22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”g (which means “God with us”).
24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. (Matthew 1:22-24)
Thoughts: Matthew interprets Isaiah 7 as more than just an ordinary birth of a salvation figure- but a virgin. God has come in Jesus. He is Immanuel- God with us.
Joseph was a man who listened and submitted to God. He had a sensitive spirit. He listened to God and that affected his marriage and his raising a child that was not his. His naming Jesus showed that he fully welcomed him and adopted him into his home, promising to raise the baby as his own. Joseph is a great model to all people willing to adopt. Ironically, we have many who are willing to put up millions for pet homes but do not put themselves in a position to care for the thousands of children who are neglected, abused, and left to the government's measly care. There are millions who die of AIDS in Africa but have no one to care for them. Perhaps this passage is a passage for all of us to care as Joseph chose to care.
Joseph was a man who listened and submitted to God. He had a sensitive spirit. He listened to God and that affected his marriage and his raising a child that was not his. His naming Jesus showed that he fully welcomed him and adopted him into his home, promising to raise the baby as his own. Joseph is a great model to all people willing to adopt. Ironically, we have many who are willing to put up millions for pet homes but do not put themselves in a position to care for the thousands of children who are neglected, abused, and left to the government's measly care. There are millions who die of AIDS in Africa but have no one to care for them. Perhaps this passage is a passage for all of us to care as Joseph chose to care.
Prayer: Lord, Give me compassion not just for a stray dog, but for a stray human. Let me care and be obedient to your call.
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