BECAUSE THE LORD SO

 

Because The Lord Said So

St. Matthew 1:18-20 "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."

In life, there can be difficult decisions to make especially about relationships and money. The reason(s) to make any particular choice can be based on many criterias. People make decisions because majority of the people are making the same decision and in a bit not to be left behind, they make the same decision.

Decisions can be made because a famous person made the same decision. Not minding what the final outcome will be, many tow the same line. Some decisions are made based on the spur of the moment, they feel momentarily good about the issue at the moment not looking at other options, they jump into decisions and jump out not long after. In some cases, once in the snare, coming out will appear almost impossible.

A man collected his wages and saw many people rushing for a particular item and not wanting to be left behind, he joins the crowd. When he comes to his senses, all his money is gone. Some mistakes can hardly be corrected except by the grace of God. How should we make decisions that we will not regret?

Professionals can be consulted, experienced persons can add value. Standards can be followed and more. These are helpful in making great decisions. When all is said and done, one great decision criteria is that the Lord has spoken.

"...Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost..."

Whose child was Mary carrying? Joseph, her husband to be knew for sure that it was not his child. He suspected foul play. This is enough reason to cancel the marriage plan. He would have done nothing wrong to cancel the plan of marriage because it was not right for him to father another man's child just like that in the name of love. The culture of both Mary and Joseph will not permit them to go ahead with the plan. Since he knew privately of the pregnancy, the righteousness of God in him made him to send her away quiety.

"...Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily..."

Had he made a public example of her, she might have suffered public disgrace and possibly death. The God factor is the key to any difficult problem. What has God got to say about this situation?

"...But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."

God spoke in the midst of the confusion in a dream through an angel. This is what the angel said:

"...that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."

This was a serious matter and can complicate things had Joseph heared wrongly. She was not pregnant for a man. "...that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."

Wait a minute. Who will believe this story that a woman is pregnant by the Holy Spirit? It had never happened before (and possibly will not happen again). 

Because Joseph heard from God, he dropped whatever plan(s) he had in mind against Mary and took her and the baby. You may take this with a pinch of salt but this was a serious matter. He dropped whatever counsel he was given before hand and followed God's counsel.

What matter are you struggling with in your heart? Follow the voice of God. The Lord may be warning a man to repent but trying to be wise (according to the wisdom of men), he is calling it diplomacy and delaying the grace of God. The Lord is pointing at the woman (or man as the case may be) to marry but human wisdom is pursuing beauty, wealth, fame and 'class'. May God have mercy.

There is an issue on ground to resolve. Have you asked the Lord what direction to take? If God is asking you to stop a particular plan you are pursuing will you stop? If the Lord is asking you to take a specific action plan, will you take it?

The Lord is making demand of you to release some money to an organization you have no affiliation to but you are calculating what you stand to benefit. You think that is wisdom? If you do that, you are forfeiting the blessing of God in exchange for peanuts.

You will agree with me today that Joseph made the right decision. He never waiver in being the father of Jesus. Today, what Joseph did will be forever remembered to his credit. History will never forget Joseph for good.

Will you just do it because God said it even if you are not comfortable with the idea? As we enter the new year, the Lord will speak to you. Whatever He tells you to do, do it. It may not make sense but just do it. Your happiness and blessing is tied to it