Do Not Be Afraid

Read Matthew 1:18-25

Have you ever faced a daunting life decision that entirely consumes your waking and sleeping thoughts? When we can’t seem to figure it out, we look toward heaven and say, “Why Lord?” or “What should I do now, Lord?” There are not many sermons preached about Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. However, in Matthew 1:18-25, there is a notable lesson to be learned from the depth of faith displayed by Joseph, a lesson that may help you get through your next challenging circumstance. 

Like us, Joseph was faced with an overwhelming decision when he discovered that the woman he was betrothed to, Mary, was now with child. Scripture says that Joseph “did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” Joseph must have loved Mary very much because he wanted to save her from public humiliation, but after considerable contemplation, he decided to divorce her. Like us, I imagine Joseph looking toward heaven and asking, “Why, Lord? I thought Mary was the woman you planned for me to marry?” 

Oftentimes the Lord brings his answer to us in mysterious ways. In Joseph’s case, it came in his dream by an angel of the Lord. The first thing the angel said to Joseph was, “Do not be afraid.” The angel also went on to tell Joseph what he should do, “take
Mary home as your wife…She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.”

Let’s be completely honest; most of us would wake from that dream and say, “Why me, Lord?” Instead, the Scripture says, “When
Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him…” We must admire the immediacy of his action. 

I’m quite sure that following the resurrection of Jesus, Joseph thought about his dream and said, “Lord, I now see your plan.” There is no way he could have understood the gravity of the situation in the moment.  However, in hindsight, it all became obvious. Let’s remember this lesson when we don’t understand situations God is guiding us through. 

For Family Discussion: What do you do when you are scared? How can we run to God when we’re scared or confused? 

For Personal Reflection: How can we be sure of God’s guidance and direction through challenging circumstances? 

by Morrice Blackwell