Read: Matthew 1:18-25
He did as the angel of the Lord commanded. (v. 24)
What do you do when life lands a punch that takes your breath away? Maybe you’re there right now. A sudden job change, a relationship strained, an unimaginable loss. During one particularly challenging season of ministry, three people in the church I pastored died far too young. I was overwhelmed with my own grief, with supporting the grieving families, and with maintaining the regular routines of ministry. Another pastor offered me this wise council for times of overwhelm: “Just do the next right thing.”
I wonder if that is what Joseph felt? I imagine he dreamt of life as any young man getting ready to marry. This carpenter likely had a shop with dad. He would be preparing a small room in his father’s house to welcome his soon-to-be bride. Out of nowhere, the news comes. Mary is with child by someone else! Breath is gone, life upturned. Plans undone. What comes next?
We get a glimpse of his character when he resolves to quietly end the engagement so as not to shame Mary. But then, “behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him” (v. 20). God gave Joseph a new plan. Mary will give birth to the Savior: “take Mary as your wife” (v. 20). And so “he did as the angel of the Lord commanded” (v. 24). Joseph doesn’t get much coverage in the New Testament; the focus shifts to Jesus, our Savior. Yet, Joseph stands as a witness. When life turns upside down and you don’t know what to do, listen for God and do the next right thing.
As you pray, ask God for the next step.
Rev. Jon Opgenorth serves as president of Words of Hope. Previously, he served for 18 years as senior pastor at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. In preparation for ministry, he received a BA in Religion from Northwestern College, and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary.
