December 21

December 21

Ornament with carpenter’s tools

The devotions for yesterday and today are about the earthly parents of Jesus.  Yesterday we began with the words to a hymn: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”  We talked about Mary, Jesus‘ mother, and how she is an example of humility and trusting God.  Today we will talk about Jesus‘ earthly father, Joseph, and our reading is Matthew 1:18-25:  

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” 24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, 25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”  The life of Joseph is a great example of faith and obedience to God.  When the angel of the Lord came to Joseph, he believed and obeyed without question.    

Not only did Joseph obey immediately and without question before the birth of Jesus, he continued to obey without question.  When Joseph was told to pack up his family and escape to Egypt, he ensured the safety of Jesus from Herod.

Although Joseph was not related to Jesus by blood (remember, God is Jesus’ father), we still include him in our Jesse Tree.  Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus, and he filled an important role.  Joseph ensured that Jesus was raised according to the Jewish laws and his decisions for their family resulted in the fulfillment of prophecies concerning our Savior.

The carpenter’s tools can remind us of Joseph, because Matthew 13:55 says, “Is not this the carpenter’s son?”  As we hang our symbol for today on the tree, let’s remember the faith and obedience of Joseph.  He obeyed God, even when it might not have been the easiest choice.  Joseph knew that God has an eternal plan and knows what is best for his children.

Likewise, we must use the means of grace (Scripture, prayer, and Christian fellowship) and walk closely with God.  Only when we are found in Jesus, rooted in faith, are we able to follow the pattern of Joseph in trust and obedience?  

Let’s close with the first and last stanzas of “Trust and Obey” (or just the refrain)  

When we walk with the Lord

in the light of his word,

what a glory he sheds on our way!

While we do his good will,

he abides with us still,

and with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet

we will sit at his feet,

or we'll walk by his side in the way;

what he says we will do,

where he sends we will go;

never fear, only trust and obey.

Refrain:

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.