Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
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.
(ESV)
—Matthew 1:18-25
by: Andrew J. Camenga.
Joseph was ready to send Mary away. He had examined the situation, considered his options, weighed the possibilities, and decided to avoid causing disgrace by quietly setting her aside. While we do not know to whom Joseph had announced his plan, we do know that the plan was complete and ready for implementation. His mind was made up.
Then, God intervened. He sent an angel to Joseph's dream. He proclaimed all that was happening as part of his plan. He told him to accept the situation as something of God. Joseph heard the message of God and responded with righteous obedience. Are we ready to hear the voice of God as we make decisions? Are we ready to change our mind when God says, "You chose poorly"?