December 9, 2022
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 that 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 with the will of the Lord. Joseph’s obedience was further made evident when the Baby was born; he named Him Jesus (vv.21 and 25), meaning He will save His people from their sins.
This plan of salvation is a wonderful display of God’s government. 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 Great Physician assumes the role of Surgeon. 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 sinful habits. This is real victory! He graciously shows us how we are to live, as exemplified in the life of His Son and summed up in His Holy Law of Love. He beckons us to walk with 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? His death provides forgiveness for my sinful past. The moment I receive His death in my place, there is an instantaneous effect: my slate is wiped clean and I am accepted into the brotherhood of believers (see Acts 2:41, 1 Thessalonians 2:13). The road ahead is marked with potholes, stumbling blocks, and landmines, but He lives to intercede on my behalf. Therefore, I press toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).
The great Giver wants to take our old life of sin away, but He asks us to bring our sins to Him and lay them at the foot of the cross. And what does He give us in return? His Spirit for power to forge ahead confidently as we, by faith, don 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 the way of transformation into the citizenship of heaven. This is what is meant by the increase of His government and peace. While justification is instantaneous, sanctification is the progressive work of a lifetime.
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 it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. Romans 2:13 (NIV)
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