When Joseph left Nazareth to go to Bethlehem with Mary, I wonder: Did he have a feeling it would be a while before he saw his father's carpentry shop again? Or did he leave an unfinished project out to complete when he returned? Once Joseph began listening to God and headed to Bethlehem, his plans changed to "wherever He leads, I'll go," and it was years before he saw Nazareth again. God used angels, dreams, and angels in dreams as Joseph's GPS during Jesus' first years. Quiet, trusting Joseph listened well, eluding murderers and political schemers, surviving life in a foreign country, and has become part of our spiritual heritage. Most importantly, Joseph first navigated through his own inner confusion - all to fulfill prophecies and protect God's Promised Son. God directed Joseph to:
Proceed to designated wife: "But . . . an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.'"
"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' -- which means, 'God with us.'" Matthew 1:20-22
Head southwest, to Egypt: When they (the Magi) had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. 'Get up,' he said, 'take the child and His mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill Him." . . .
"And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called My Son.'"
". . . he (Herod) gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under . . . Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 'A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.'"
Head north, toward Israel: "After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt . . . 'go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead.' . .
Head east, toward Galilee: Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: 'He will be called a Nazarene.'"
Joseph's life proves that when God calls us to fulfill a mission, He carries us through it. No cultural stigmas, difficult circumstances, murderous authority, ambition-filled politician, or geographical location can block God's Voice or keep Him from fulfilling His promises. When we trust, listen, and obey Him, we become part of fulfilling prophecies, protecting the innocent, and leaving the Light of salvation along our paths, even when our paths seem to contain more detours than direct routes.
Lord, direct us as clearly and specifically as you directed Joseph. Use us in ways we couldn't dream of being used to spread Your Light. Joseph was an incredible listener and obedient servant. We want to live this same "immediate obedience" faith that brought long-term good for the world. If Joseph had refused to marry Mary, You would've found someone else. If he had ignored or questioned Your directions, You would've protected Your Son through someone else. If Joseph had become comfortable and complacent in Egypt, You would have put thorns in his nest - but You never had to say anything twice to Joseph. Help us do as he did and obey You immediately and without question. Don't let us become complacent questioning. Don't choose someone else to do Your work.
In the Name of Jesus, the Child Who used a quiet, small town carpenter to become a biblical hero of faith
