Dusk Til Dawn: The Promise — Wednesday
Matthew 1:20
As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.” (NLT)
“I’m… uh… I’m pregnant. Hold on, hold on, I know this sounds crazy, but an angel…” Joseph could hardly let Mary finish. He needed to take a walk. He needed to think.
“She’s what?! It’s from God? What is going on?!” It took him a while, but he began to calm down and think more clearly. “The carpentry business is just taking off… I’m busier than ever… This will ruin my reputation… How does she expect me to believe this?” Sick to his stomach, he reluctantly decided to divorce her quietly. But that night, shortly after his head hit the pillow, he had a dream.
“Those cards you’re holding, don’t you fold them,” the angel said. “This hand you’ve been dealt, I know it’s more than you bargained for. And yeah, the rumors… they’re gonna get real tough. It’s a lot to carry, but don't throw in the towel. God has chosen you and Mary to raise His Son to save the world. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!”
Joseph woke up and made a beeline to Mary’s house. “Welp,” he said with a wink, “guess we’re gonna need to get that dress altered.”
We actually don’t know what Joseph said—the Bible records no actual words that he spoke. Instead, we’re given glimpses into his character. On three separate occasions, an angel speaks to Joseph, commanding Him to do something (Matthew 1:24–25, 2:14-15, 19), and Joseph immediately obeys every time. He models a pattern of obedience for us, and He would teach Jesus to do the same.
I can relate to Joseph. I think we all can.
There are times when God asks us to do hard things. He doesn’t answer every question or fill in every detail. He leaves room for “what ifs” and doubts. Frankly, He asks us to have faith.
I wish He didn’t. I wish He’d just tell us exactly how it will all play out. I’d prefer the mysteries minimized, the riddles reduced, and the surprises subsided. Can’t you just make it easier for us, God?
So much of what God knows is unknown to us in this life. But Psalm 1 reminds me that’s a good thing. That tension is actually the beginning of wisdom—fearing God. My wisdom is not about knowing every detail about every thing. It’s about knowing God’s character—so much so that anytime He speaks, I know it is true. I can take it to the bank. I can build my life on it.
That’s why I think Joseph was able to smile as Mary’s baby bump began to show. Sure, there were whispers behind their backs as they passed by, but he knew the truth. I’m sure he did what all first-time dads do: He put his hand on her belly to feel the baby’s tiny kicks, and reminded Mary how much he loved her and how God would fulfill His promise.
So how can we cultivate obedience strong enough to overcome doubt? How can we learn from Joseph’s example to trust God?
Wednesday’s Reflection
What challenge has God put before you right now? Where is He asking you to trust Him even when it’s not easy or it doesn’t make sense?
