Matthew 1:20 “But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”
Louis Pasteur, the french biologist is reported to have had such an irrational fear of dirt and infection he refused to shake hands. President Benjamin Harrison was so intimidated by the newly invented electricity installed in the White House that he didn’t dare touch the switches. What are you afraid of most? What is it that when it is brought into your mind it shuts you down, rattles your cage, or renders you paralyzed?
In Matthew’s gospel, we see the birth of King Jesus from Joseph’s perspective. You might be thinking, why would Joseph be afraid? Why wouldn’t he just trust God? Maybe you’re saying to yourself, ‘Joseph needs to have more faith.’ Listen, I do not think you have a proper respect for the situation surrounding this man. He was as the text describes “a just man,” He wanted to do what was right and he and Mary had done so. He had allowed for “a little bit of pain and a lifetime of pleasure and not given into a little bit of pleasure for a lifetime of pain” in terms of waiting on God for his mate. He and Mary had by God’s grace stayed pure. Now, she’s pregnant and not by him. Hmm… An angel is telling him that this is all from God. This is what I would call in terms of God’s leading us “A TOUGH ASK.” This is less something to do… and more about Joseph’s inner man trusting God with his heart. Do you find it a struggle to trust God with the inner thoughts and emotions? Do you find that FEAR creeps in and then thoughts flood your mind that lead you deeper and deeper into FEAR? If so listen to what the angel said to Joseph, “do not be afraid.”
In the original language this literally says, “NEVER FEAR.” As God’s children when should we be afraid? Beloved, listen to the voice of your Heavenly Father and NEVER FEAR, God is for you! Here are a few verses to chew on and put to memory:
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 43:1 “But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” NEVER FEAR!
By His Spirit,
Pastor Bill