Pastor Joynt's Devotionals

Advent Week 3: The Way of Return, Day 2

MATTHEW 1:19

But Joseph decides to abandon his original plan. His “intended” turns up pregnant with a strange story of an angelic visit and divine intervention. Silent Joseph, who never speaks in the New Testament, decides to "put her away quietly." As a seemingly wronged fiancé, whose betrothed has become pregnant without his help, he would have the right of public vindication, in which Mary would be judged and punished. Betrothal, or engagement, had the status and commitment level of marriage in 1^st century Palestine. Broken promises presumably led to public humiliation. But Joseph opts for a private disengagement, a non-vindictive and generous separation. There is a quality of mercy in this choice, a refusal to turn what he sees as Mary's failure into an occasion for revenge and anger.

In your life, have you ever given up a cherished plan?

What caused this decision?

Did you make the change graciously?

FAMILY TIME: How do you decide on your family plans? Do you vote? Discuss? How do you include God in your planning?

Advent Week 3: The Way of Return, Day 1

THE WAY OF RETURN
MATTHEW 1:18

Joseph had a plan, a calling. He wanted to commit his life to Mary, to be her husband, and to raise a family. It was a simple plan, but one that would command his time and energies and give a central focus to his life. It had almost certainly been a family decision and would require his clan to build an addition to their home in Nazareth. It would mean hard work in the carpentry business to support future children. It would join their two families together in a new connected family, bringing in-laws and a new set of relatives. Joseph, as we learn later in this story, was a righteous man, and so it is likely that this plan arose not just from his own dreams and desires, but from searching prayers and a sense of God's will. 

How has your life been shaped by simple plans?

Have you had a sense of God's confirmation for these hopes?

How did this sense arise?

FAMILY TIME: When did you know “making a family” was part of God’s plan for you?!