Get Real November 23 Devotional
November 23, 2024
MATTHEW 1:21-25 | She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son, and he named him Jesus.
God has a better dream for him than Joseph could ever have imagined. He will be the earthly father to the long-awaited Messiah. His embarrassment at an untimely pregnancy redounds to God’s glory, for the child Mary carries is the point of connection between the divine and human spheres. He is called “God with us” or Emmanuel.
Silent Joseph’s angelic vision prompts him to obedience, he goes against personal inclination and cultural pressure and marries Mary.
What surprising dream has God had for you?
How flexible are you when your plans and dreams must be altered?
