Choice


Mat 1:16  Jacob had Joseph, Mary's husband, the Mary who gave birth to Jesus, 

	the Jesus who was called Christ. 



	There must have been a great deal of story telling that went on in the 

household of Jacob. With no television to occupy their evenings and nothing else 

to do but sit around in candlelight, it was probably often that stories were 

told of all the interesting people preceding them on their family tree. Going 

all the way back to Abraham and including such incredible characters as Ruth and 

David, there must have been enough stories so that it seemed there would be no 

end to what was yet left to be told about one of them. There were probably the 

usual favorites, though, like David and the giant that were requested most 

frequently. In hearing how incredibly God had dealt in the lives of his 

forefathers, I'm sure there was a great deal of confidence Joseph had developed 

in who he was and the favor of God on his life. He had possibly wondered if 

there wouldn't be something special that would take place in his own life. Maybe 

God would also use him to help deliver the nation of Israel again?

	By the time he had reached the age where he could actually ask Mary to be 

his wife, he had already developed the skills of carpentry and was motivated and 

sure of himself and his position as a direct descendant of Abraham. To discover 

her condition before he even had the opportunity to be with her himself must 

have been a great challenge to this self-image. Maybe he would be just another 

one of those who got honorable mention and missed out on any of the really big 

parts. Then, in a dream God told him about Jesus and how he would save many from 

their sins. While it was surely nice to have this pointed out, I wonder if there 

wasn't some inner questioning like, "It might have been nice to know this ahead 

of time. After all, I'm the one with the remarkable heritage, should I have not 

been considered in the preparations of doing this in the first place?"

	Though Mary would bear Jesus and be his dear mother and companion all of 

his life on earth, there were some very essential things for Jesus that she 

would not be able to provide. These were things that Joseph alone could do. From 

accepting the reality of Mary's condition to taking on the role of father to 

this son that didn't come from him, Joseph's part would be required in the 

completion of all the things that would prepare Jesus to do that for which He 

came. He was not only asked to accept the legitimacy of Jesus but to actually 

give Him his name and train and bring Him up in the ways of righteous manhood. 



Mat 1:24  Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God's angel commanded in the 

	dream: He married Mary. 


	Joseph had many choices to make as this all transpired. He could have 

reasoned that the dream was just caused by some spicy lamb stew, and there was 

no real reason, other than his love for Mary, to do what was told him in the 

dream. If he did believe in the dream, he could have still been offended that it 

had gone this far already without anyone having considered him. By choosing this 

route he would have missed out on the honor of being Jesus' earthly father. By 

embracing all that was told him, though, and fulfilling everything that was 

required of him, he would surpass any of those that had come before him. He 

would be the one who personally cared for the Messiah and effected the 

development of His physical skills and personal character. God, in providing 

specific things for Joseph to do, gave him the opportunity to not only accept 

Jesus, but to be directly involved in the completion of His purpose. 

	The condition of Jesus' presence and purpose is a reality for all that 

live. In coming to know of this reality, (whether in dream, a book or from the 

voice of another person) we are presented with many choices that will determine 

our acceptance of and participation in the presentation of Jesus to the world. 

Possibly because of pride and offense, many choose to let Jesus just exist 

without them. But, for those who not only accept the reality of His presence, 

but also embrace their part in doing what they are given to do in the kingdom, 

there is a special honor given of actually entertaining Him daily in our bodies. 

Like Joseph, we will get to play an essential part in the presentation of Jesus 

to the world as He is seen and heard in us. This choice will be a daily decision 

as there will always be enticing alternatives, but the rewards of being in His 

presence and showing to the world who He really is will be so much more 

fulfilling than any other option. He will occupy our every moment with His 

goodness and we will be flooded with the knowledge of His love and favor.



Isa 11:9  -The whole earth will be brimming with knowing God-Alive, a living 

	knowledge of God ocean-deep, ocean-wide. 

Isa 11:10  On that day, Jesse's Root will be raised high, posted as a rallying 

	banner for the peoples. The nations will all come to him. His headquarters 

	will be glorious. 



4/28/04