Reading a familiar story often means skipping over the familiar parts or rushing to the favorite parts. But when the story is the birth of Christ and the reader is me, searching for that sometimes elusive intimacy with God, what should be familiar looks brand new.
The first chapter of Matthew is the lineage of Christ, followed with a Cliff notes version of Joseph and Mary's story. Not something that one would necessarily pour over for long periods of time. But friends I'm dry. I'm looking for refreshment in the deep pools of the Word. And because God is faithful and loving toward His children, He pours out through even the most familiar of stories.
There is a phrase in the story of Joseph and Mary that has captured me. In verse 20, it says "but after he had considered this". He had considered (and decided it to be the best possible move) to divorce Mary quietly, saving her from public embarassment. Fortunately God had different plans. He sent His angel to speak directly to Joseph and give very specific instructions for he and Mary.
How many times I have considered plans and decided them to be the best possible action for the time. Plans that made sense. Plans that were logical and prudent. But that were exactly opposite of His will.
Joseph had the advantage of an angel of the Lord. I have the advantage of the Holy Spirit. And the advantage of even the most familiar of stories.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment