Matthew 2:17, New International Version

“Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled.”

Years ago, God revealed to me and had me write about Joseph, the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus. He was a humble man and listened to and obeyed God. Yet, many focus on Mary and miss his part of the story.

What have we missed about him and what should we pay attention to? Probably the most important thing is that we know the purpose and importance of obedience. In Matthew 1:24 (NIV), “…he (Joseph) did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him…” to Mathhew 2:13-23 (NIV), “…the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘…Stay there until I tell you… So he got up... where he stayed until. Then again, “… an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel… So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel…” and because of his obedience, again and again, the Word of God conclusion about this part of his journey was, “Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled” as well as “…So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets…”.

This is what we should pay attention to and heed: Joseph did what God had commanded! God knew what would happen and He sent a message to the one who needed to hear in His timing and in His order. What do we need to do with the message of God? Be still and trust, listen and obey exactly what we have been instructed. When we do this, we will be in the will of God and the big picture of His will be accomplished.

How great it is for us – human beings – to be in the will of the Most High and Almighty! Yet some may be concerned with how they can know the will of God? Look at Joseph, did he take any special training in order to hear the voice of God? Did he attend some sort of class to learn and to understand the message of God? I don’t think I find any evidence in the Bible of anyone ever taking that kind of training. Instead, hear what the Apostle Paul said, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV) 

Others may also have another concern; how difficult it can be for a man to make the choice to submit to God’s will. I hope you know the truth so that the truth can set you free from what the flesh cannot:

First to know, “But Jesus said, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’” (Luke 18:27, BSB)

Second to understand, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, ESV) and “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8:5, ESV)

Lastly, to fully recognize that it is never easy but always worthwhile! “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV)