily on the narrow way into eternity with Him in His kingdom.

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