So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee. Matthew 2:21-22
We should do what Joseph did. What does this mean?
Joseph obeyed. He heard what was said to him and he did what he needed to do. God told him to take Mary and Jesus back to Israel, so Joseph heeded God’s command and did it. We should do the same. When God tells us to do something, we should do it. Our ways may not be the same ways as Joseph, but our God is the same as his God. And we should do what God tells us to do, through His Word and through our hearts.
Joseph paid attention to the world around him. He paid attention to the news of things happening, including who had ascended to the throne of Israel after Herod’s death. He understood that Archelaus, son of Herod to took over on the death of his father, would also be a threat to Jesus. Joseph understood that things happen in the world that can affect us because he paid attention. He realized that, while God doesn’t keep is in the same place forever, He does abide with us as He moves us in the world and He wants us to pay attention to what’s happening, for our own good. Joseph did; we should do the same.
Joseph kept the faith. His understanding from the angel (from God) wasn’t a one-time thing. Joseph had been raised in Judaism and understood the words of the Torah, the laws, and the prophets. They encouraged him to believe in God. So, when God presented news and commands to Joseph, he understood them and believed in what they said. We should do the same. God has made Himself plain and clear to us through His Word, in ways similar to Joseph. We should believe like Joseph.
Joseph let himself be guided by God, through his knowledge and his conscience. I’m betting he didn’t fully understand the dreams, or the reasons why God was telling him to do certain things, but he obeyed and let himself be guided. God blessed Joseph accordingly. Joseph submitted to God and God guided Joseph rightly. We should do the same.
WWJD? Yes, because “J” is both Jesus and Joseph. Joseph’s example is timeless, and righteous, and one we’d do well to remember (and follow) in our so-called modern world. He obeyed God. He paid attention but still followed the Lord. He kept the faith. And he submitted to God. You get the picture: we should do the same.
For more reading: Luke 2:39, Matthew 2:23
Lord, help me to obey, be faithful, to listen, and to be guided by You and You alone. Thank You for the example of Joseph.
Practical Proverbs 