Written by - Pastor William Ilnisky From today until Christmas, we will look at several occurrences and how they affected what happened to Joseph and Mary. Some of the traditions that we read about in the Gospels still take place today, or at least did when my family and I lived in Lebanon. For instance, the young lady who worked for me was a University graduate whose father was a member of parliament. One day when she came to work, it was very apparent that something was wrong and she informed me she was going to be introduced at lunch to the man who her father had arranged for her to marry. So, keeping a Middle East mentality as you walk with me through the week will enhance the remarkable story surrounding Jesus birth. Scripture: MATTHEW 1:18-25 Meditation: THE SAVIORS ENTRY INTO THE WORLD HE CREATED In our current western way of thinking the relationships in this scripture can be very frustrating. Joseph is said to betrothed to Mary; then he is said to be planning quietly to divorce her; and then she is called his wife. But the relationships were quite normal because there were three steps in a marriage procedure. 1st, was the engagement. This usually took place when the couple were just children. Usually, the fathers decided together or they used a professional matchmaker. The arrangement was often made without the couple involved ever having seen each other. It was said that marriage was too serious a step to be left to the desires of young people. 2nd, was the betrothal. It was absolutely binding. This stage lasted for one year. During this time, the couple is known as husband and wife but they didnt have the rights/privileges of being married. It could only be terminated by a divorce. A girl whose husband-to-be had died during this year was called A virgin who is a widow. This was the situation with Joseph and Mary. That was why Joseph talked about divorce. 3rd was the marriage. This took place at the end of the year of betrothal. It was at this time that Joseph was told that Mary was with child and that the child was begotten by the Holy Spirit and that the childs name must be Jesus. He was also told that the child would become the Savior who would save Gods people from their sins. JESUS WAS NOT SO MUCH THE MAN BORN TO BE A KING AS THE MAN BORN TO THE SAVIOR. Life Application: Gods ways are not our ways. Often His ways may frustrate us. That is where the element of trust/faith comes in. If we really trust Him, we are willing to obey His commands. Gods ways are best for His children. Praise/Prayer: Dear Father, I have discovered that Your plans for my life are better and more complete than I could ever imagine. When I look back over my life, I realize how You have led me on the path You had for me to walk. I could not ever have dreamed of the privileges, opportunities or experiences
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 11:24:30 +0000
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