Re:Verse reading—Matthew 1:18-2:15, 19-23 (day three)
“Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man…” (v.19)
Joseph was a righteous man. An angel appeared in a dream and told Joseph to be not afraid. Joseph did as commanded and upon waking took Mary as his wife. And she gave birth to a son who would save his people from their sins.
An angel appeared in a dream and told Joseph to flee with Mary and Jesus to Egypt. Joseph got up and the family left for Egypt. And Jesus escaped the wrath of Herod.
Following Herod’s death, an angel appeared in a dream and told Joseph to take Mary and Jesus, and go to Israel. So Joseph got up, and took Mary and Jesus to Israel and then to live in Nazareth. And the words of the prophets were fulfilled: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
Why Joseph? And why not us, as well?
Lord, let us know you will be with us and give us the strength to be not afraid. Show us the path to a faith and obedience modeled by Joseph so that we, too, may help build your Kingdom in a mighty way.
Charlie Wedge, Associate Pastor for Administration and Operations, guest blogger