By PASTOR MARK MOLINA
Living Waters Church
Pastor Mark Molina
Special to the NEWS
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.’” (Matthew 1:18-21 NKJV)
What an amazing story! This is more than just about the birth of Jesus Christ. This is also about the man and woman that God chose to be his parents on this earth. Look how it all begins:
A young lady became pregnant out of wedlock while betrothed to Joseph. The Holy Spirit overshadowed her, forming Jesus inside of her. Then Joseph found out she was pregnant. Under the law he could have had her stoned to death. He could have made a public spectacle of her. Instead, being a just man, he did the opposite. He wanted to do things quietly and secretly. Joseph was a man with honor and dignity, which is evident in how he chose to deal with Mary’s pregnancy. I can see why God trusted Joseph to be the earthly example of father to Jesus.
The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream explaining to him of the circumstances of the pregnancy. He is even told to give the baby the name “Jesus”. Joseph woke up from the dream and immediately did what the angel said. He did not confer with man, nor did he seek the counsel of man. He obeyed the voice of God. He was willing to accept and carry what many would call an intolerable injustice, shame and disgrace, so that the plan of God could be fulfilled.
“Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.” (Matthew 1:24-25 NKJV).
Joseph did not hesitate to obey. He showed great personal restraint and respect towards Mary as well. Once they were married he could have consummated the marriage sexually but he chose not to do that. He waited until the promise of God was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. He then had to wait until after she healed from the birth “to know her.” What an incredibly patient and respectful man.
Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem. There was no room at the Inn. He was born in the middle of livestock on a bed of hay. It was obscure. There were no crowds. There was no notoriety. It was just a faithful man and a faithful woman responding to the assignment of a faithful God. Neither of them demanded more than what was offered. They accepted the circumstances of the moment.
How do we respond when God gives us an assignment? Do we expect the best of heaven immediately? A Five Star Hotel? A Five-Course Meal? Are we willing to accept a call that is counter-culture to the days in which we live? Would we be willing to accept a call that might require a measure of shame or disgrace in the eyes of others? Or are we willing to bear with something or someone secretly and privately until the promise of God is made manifest?
As we celebrate another Christmas season let us resolve that God is still God no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in. His Word will be accomplished in our lives if we allow it. He will watch over it and perform it. Instead of our environment let’s focus on being faithful men and women whom God can trust with any assignment even if to others it seems obscure or without notoriety.
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