December 9, 2021
But while Joseph thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21
WHEW! Yesterday we saw where Joseph was thinking about a quiet divorce, but upon hearing the truth of the matter from an angel of the Lord in a dream, he aligned himself in obedience to the will of the Lord. Joseph’s obedience was evident when he named Baby Jesus (v.25), who will save His people from their sins.
This plan of salvation is a wonderful display of just how God governs. The Giver of life desires to free each of us from that which brings eternal death, namely sin. The operation is complicated and delicate, but the Surgeon is the Great Physician. In order to save us from our sins, He shows us our need for forgiveness, provides that forgiveness, and proceeds to impart power to resist and overcome sin. This is victory! He graciously shows us how we are to live (summed up in His Holy Law of Love), and beckons us to come to Him daily. Gently, His Spirit leads.
What good would it do to receive forgiveness only to continue in the very same things that hurt Him? He died to provide forgiveness, and He lives to intercede for us in the heavenly sanctuary as we press toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). The great Giver asks us to bring our sins to Him and lay them at His feet. And what does He give us in return? His Spirit for power to forge ahead with confidence as we wear His robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). He desires to cleanse our sin-stained lives and write upon hearts His Law of Love (Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10). This is a growing process.
He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6b
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given… Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6a,7a