Gtcotr/ss122015
Matthew 1 NKJV
18 Now the birth of Jesus
Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before
they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
19 Then Joseph her husband,
being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to
put her away secretly.
20 But while he thought about
these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for
that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 "And she will bring
forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people
from their sins."
22 So all this was done that
it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:
23 "Behold, the virgin
shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name
Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
24 Then Joseph, being aroused
from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his
wife,
25 and did not know her till
she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
God
chose Joseph, a common construction worker, to be the earthly image and play
the role of father in the life of Jesus. I have long looked at Joseph as one of
the unsung heroes of the Bible. So many times we overlook the critical part he
played in the plan of God. Even though we never hear one word uttered by
Joseph, I nonetheless believe he speaks volumes to every man who becomes a
father, especially to those who are busy raising someone else’s children.
Joseph is an amazing example for each one of us.
The
role of a father can be boiled down to Two Basic Responsibilities:
1.
Guide
2.
Provide
Although
Joseph words aren’t recorded anywhere in the Bible, his silence speaks loudly. A
simple survey of the passage we’ve already read this morning reveals 4 evident
reasons why Joseph was chosen and why I believe he was so successful. As you
listen this morning imagine how these same truths can apply to your life. What
can Joseph’s silence teach you?
1.
Joseph was connected to someone who was connected to God …
a. Matthew 1:18&19
tell us that Joseph was engaged to Mary and was her husband
b. Who we include in
our inner circle can help us or hurt us
c. Our success in life
may depend on others more than we realize
2.
Joseph was a humble man
a. Matthew 1:19 says
that Joseph did not react selfishly when he found out about Mary’s pregnancy
but considered what he should do based on how his actions would affect her.
b. Joseph did not react
out of haste or hurt; he was not rash nor did he take advantage of the
situation to vindicate himself.
c. Joseph didn’t let
his pride get the best of him … rather he humbled himself and gave his best to God
and to Mary.
3.
Joseph embraced the supernatural
a. Matthew 1:20-23
reveal how Joseph believed in and accepted both the messenger and the message
from heaven.
b. One Word from God
changes everything … at least it does for those who will receive it …
c. Some things can only
be explained in light of the supernatural plan of God.
d. In his critical
moment Joseph embraced the Word of the Lord as divine direction for his life.
e. When God could do no
better, God sent His Word … to Mary; to Joseph; and to the world!
4.
Joseph was unafraid to go against popular opinion
a. Matthew 1:24&25
show us that Joseph obeyed God instead of just going with the flow or pleasing
the crowd.
b. Reckon what all
those “wagging tongues” are going to say come judgment day? Think they’ll still
be making fun of Joe?
c. Actions most often
speak louder than words and Joseph’s silence still speaks today … what do his
choices say to you?
When
God chooses you for your next task realize it may not be all about you so stay
humble, embrace the supernatural Word of the Lord and don’t be afraid to swim
against the tide. I love you … Merry Christmas!
