Matthew 1:20,21,24,25
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Luke 1:30,31,34,35,38
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
God respects the marriage relationship. In matters of his plan and his
purpose, he will direct both the husband and wife. He desires to realize his agreement principle on matters of the kingdom.
Joseph and Mary were willing participants. They surrendered their plans as they were both informed by an angel concerning God’s desire to include them in his purpose
Rather than turn Mary over for adultery and the required punishment, Joseph was deciding to nobly separate from her privately and move on. The angelic visit presented another option. Certainly the furthest thing from his mind. He could accept this child in her womb, from another Father, seal the engagement with marriage, and then wait for consummation until after the birth of the child. To his credit, the last part does not seem to be part of the deal, but the pronouncement concerning the child he was about to adopt rather demanded it from him. It was of the Holy Ghost. And he knew her not.
At another time and another place, the angel presented the plan to Mary. Initially the biological implications perplexed her. Once she also understood it was of the Holy Ghost she relinquished her body for the divine purpose.
Mary was invited to offer herself for that which would be an inconvenience. Her wedding celebrations would be different. The conjugal embrace would be delayed. Setting up housekeeping now included preparations for a baby.
On the other hand, Mary’s acquiescence to the Divine plan would place her in history forever. She would give birth to the Son of God. The Savior of the world. “Behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” Indeed.
Matthew tells us Joseph’s side of the story. Luke gives us Mary’s side.
Christmas started with a couple who agreed.
Think about it. -PJF-
Purpose! Ministries
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