Jesus' Family Album December 17 Devotional

MATTHEW 1:20-21 | ²⁰ But just when he had resolved to do 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 as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’

The angel asks Joseph to consider a more radical course. He is not only to forego vindication he is to commit completely to Mary as her partner and protector. Beyond justice, in which we give and get what we deserve, is mercy, in which we don’t get what we do deserve. But beyond mercy is grace, in which we get what we could never deserve. When someone commits to love and support us, to devote their time and energy to us, to care unconditionally in the face of struggle or tragedy, no one can deserve this! Marriage has an inherently heroic beauty, a sacrificial character. It has to be just and merciful, for fairness and equality and forgiveness are key ingredients, but at its essence it’s about grace. Notice that Jesus’ mission is to make such grace available for every sinner.

When have you had to move beyond justice and mercy toward grace?

Gracious God,

Show me when to exercise grace and to live and act sacrificially. Thank You for your marvelous grace in Christ.

Amen.