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WHAT ABOUT THE GUY? Matthew 1:18-25 Joseph loved Mary, and I’m sure they had lots of plans and ideas for their life together. They were engaged and excitedly counting down the days until the Big Day—but then something happened. That “Something” was Jesus. This thing that happened was not something that Joseph had been counting on. Our society doesn’t seem to care anymore, but many years ago it was still very much a shame for a couple to have a baby outside the confines of marriage. So, when Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant, he began to doubt whether or not he should follow through with the wedding. Although I don’t have much experience in the marriage department, I’m sure it was scary enough going into marriage, trying to comprehend the immense responsibility that God gives the man when he entrusts a women to his care. What about now that it appears that this dear woman is an adulteress? Mary had become pregnant and Joseph knew that it wasn’t his child. Even though it seemed like she was unfaithful, he still loved her and didn’t want to make her into a public example, so he decided to quietly end the engagement. Imagine, then, the shock and confusion he may have felt when he finds out that Mary is not only faithful, but that she is the one that God wants him to be with, and that she is pregnant with the Savior of the world! The Scripture tells us that Joseph did as the angel of the Lord told him and he took Mary as his wife. This meant that his life would take a different direction than he had planned. He had to endure the possible public outcry over Mary’s pregnancy, and also be willing to give up his plans for a “normal life.” Joseph was willing to give up a “normal life” and go in whatever direction that God called for. He was willing to make room for Jesus. This is exactly the decision that we must make when that “something” happens in our lives. Something happened in Joseph’s life that created quite a stir in his heart, and brought him to a life-altering decision. Jesus came and changed the plans for his life. The same thing will happen in our lives, often many times throughout our lives. Jesus comes and presents Himself to us and brings us to make a decision for or against His Word. This happens every time that we hear God’s Word…every time we go to church or have our personal devotions…every time we hear that small voice that calls us to pray for someone. When God speaks to our heart, and we come face-to-face with Jesus, we can either choose to submit to Him and follow where He takes us, or we can leave Him where we found Him and selfishly go our own way. Either way, our lives will be profoundly altered. Will I trust Jesus and give up everything else for Him, or will I keep being selfish and only have room for me? What about the guy? He loved the wife that God gave him, he raised the Son that God gave him, and he followed the directions that God gave him; he made room for Jesus. Now the question that remains is—what about me? ~ Joel Warren
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