PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 1

What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?

“Joseph her husband was faithful to the law…” (Matthew 1:19)
Matthew describes Joseph as a good man – loving God and Mary.
He wanted to do what was right – and Mary’s pregnancy was not right.
As Jesus followers, we can face this tension too.
We sense we know God’s will, what the right thing to do is.
But what if doing that hurts someone that we love?
I appreciate Joseph’s heart, not wanting to publicly shame her.
We should also see how God’s love can lead us in unexpected ways.
Compelled by the Lord, he does what seems contrary to the law.
In this case, though he is not the father, he should marry Mary.
God’s will is the Law of Love; we are called to love like God does.
God impregnates Mary in this unexpected ways because of love.
Joseph’s love for God and Mary leads him to receive Mary and her baby.
This kind of love is what it means to be “faithful to the law”.
Being “faithful” isn’t just following rules; it is following God’s love!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, the intent of the Law is that I love God and people, like God. Help me to be motivated by this kind of love as I seek to follow you.