April 14, 2020: SOAP #3785:  1Samuel 15-16; 1Chronicles 5; Matthew 1

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 1:19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

Observation:   Sometimes God’s directions are difficult to comprehend.  Joseph’s life plans had just been turned up-side-down.  The lady he loved and planned to marry was pregnant.  He must have struggled accepting the obvious, and then struggled with what was the proper course for him.  He loved Mary, so he decided to break off the marriage quietly.

In this difficult time, Joseph received a visit from the angel of the Lord with directions.  And Joseph followed through.  Joseph was blest to enjoy the boyhood of Jesus and enjoy the interaction of Jesus with Joseph and Mary’s other children.  God worked through Joseph’s circumstances for his good and through Joseph for the good of the world!

Application:   Many people in the world today have had their plans scrambled by Covid-19.  I know I have.  My days are very little like I planned them to be.

I am finding that this surprise rearranging of my schedule is not a surprise to God.  He has a plan for me.  He can work through this for my good and through me for the good of others.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, it is easy to let my eyes get fixed on what is happening.  It is easy to let my heart become tied in a knot with worry.  But, Father, it is so important that I keep my eyes fixed on you and my ears open to what you are saying.  Give me direction.  Show me something I can do that will encourage others to know that you care for them.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!