Nougat 22

Remember King Saul being warned by Samuel, “Obedience is better than Sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22)? But what if obedience IS sacrifice? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife,” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:24‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

There’s love and then there is Love. And our dear Joseph demonstrates both. His love for Mary saw him planning to downplay her actions of betrayal. When the Lord revealed that Mary’s story was true, it is Joseph’s Love for God that pushes him to Obedience.

But we know that obedience to God’s plan came with the possibility of ridicule, being punished by the community and Jesus being subjected to bullying (at least in our day). Obedience meant marriage to a very visibly pregnant Mary; and being cast as father of the child. Furthermore, while Joseph may have prepared a home for two, ie himself and Mary, there was now a third person to be accounted for. I would say obedience to God’s plan was filled with sacrifices.

But, Joseph had a glimmer, a little tupse of God’s Big picture. And, for him, that was worth the sacrifice. For, in the child Mary carried, rested the salvation of the earth – past, present AND future.

Literally

Joseph understood that to a small extent, his obedience could transform the world; not just his life. He realized that the course of History was about to be shifted by leaps and bounds; and he could be part of it! He didn’t hedge his bets; with his obedience, Joseph was wagering everything on a sure, long-term (eternal) win.

Of course there was the joy of marriage to Mary. That may also have been a factor. But his initial response indicates that marriage was not the deciding factor for Joseph. It may have been a perk, but didn’t have the final word. For God’s plan overrode Joseph‘s; and he knew that.

Would God find us equally obedient as Joseph or Mary? Can God find obedience in us for the tasks set out for us?

Lord

Thanks for Joseph’s obedience and his and Mary’s sacrifice. May our hearts be as attuned to You at all times.

Help us Love You even when we count the cost; and in Loving, to be obedient even when we cannot see the proof that it will be well.

Heal our hearts to Love You more than life itself we pray, in Jesus name amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ