Humble Obedience

There was so much wrapped up in this simple sentence, but if we read past it too quickly, we will miss it.

First, you recognize that the trip to Bethlehem is a demonstration of the sovereign timing of God. With His birth in Bethlehem, Jesus is clearly identified as being in the lineage of King David, and in so doing, He fulfills Messianic prophecies found in the Old Testament (Matthew 2:5-6, Micah 5:2, Ezekial 34:23).

Yet beyond this recognition, the passage points out the humble obedience of two of God’s most precious servants. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read that Joseph struggled initially with the knowledge that Mary was with child (Matthew 1:18-25). You can only imagine his confusion when the woman he has pledged to marry is now telling a story that seems impossible. However, Joseph was a righteous, kind man, and even though he surely felt his honor had been betrayed, he did not want to do anything to harm or embarrass Mary. So he decided to proceed with a quiet divorce until God spoke to him.

It is interesting that in Matthew’s account, we do not read about the angel coming to speak to Mary. Matthew is more focused on the genealogy of Jesus and its connection to the line of David, so he describes the perspective of Joseph and not Mary. Without Matthew’s story though, we never would know the amazing obedience demonstrated by Joseph.

God tells Joseph how this child will “save his people from their sins,” and He tells him of his own important role in this process—he needs to remain with his betrothed, marry her, and raise Jesus as his own. Perhaps we’ve heard the story so much that it’s not as shocking as it should be. Joseph had to put aside his pride and recognize that God is doing so much more than he could ever imagine. Matthew ends the account in a beautiful way, telling us that when Joseph woke up, he immediately did with the Lord commanded.

Going back to the passage in Luke, we see the story of another wonderful servant of the Lord—Mary (Luke 1:26-38). Luke describes the encounter between the angel and Mary, and here again the thought of being a virgin and giving birth seemed to overwhelm her. Yet instead of arguing with the Lord, she asks a simple question about how could this really happen. God explains, and she obeys.

Today, as we spend time, thinking about this passage, let’s focus on the amazing obedience demonstrated by Mary and Joseph in the midst of an uncertain future. Although God told them the plan, they still didn’t see it yet. It would still take years for the fulfillment of these prophecies to fully take place, and along the way Joseph will be laid to rest and Mary will feel her heart

pierced at the side of her son hanging on a cross. But neither of them hesitated to respond to God with “Yes, Lord.”

Does your relationship with the Father reflect this level of open obedience? What hesitations may be in place right now keeping you from handing your life over to Him and willing joining with Mary and Joseph by saying, “Your will be done

Prayer

Father, I thank You for the testimony of Mary and Joseph. I thank You that You saw fit to choose two everyday individuals to do extraordinary work for your kingdom. I thank You that they were faithful in their moment of decision and willing to do whatever You asked them to do.

Would You please give me the same spirit of obedience in our lives? Will You speak to me, guide me, and direct me, and would You give me the courage and perseverance I need in order to walk in the path that you have laid out for me. Guard my heart along this journey and help me to see You and Your glory, and may my life be a reflection to others of how beautiful it is to follow in Your footsteps.

Amen.