Tuesday, 18th March 2025
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: JOSEPH’S DILEMMA
THEME SCRIPTURE: “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” – Mathew 1:20
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- What do you do when confused or faced with a difficult situation?
There are moments in everyone’s life when we come across life’s uncertainties. Those overwhelming moments leave us torn between what seems right and what feels necessary. In fact, we are sometimes confused about what is right and wrong in those moments. A crisis, an unexpected discovery, or a difficult decision can shake our confidence, making the right path unclear. In such times, fear and doubt creep in, urging us to act without many considerations. But what if, amid these overwhelming moments, God is calling us to trust Him beyond our understanding?
In our focus text, Joseph, a just man (Mathew 1:19), found himself in such a moment when he discovered that Mary, his betrothed, was with child (Mathew 1:18). According to Jewish law (Deuteronomy 22:23-24), this situation triggers an occasion for public disgrace or even severe punishment for Mary. One of the options Joseph considered was to put Mary quietly away to protect her from any public disgrace. In those moments of deep thoughts “…an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife…” – Mathew 1:20.
Joseph’s encounter with the angel of the Lord cleared his mind and brought a specific direction as to exactly what God wanted him to do. The angel's words assured him that God was at the center of everything. Such an assurance made Joseph courageous to obey God immediately.
He did not question or delay but acted according to God’s instruction, taking Mary as his wife. His faith and trust in God remind us that obedience is often required even when circumstances seem unclear. When God speaks to us through the scriptures, our response should not be fear or hesitation but faith in Him and His word.
Dearly beloved in Christ, during the Lenten season, it is important to know that there is nothing stable in this part of our world. Life will throw at us all sorts of things to destabilize us and to attempt to make us doubt God.
Given the uncertainties of life, it is important to acknowledge God in all our ways. He is the one who made us and knows all things, praying to Him in our moments of uncertainty (and at all times) is the right thing to do. Let this season also remind you that God’s plans sometimes challenge our understanding. Joseph’s dilemma teaches us that even in uncertainty, we must trust God’s guidance. What seems like a crisis may be part of God’s greater purpose. Amen.
FURTHER READING – Mathew 1:18-25
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- How do you respond when God's plan disrupts your expectations?
- How can Joseph’s obedience inspire faith in your own walk with God?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, in moments of uncertainty, help me by Your Holy Spirit to trust in You. Give me the strength to obey Your word even when doing so will result in societal backlash. Increase my faith to be unwavering like Joseph, and may I always choose Your word over my own, in Jesus' name, Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
John 8; Numbers 18-19; Psalm 77
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