Jesus' Family Album December 18 Devotional

MATTHEW 1:22-25 | ²² All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ²³ ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’, which means, ‘God is with us.’ ²⁴ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, ²⁵ but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Joseph obeys the angel and takes Mary as his wife. They are a contrasting pair. She is a prophet, as we saw last week, speaking holy poetry and reading events like a theological scholar, even though she is a young girl. Joseph never says a word in the gospels! He doesn’t make a statement, ask a question, offer a prayer, or construct an argument. (He does presumably talk to name his son Jesus).

But what Joesph does do is to act! He is a man of action who demonstrates his faith by a thoroughgoing obedience. When God’s way is clear he moves to follow.

Are you a person of action?

Gracious God,

Let our words and convictions become actions. May our faith capture our thoughts, move our hearts, and direct our hands, feet, and tongues.

Amen.