Obedience to God
Matthew 1:20, 24–25
"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS."
One Christmas when my children were teenagers, our family carpooled home from a Christmas gathering in Southern California. As we drove past Staples Center in Los Angeles, my wife and I made a last minute decision to create a special family memory by watching the Lakers play that night. Knowing how much joy this would bring to my sons who were following in the car behind me, I called and told them to follow me as I took a different route home, but I did not tell them why or where we were going. They obliged my request, and we were able to surprise them because of their quick obedience! As we later discussed what a great night we had together, my sons told me that after I called they almost took the normal route home so they could get to bed sooner. But they were glad they chose to follow dad’s leadership!
When Joseph found out that Mary was going to have a baby, he did not know exactly what to do. He did not want to publicly humiliate her, but he was contemplating a private “putting away” because of what appeared to be her unfaithfulness to him. Yet when the angel came to him and explained that what was happening was part of God’s plan, Joseph immediately submitted to God’s role for him and did as God instructed.
Obedience is not based on understanding or rationalizing but on faith. We don’t have to be able to figure out how things will work out. We simply have to choose to obey and follow His plan.
Growth Principle:
As you celebrate the season, remember that you can trust and obey the God who planned Christmas.