From Fear To Faith and Obedience
Matthew 1:20 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.”
Story: Joseph has a dream – and we should clarify that this is not Old Testament Joseph, son of Jacob and owner of the coat of many color. This is a different Joseph, having a dream that is unlike any of the dreams we have today. In this dream is the angel of the LORD and so God is speaking authoritatively to Joseph. Though the start of the angel’s words may seem familiar in the Christmas story, ‘Do not be afraid,’ (see Luke 1:13, 1:30, and 2:10), the key difference is that Joseph has no fear in seeing this angel. The fear is in taking pregnant Mary as his wife and bringing on to himself any shame connected with her out-of-wedlock son. Because God speaks directly to Joseph’s fear, Joseph responds with faith. He obeys in taking Mary as his wife and naming the child Jesus, for He (Jesus) will save His people from their sins.
My Prayer Response: Father, where are You speaking directly to my fears, but I’m not listening? I want my fear to turn into faith, trusting the plans You have for me. Thank You for Jesus, and that the Son of God came in humility in order to save me and so many others from our sins against You. Let me not be afraid to obey whatever it is You command of me.
May you trust and obey this day the plans the LORD has for you!