Readings: Matthew 1:24-25 and Psalm 98

“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”

Obedience is rarely convenient and at times quite costly. Joseph had the right to put Mary away.

He had observed his circumstances and made a judgment regarding reality.

The angel declared a new reality. It was so very different than Joseph’s perception.

Joseph’s response was to obey. It didn’t necessarily make sense, but he chose to say yes. It would cost him in every way imaginable, and yet he did what he was told.
It grated against his senses and was exactly opposite of what he had already decided to do, rather he listened and obeyed.

We would do well to take notice... In so many ways God has spoken and it is not convenient, is counterintuitive, and costly. 

God's expectation of us is no different than Joseph.  Might we, in increasing ways, walk in obedience.

Father, bend our hearts to long for the things you long for and towards the things that you desire.  We desire the courage to say yes, especially when it doesn't seem to make sense.