This “Application” column goes with the Bible Lesson for Dec. 13, 2020: Fulfilled through Love (Matthew 1:18-25; 22:34-40)
________
By David Faust
Joseph’s second choice impresses me more than his first one. His first choice was relatively easy. Mary was an eligible young woman, and no doubt Joseph found her attractive. Nazareth wasn’t a big town. It’s likely their families knew each other well and their parents approved of their engagement. The local grapevine buzzed with cheerful chatter about their upcoming wedding. As a gift for his wife, Joseph may have used his carpentry skills to build furniture for their home—a kitchen table or a frame for their bed.
But soon, the grapevine buzzed with a different kind of news. Mary was visibly pregnant, and Joseph knew he wasn’t the father. In his workshop, the carpenter pounded out his frustrations and pondered his options. End the betrothal and divorce her quietly? That wasn’t his first choice, but it seemed like the best option for everyone.
Conceiving the Inconceivable
God interrupted Joseph’s contemplation by interjecting a new thought. “Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife” (Matthew 1:20). The inconceivable had been conceived. “What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (v. 20). God himself handled the gender reveal: “She will give birth to a son”; claimed the paternal naming rights: “You are to give him the name Jesus”; and foretold the child’s future destiny: “He will save his people from their sins” (v. 21).
This is where Joseph’s second choice came in. The first time he decided to marry Mary, it was easy. Now the situation was messy and the decision was more difficult. Joseph’s second choice required him to follow God’s leading more than his own reasoning. It required ongoing restraint to wait until after the baby was born to consummate the marriage. And by obeying God’s instructions, Joseph would have to endure his neighbors’ misunderstanding and criticism.
Loving at a Deeper Level
Motivated by faith, Joseph made tough choices over and over again. In the opening chapters of Matthew, three times God instructed him to do something difficult: (1) “Take Mary home as your wife” (1:20); (2) “Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt” (2:13); and (3) “Take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel” (2:20). The carpenter obeyed each time—each decision required courage and sacrifice—but by obeying God, Joseph participated in the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and helped to alter the course of history.
You and I face second choices, too. The decision to marry is exciting. But when the initial shine wears off and disagreements, illnesses, or financial pressures rise, love goes to a deeper level. The husband and wife must decide over and over again to be faithful “for richer or poorer, in sickness and health.”
It’s easy to love your church when the members get along, the minister’s messages are inspiring, and new believers are being baptized. But what about when your congregation goes through hard times? What about when things get messy and the body of Christ is hard to love?
Jesus loved his disciples even when they were unlovable—when they misunderstood his teachings, quarreled among themselves, and asked foolish questions. “He loved them to the end” (John 13:1).
It’s good to say, “I love you.” It’s even better when we make the choice to love over and over again.
PERSONAL CHALLENGE: In your journal or on a piece of paper, write down the name of a person or persons you’re currently struggling to love. This week, find a specific, practical way to demonstrate God’s love to them.
0 Comments