God spoke to Joseph. Joseph didn’t hesitate or argue but instantly obeyed. His unquestioning responses played a vital role in the redemption of the world. His instant obedience…protected his wife, protected his son, the baby Jesus, from certain death, and provided a perfect environment for growth in Nazareth. Each step of obedience vindicated God by being the instrument through which God’s prophecies were fulfilled. He joined God in His work and played a vital part.

When God speaks to you by His Word and Spirit, instructing you about your next step, how important is it to obey? Does it matter if you hesitate or procrastinate in your response? What happens if you ignore the promptings of His Spirit and the directions from His Word?

Joseph’s Simple, Indispensable Role

The Christmas story all centers on Christ, and it should. Christ IS the story and why we celebrate. Mary is vital in her glad submission to the Father’s will. But we rarely talk about Joseph. We seem him in the background of the nativity, or patiently leading a donkey with his wife and child. But we rarely understand his vital role. A role of unquestioning obedience to the Father.

Notice three Scriptures that highlight the vital role he played in the coming of Christ.

And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send [Mary] away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”

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