3. With Us - Joseph’s Response

The 19th century hymn by John H. Sammis and Daniel B. Towner puts it this way: “Trust and obey. There is no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey.” I always have found these lyrics to feel like a set of sheets made of fine sandpaper. Not because they aren’t true, or the melody isn’t catchy, but because they call out a reality I don’t want to face. I want happiness on my own terms. I don’t want to find joy only in my obedience, but instead I wish that joy could be produced through seeking after whatever my heart desires. This is the posture of our sin nature. Rebellion against the design and plan of God, and a belief that we know better than He does what is best for us. Joseph found out that his betrothed was pregnant, and everything in him was ready to cut ties with her, and run after the life he wanted. Staying connected to Mary would have meant ridicule from all angles, and Joseph had done nothing to deserve that. He knew that what he wanted to do was justified by the Law of Moses, and no one in their community would have questioned it once the news broke. Then God sends an angel… And Joseph has a choice… Trust and obey, even though it may cost you greatly… or go your own way and trust your own judgment. Obedience is not easy. It costs. Sometimes a lot. Yet we are still called to it, and blessed by it as we walk in it. Joseph’s choice to obey meant that he became part of the incarnation story, where God came to dwell with man. Emmanuel. God with us. Join us this Sunday as we dive further into the “With Us” God, and how He uses people like Joseph, and you, for His glory and our good! -Pastor Ben Phillips Key Verse - Matthew 1:24 (NIV) - "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife." For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49530259