Re:Verse reading–Matthew 1:18 – 2:15, 19-23 (day two) “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” (v. 24)
Because we often think of Joseph as a polyurethane figurine in a tabletop nativity scene, it’s easy to forget he was a flesh-and-blood person who lived in turbulent times. Blindsided by Mary’s perplexing pregnancy, his dreams at night became a series of ominous, life-and-death communications from God: “Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife…” “Escape to Egypt…for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” “Go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”
As Joseph wrestled with his own fears and strained to hear God’s direction in the midst of the confusion, he became a person who helped tell the story of what God is doing in human history. God still calls people—you and me included, in the midst of turbulent times—to help tell the story of what God is doing through the now-risen Savior for the sake of all people.
Bryan Richardson, Associate Pastor for Singles, Small Groups, and Pastoral Ministries, guest blogger
Pastor Richardson,
I listened to your sermon from Sunday and just wanted to say thanks for letting the Lord speak through you. It was such a helpful sermon. I have made mistakes and been on the receiving end of mistakes made by others in a church setting. Although I no longer live with active regret, there are some huge lessons that I need to learn so that I do not repeat my part at least (I get that other’s actions are beyond my control.) when I am again established in a church. My hope today is Eph 2:22 where God promises that I am being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.
Your sermon helped me last night at least be able to talk clearly with God about mistakes I have made and to affirm again that my Trust is in Him… that I submit to being placed where He wants me.
Thanks again.