Matthew 1:18-24 (NIV)
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[d] (which means “God with us”).
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
Reflection
It is amazing to know that, while God had planned out His amazing salvation story even before creation, God chooses to use people to fulfill His salvation story. Particularly, God calls the poor and humble, those who are nobodies in the eyes of the world but yet favored and honored in the sight of God. Although He does not have to, God waits for our response like He did with Joseph. Joseph had other plans, but when God revealed His plans, Joseph responded in obedience to God. While God had chosen Joseph to be Jesus’ earthly father, He also looked for his humble heart and a trusting obedience that was willing to overcome social and cultural stigmas and, in turn, embrace Jesus as his Savior and as a son in his family.
Response
While God’s salvation story has been fulfilled through Christ, the story is not over. God continues to look for humble hearts and trusting obedience. Like Joseph, we too can respond and bring the salvation story to others who have yet to receive Christ. Let’s pray for those around us who need to hear and see the salvation story lived out in us and in the church.
