Matthew chapter 1 verses 19-24 (NIV)
Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
Joseph was a righteous man and faithful to the law. He was not self-righteous as some of the Pharisees had become. He was in a quandary. He knew what the law expected him to do with a pregnant fiancée. But he was a compassionate man and obviously loved Mary, so he made a decision that would satisfy the law whilst being as kind to Mary as he could. He would not be criticised for that decision had it been made public. It seemed the right thing to do. But it was not God’s plan, so God sent Him guidance, and Joseph obeyed.
As we head into this new year we may make many decisions, some perhaps more significant than others. They may seem perfectly justified, but we must be careful to make sure we have sought God’s mind on the matter. It doesn’t matter how much we can justify our decision if it’s not part of God’s plan. We must ask, we must listen and we must be as obedient as Joseph.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that when we have big decisions to make, if we follow Your will we will not go wrong. May I be as obedient and faithful throughout this year as Joseph. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.