Scripture to Read: Matthew 1:18-25
In yesterday’s devotion, we began to examine Joseph and Mary’s situation because Mary was pregnant. We must understand Jewish culture to understand the story. When a man and woman got engaged, it was as if they were already married. The groom would go and build a bridal suite connected to his father’s house. Once the bridal suite was finished, the groom's father would be the one to tell his son when it was time to go and get his bride. The bride and groom were not in charge of setting the wedding date, but the groom's father made that choice. This sheds a beautiful light on John 14:1-3 when Jesus told His disciples (and all other believers) that He was going to prepare a place for us (His bride, His church). Jesus has gone to His Father's house and has prepared the bridal suite for us (His bride, His church). But only the Father knows the time when He will tell His Son to get His bride. Joseph had been waiting on his father’s word to get his bride. When Joseph found out Mary was pregnant, he thought she had been unfaithful to him, and that is why Joseph was going to divorce Mary secretly. After the angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph, Joseph took Mary as his wife but kept her a virgin until Christ was born. Joseph fulfilled God’s Word in Isaiah 7:14 by keeping Mary a virgin. Walking in obedience to our Lord must be a priority for us as well.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about walking in obedience to our Lord as we await His return?
2. What are some ways you daily walk in obedience to our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!