Matthew 1-2
Good Morning and Happy New Year! I am going to be doing my devotions in the ESV as I continue to analyze and pray about using this version in the future, so if I quote something it may be a bit different from the NASB or a version that you are using. This morning we are to read Matthew chapter 1-2.
The majority of chapter 1 is the genealogy of Jesus Christ, and the final verses move into the birth narrative of Jesus. The genealogy is important for us as it links the Messiah to Abraham which fulfills the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis 12 and the Davidic covenant in 2 Samuel 7:8-17 & 1 Chronicles 17:7-15 that the Messiah will sit upon the throne. Chapter 2 tells us of the events after the birth of Jesus and the reaction of the Jewish king; Herod.
What impressed me specifically in these chapters is found in verses Mt 1:20,24 and Mt 2:12,14,21-22. Joseph is told “do not fear” and is given commands. In Mt 1:24 he is obedient to the first command. In Mt2:12 the magi are given a command and they obey. In Mt 2:14 Joseph again is obeying a command given to him. In Mt 2:21-22 Joseph again receives a command and obeys. In verse 22 while he is obeying the command to go back to the land of Israel he becomes afraid because of Archelaus, the now reigning Judean king. While obeying he is given a more specific direction and then obeys again.
It is my desire that I be like a Joseph, who willingly obeyed even when the culture and his family may have told him to do something more sensible. It is nice to know that he became afraid, but God met his fear with directives and directions. When we become afraid we too can know that God will meet us with directives and directions, if we are abiding in Him. We can also know that genuine faith will lead us to obedience. You may say; Well, if I had angels and dreams from God it would make it easier. Not so fast. Remember that God spoke in the past in many different ways, but now we have the Scriptures to which Peter says;
2 Peter 1:19 (NASB95)
19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.
Prayer: Lord, make my faith be strong in You and your Word when I become afraid. Grant me your grace hear your commands and then obey not matter what. Amen.