Today’s devotion is based on Week 1 of “Resolve”: Set Proper Priorities! (WATCH HERE)
When God speaks…Listen!
We have very little in the Bible about Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. He is part of Jesus’ childhood, but his reference disappears after Jesus is 12 in the temple. It is assumed he died sometime between Jesus at age 12 and Jesus baptism around age 30. We just don’t know.
What we do know about Joseph is impressive and is not to be overlooked. In fact, sometimes the blip one has on the radar of history is what is most significant and memorable about that individual.
And the Holy Spirit preserves these short, but significant events in the life of Joseph that give us both insight and opportunity for application in our own life.
We know Joseph’s father was Jacob. Matthew 1:16 records the genealogy of Jesus, “… and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
To be honest, until writing this, the connection missed me. Joseph of the Old Testament had a father named Jacob as well. The more I reflect on it, there are a couple parallels to note.
Both Joseph’s were guided by God’s Word through dreams. We have three dreams that Joseph had that he “got up” and did as the Lord directed through the dream.
- He took Mary home to be his wife. (Matthew 1:18-25)
- He left Bethlehem with Jesus and Mary to Egypt. He stayed there until the Lord spoke again.
- He returned to Nazareth in Israel when Herod was dead.
Matthew 2:13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”
Joseph of the Old Testament was also the recipient three times of dreams (his own; the baker and cup bearer; and the Pharaoh.) Each of these dreams had a meaning from the Lord that gave direction to OT Joseph’s life. He ended up in Egypt as second in command and while he wasn’t alive when the people of Israel were delivered by Moses, he was confident the day would come and ordered that his bones be carried out of Egypt when that time came. At the end of his life, he reflected on all that had happened in his life, with his family and his leadership in Egypt, “19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them (Genesis 50:19-21).
Could Jesus’ father Joseph say a similar thing? Herod intended harm to his Son. They had to flee to Egypt, certainly not a pleasant experience. Yet all these events were part of fulfilling prophecy (Out of Egypt I called my son), and the salvation of souls, as that was the mission of Jesus, the one who came to save.
Did either of the Joseph’s fully understand the plan of the Lord at each step? Probably not. But when the Lord spoke, they listened. They followed. They trusted. They looked back in life and realized that the hand of the Lord was guiding them each step of the way.
Is this not true for us too? Listen. Trust. Follow the Lord’s lead. He will work his good, which is ultimately the salvation of your soul.
Apply: What events in your life have you been more aware of the Lord’s leading and direction? What opportunities do you have to listen and follow the Lord more closely this year?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your faithful servants of both Josephs. May our heart be like theirs that always listens, trusts and follows your lead. AMEN.