The Sounds of the Season: Part 2 – Joseph’s Dream of Faith and Obedience
As we journey through the sounds of the season, let me bring to you the sound of a revelation given to Joseph in a dream: a divine encounter that brought clarity and peace to one placed in a situation entirely unforeseen and awkward.
“But when he thought about these things, suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21, NIV).
It is unquestionable that a mixture of confusion, fear, and perhaps betrayal overtook Joseph upon hearing the news of Mary’s pregnancy. He was a just man, and so he made plans to divorce her quietly, so as not to bring her to open shame. But God’s plan was different, and through a dream, he let Joseph know His will.
Consider Joseph. He was a righteous man, moral and religious, yet placed in an outrageous situation. The woman he was betrothed to was expecting, and he knew that the child was not his own. The social mores of the day would have laid severe consequences on Mary, and Joseph’s first inclination to quietly divorce her says a lot about his character. He chose compassion over condemnation.
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.” (Matthew 1:18-19, ESV).
We can just imagine how comforting and disquieting the voice of the angel heard in a dream would be, with Joseph lying down to ponder his decision. The first thing the angel said to Joseph was “Joseph son of David,” in a way reminding him of his kingly descent and the divine promise attached to it. Such a greeting would have touched deep into Joseph’s heart, confirming for him his true identity and his role in God’s plan.
So the angel told him, “Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife.” Fear is a very powerful emotion, in this case perhaps due to a number of sources: fear of what other people would say, fear of what would happen, and fear of taking responsibility in a situation he felt unprepared for. It was an invitation to Joseph by the angel not to be afraid, but to trust in God’s plan and providence.
“But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.‘” (Matthew 1:20-21, ESV).
A typical example of how the Almighty intervenes in our life, especially at a point when one is likely to make some very hard decisions, is the dream of Joseph. It has it that an unexpected way will be followed to enable a willingness of heart to hear and obey the angel’s message which was going to be able to change history for Joseph.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV).
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).
These verses underline the theme of trust and submissiveness to God’s will. The answer by Joseph to the angel’s message was further proof of his faith and confidence in the plan of God, no matter how illogical it seemed to the mind of man.
How does Joseph’s story challenge us to a response to God leading in our life? Are we willing to lay aside fear and doubt to seek His will? And when there are hard decisions to be made, do we go to Him for direction while holding steadfast for His time?
Heavenly Father, thank you for an example in Joseph of faith and obedience. Please help us to fully trust Your plans for our lives even when we do not really understand them. May we, like Joseph, respond with faith and humility to Your call. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
As we listen to the sounds of this season, let us call to mind the dream of Joseph and how great was the effect, the benefit from his obedience. I mean, the readiness on his part, in the face of the unknown, to trust God’s plan, makes us aware that God is always at work guiding us and getting us ready for his purpose.
All teachings are prayerfully written by Daniel Glasco, utilizing available resources to faithfully present biblical truth and discipleship encouragement.