JOSEPH ACCEPTS GOD’S CALLING

 

Matthew 1:18-25 / Keywords 18:21

JOSEPH ACCEPTS GOD’S CALLING

 

1. “Immanuel” (18-23)

God sent the Messiah through the Virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit so

he would be without sin. Mary’s fiancé Joseph could not believe it at first, but

he showed his character by planning to divorce Mary quietly, without shaming

her publicly. Then an angel came to Joseph and told him to take Mary as his wife

and give the baby the name “Jesus”. The angel explained that this child would

save his people from their sins-something only God could do. The grace of Divine

Christ’s incarnation is expressed in the word “Immanuel”. In Jesus, God is with us

personally forever to save and care for us.

 

2. Joseph’s obedience (24-25)

After waking from his dream, Joseph did what the angel had commanded. It

looks like one normal person’s small life decision. But Joseph’s willingness to

accept God’s plan made him a great part of salvation history. This is an example

of how God can use us as well.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be God with us and save us from

our sins. Please use me to bring Jesus to the world in some small way.

One Word Immanuel