Scripture to Read: Matthew 1:25
Joseph's willingness to trust and obey God was evidenced through his willingness to call Jesus by the name given to him by the angel God sent to Joseph in a dream. Another sign of Joseph trusting God was that Joesph did not have sexual relations with Mary until she gave birth to Jesus. Now, there is nowhere in Scripture that says Joseph must not have sexual relations with his wife, Mary, until she gave birth to Jesus. But Joseph’s choice to do this further showed how Joseph chose to walk in God’s righteousness and honor Him. Joseph walked according to Philippians 2:3–4,“ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” The fact that God had Matthew write down that Joseph kept Mary a virgin until she gave birth to Jesus was further evidence that Jesus was the Son of God and not the physically born son of Joseph. We know Mary and Joseph had sexual relations after Jesus was born because Jesus had younger brothers and sisters. Some religions teach that Mary should be worshipped, not only because she was the mother of Jesus, but because they teach that Mary remained a virgin all her life. We must be careful to know God’s truth so false teachings do not sway us and we can lovingly correct those who are wrong. God as Father, Son, and Spirit is the only One worthy of worship.
Challenge & Application
· What did God teach you today about trusting and obeying Him as Joseph did?
· What will you share with those you know about trusting and obeying God in all areas of our lives?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!