The Stunned Groom

The Stunned Groom

Matthew 1:19-21, 24-25, NLT

Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. 20As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” . . . 24When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

Setting the Scene

The moment must have been intensely personal and painful for Joseph. Mary’s unplanned pregnancy was a shock. We don’t know how he reacted, but we are told how he planned to respond. Hurt and disappointed as he must have been, he still refused to take things out on Mary. The apparent death of their dreams and plans didn’t need to result in Mary’s actual death, which is probably what would have happened if Joseph had gone public with Mary’s pregnancy and disavowed his own involvement. But Matthew tells us that Joseph could not set aside his personal character as a “good” (or righteous) man. But he did have to set aside pride and disappointment in order to practice compassion.

Joseph’s intentions were correct according to the law, but God intervened with a better plan: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” If Joseph was not persuaded by Mary’s explanation, then God provided the second witness that confirmed the story. Until Joseph faced the angel, the only possible explanations had been negatively human. Suddenly, with God in the picture, the shattering changes became filled with hope and promise.

Like Joseph, once we discover God’s direction, our actions ought to be determined and immediate. Joseph married Mary and honored her special role by not physically consummating the marriage until after Jesus was born. Sooner or later, paying attention to God will lead us to take actions no one else seems to be taking. Following God’s guidance may involve not following what others are doing or what others think should be done.

Getting Personal

Joseph’s thoughtful approach rather than knee-jerk reaction gave God time to intervene. How could you practice this approach in challenging situations in your life?

When was the last time you changed course abruptly because of new information?

Waiting on God doesn’t necessarily mean doing nothing. We want him to direct our lives and that may well mean taking the steps we know we can take. There are always obedient actions we can undertake while we are waiting for direction in some area. Like Joseph, move forward, trusting God’s guidance.

Talking to God

Ask God to help you follow him, even when his will leads you far from what others are doing or what others think should be done. Ask him to help you obey immediately, with determination, like Joseph.