Matthew 1:18-25
Obeying is hard! It's hard when you can see the obvious advantage of obeying, it's hard when the benefits seem clear, but what if those benefits were really hard to believe or there were not seeming benefits.
Joseph finds himself in this exact position. The young woman he is betrothed to marry is found to be pregnant! He does exactly what he is supposed to do by law, he is going to put her away by giving her a bill of divorcement. He is called righteous by Matthew because he is deeply committed to obeying God, even by putting away his future bride because it is demanded. Matthew clearly indicates, this was not Joseph's desire, but the law required her to be put away for impropriety of this kind. Joseph strives to put her away in a manner that does not cause harm to her name or stigmatize her, to the best of his ability, rather than seeking to humiliating her in putting her away publicly. Here, God intervenes through offering revelation that explains the supernatural scenario to Joseph. Joseph again responds with obedience to the message of God.
Jesus came to rescue sinners from their sins, and he will, if you hear and obey the message of God!
Matthew writes his gospel to prove that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the King and the Son of David. Jesus is bringing the Kingdom of God and is the fulfillment of the promised deliverance to both Jews and Gentiles. Throughout his gospel, Matthew offers numerous themes and emphasis, but six stand out: Christology, Fulfillment, Righteousness, Discipleship, the Church and Eschatology.
Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community.
Graceway Church is committed to being a God Exalting, Christ Centered, Spirit Motivated, Word Focused local body of Believers!
