Read Matthew 1:18-24
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 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. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
Meditate
I cannot even begin to imagine the conversations between Joseph and Mary over her pregnancy.
“So, you saw an angel?”
“Yes.”
“And now you are pregnant?”
“Yes.”
“And you’re a virgin still?”
“Yes.”
“Because God is the father?”
“Exactly. Weird, huh?”
“Uh…..”
It could not have been easy for Joseph. After all, we are not talking about two people living in a metropolis. This was a small town. Everyone knew Mary and her family. Everyone knew Joseph and his family. I am sure the word “scandal” was tossed around a few dinner tables.
Joseph wanted to do the right thing. He would quietly arrange for everything to go away and move on. He did not seek justice. After all, dignity and decorum were the watchwords.
Then an angel shows up. Every time an angel shows up, stuff gets messy. Angels don’t bring words that say, “It’s okay, just be like everyone else. Don’t worry. No pressure. Dignity, always dignity” Angels say, “Don’t be afraid. God has a plan for you. And it is about to change your world. Think ‘undignified.’”
Just like that, Joseph committed to the process. The undignified, messy, “do not fear” process.
And he became the earthly father to the Son of God.
Pray
“Father, teach me to be willing to be undignified. I want to walk without fear in the plans and purposes you have for my life. Teach me to be faithful to the promises you have birthed in me.
Contemplate
- When we think of someone who was undignified in the Bible, we think of King David dancing before the Ark of God (2 Samuel 6:14-22). Read the story and reflect on what it takes to more in love with God than in the opinions of others.
- Listen to “Undignified” by the David Crowder Band and dance a little. Yes, it might be embarrassing. But it will help to reveal areas where God may need to work.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
