Obedience

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

- Matthew 1:18-25

Eight short words lay out God’s plan to redeem his people. “He will save his people from their sins.” Sins. Plural. Not just the “not so bad” sins, but every sin from rudeness to adultery to murder.

When Joseph discovered Mary’s pregnancy, he could have enforced the punishment for adultery prescribed in Deuteronomy 22: death by stoning. Joseph decided a private divorce was a better solution. When God’s angel revealed the divine purpose for Jesus’ miraculous incarnation, Joseph believed, cared for Mary, and named the baby Jesus, which means “he will save.” Year later, when Jesus let the woman caught in adultery go (John 8:11), I wonder if he remembered the story his father told him about God’s angel’s message to him about his mother Mary? Like father, like Son.

“Obedient” describes both Mary and Joseph. God used them not because they were spectacular people of education, position, or wealth. He used them because of their humble obedience. Consider a place in your life where you can be more obedient to God. Is there a step of surrender and obedience God is asking of you? Spending your time with him will lead you to that place.

Prayer

Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.