Joseph moved forward in obedience despite the shame it would bring. If Joseph married the pregnant Mary, the community would assume the baby was his. But God had instructed him to do so, and he did.
When Mary came back from visiting her cousin Elizabeth for three months, it was evident to Joseph that she was pregnant. Before her visit to see Elizabeth, the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would have a child through the Holy Spirit, and he would be called the Son of the Most High. Additionally, the Lord told Mary to name Him Jesus.
Even if Mary told Joseph about the angel’s visit and becoming pregnant by the Holy Spirit, it would seem like a tall tale. Joseph, at the time, must have been deeply disappointed in Mary. Mary’s apparent unfaithfulness was deeply frowned upon in that culture, carrying a heavy social stigma.
According to Jewish civil law, Joseph had the right to divorce her, emphasizing the profound implications of the situation. 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. [1]
Obedience to God First
Have you ever been in a situation where obedience to God took precedence over what others would think? When I chose to return to school and pursue a career in ministry, despite being a married man with three young children, it was not a popular choice with my parents or my wife’s parents. How could you leave such a career to become a pastor?
Several years later, both sets of parents recognized the wisdom of following God’s guidance, but that understanding did not come immediately. Perhaps you have faced a similar situation. In our story, Joseph decided to follow God’s guidance regardless of the consequences for himself or Mary.
Matthew 1:24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus. [2] Immediately obeying the Lord without questioning after this dream reveals Joseph’s character and offers a deeper understanding of why he would be the adopted father of God’s Son. Although Joseph now knew the truth, that would not prevent their culture from shaming them.
The Price of Obedience
Jesus also acted in obedience despite shame. Dying on the cross was a shameful death, yet out of love for us, Jesus willingly died to pay the price for our sin. Hebrews 12:2 Because of the joy awaiting Jesus, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.[3]
Jesus is our model of the price of obedience. As people, we can only accomplish this through His strength. Philippians 4: 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. [4] To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-gift-of-dreams
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.