Verses of the Week

Hey, girls! I know this passage is typically read and talked about at Christmas time, but I am currently reading Matthew in my devotions and something came to mind as I was reading Matthew 1:18-25.

“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. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”

When Mary became pregnant with Jesus, she had to face the shame of having a child out of wedlock, even though she was a virgin. Yet, she was willing to give birth to the Savior. Luke 1 comes to mind. Mary was humble and willing to obey God. Even though it seemed to Joseph as though Mary had committed an immoral act, he was still a kind, merciful man and didn’t want to shame Mary further and was going to break up with her quietly. But when God gave Joseph the dream explaining everything to him, he accepted it and obeyed God. He trusted God’s plan and was also willing to deal with undue shame. I think it’s pretty cool who God chose to raise His Son, the Savior of all who trust in His sacrifice for their sins.

-Morgan