In the very first chapter, seven words in verse 20 jumped out. By way of background—Gabriel has appeared to Mary informing her that she has been chosen to bear God’s Son, Jesus. And she will conceive through the power of the Holy Spirit. We know the angel’s name from Luke’s account in chapter one. See Luke 1:11-20:
We are beginning to publish a series of blogs I am calling “Messages From Matthew.” I have begun rereading that book as a part of my morning devotions. And I am so blessed. God is opening my eyes to some new insights from my in-depth study and I just have to share them with you all.
- Luke 1:11-20: “And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.”
Matthew 1:20 Meaning
So in Matthew 1:20 we read of Joseph’s—her betrothed—response upon hearing of Mary’s situation and here are those seven words: “But while he thought on these things…” Contemplate the following for a moment. This man has just found out that his fiancé is pregnant and since supernatural conception was not an everyday occurrence, the logical conclusion was that she had slept with another man; not exactly a situation that even a modern man would accept with a thoughtful, calm demeanor.
Engagement was an even more serious commitment—it was the equivalent of being married. To make matters worse, Mary has not even bothered to let him know. He has had to hear it through the grapevine. The normal reaction would have been to hoof it over to Mary’s home and say adios in a fit of rage and pain, probably punctuated with some appropriate name-calling. But in spite of it all Joseph took time to think it over. What a pivotal statement.
Wow—does this speak volumes about Joseph’s character. Matthew describes him as a just and upright man and his behavior certainly vindicates that portrayal. Note this: Prior to the sentence for our consideration today, the Bible says he was going to dismiss Mary from the engagement quietly and secretly. No vengeful actions here—rather reserved, considered, introspective thoughts determining his conduct.
His taking time to access the proper strategy merited Joseph a visit from an angel. See Matthew 1:20-23: “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
And with that appearance, all was made clear. The angel explained to him that everything taking place was in accordance with Old Testament prophesy. And directed Joseph to have no reticence in taking Mary as his wife. The angel’s message partnered Joseph with Mary in this divine journey spiritually as well as physically. After that mental and emotional pause, he then took action and “did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him…”
See Matthew 1:24: “Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:” I do not know about you but it seems apparent to me that Joseph was as chosen to be Jesus’ father as Mary was to be His mother.
Taking a tranquil time out to weigh a course for proceeding when faced with critical decisions is rarely the option we think of first. How often we jump pell-mell, headlong into activity when taking a breath is what should be prescribed. How often do we run ahead of God due to impatience or, because we are in such a rush, we fail to recognize His input?
Remember what David said in Psalm 27:14: “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Is it not when we wait on God that the confusion is relieved—that the decision is clarified?
In closing, if Joseph had acted impetuously he would have never experienced the miraculous blessing of playing an integral part in the life of the Messiah—he would have missed it all. Let us take heed to follow his example lest our haste precludes us from our angel visit. And results in unrealized God happenings.
Until we sit down together for our next visit, continue living before God’s face.
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