In Matthew, we read about the important part Joseph played in the birth of Jesus. Mary was engaged to Joseph to be married, however, while she was still a virgin she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph, being a righteous man decided to break the engagement because he did not want to disgrace her publicly. While he was sleeping an angel appreared to him and said, “Don’t be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary for the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. You are to name him Jesus and he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph woke up, he brought Mary home to be his wife just as the angel told him to do. He became the earthly father of Jesus.

We also read  that after the birth of Jesus, again the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, “Get up and flee to Egypt with the child and his mother and stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to try to kill the child.” That night Joseph left taking the child and Mary, his mother and left for Egypt.

We have just looked at two examples of Joseph’s obedience to God. Both times God spoke to Joseph through an angel and he obeyed immediately because he was a righteous man. The angel probably will not appear to our grandchildren, however, let’s pray that when the Holy Spirit speaks to them through His Word they will listen, and obey.
Pray for your grandchildren to follow the example of Joseph to be righteous, honorable, and obedient when God speaks to them.

Taken from Matthew 1:18-25 and Matthew 2:13-15

© Lillian Penner 2010