Obedience

Not much is recorded in the Bible about Joseph,
Jesus' stepfather, other than he loved his wife
and he was quick to be obedient to his God
who spoke to him in dreams through an angel of the Lord.

Just as Mary was chosen to be Jesus' mother,
Joseph was also chosen to be his earthly father.
Was Joseph chosen because God knew he would be obedient
to follow God's instructions whenever and where ever sent.

We do know Joseph was quick to obey
as we read he got up right away
to do what the angel had said
through a dream as he slept on his bed.

Not just once but four or more times.
Joseph obeyed time-after-time.
Willingly, with a heart of faith,
in whatever challenges he faced.

We don't know if Joseph ever questioned God
perhaps thinking the request was too hard.
It seems as if Joseph had learned to trust God
and was willing to embark with a "yes, Lord" nod.

Surely it must have been difficult to move
but Joseph's willing obedience proved
that he knew God's plan was best
so he set out on each quest.

Joseph, a man of few words,
yet chosen by Holy God
perhaps for his willing obedience
in turn changing the universe's essence.

For this obedient man
set an example for all humans
passed down to countless generations
in the Christmas story rendition.

* * * * *

Have you ever felt nudged in your spirit by God
to do something contrary, a bit hard?
Was it something easy to obey?
Or did you grudgingly obey?

Will generations be affected by
whatever it is you were asked to try?
Perhaps you need to pray that your testimony will be bold
for there are millions all over the earth waiting to be told.

Your legacy that you pass down may be
obedience that others will see
that my change the course of a nation
now and through future generations.

Matthew 1:20,24

Matthew 2:13-14

Matthew 2:1-21

Matthew 2:22-23

Luke 2:39

We will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
his power, and the wonders he has done.
Psalm 78:4

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
They will tell of the power of you awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
All you have made will praise you, O Lord;
your saints will extol you.
They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
so that all men may know your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The Lord is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.
The Lord upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
The Lord watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.
Psalm 145:3-21