God’s instructions

“And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife” Matthew 1,24 (NASB1995)

Joseph, the husband of Mary, mother of Jesus was a special man.

God, in His magnificent plans, chose that Jesus would be born in Joseph’s household.

This would also fulfill prophecy: Jesus was to come in the lineage of David and be called the 'son of David'. Joseph was a descendant of David.

Furthermore, the Scriptures testify that Joseph was a just and upright man.

Before they came together, Joseph discovered that Mary, the one who was promised to marry him, was pregnant. However, Joseph was not willing to expose her publicly, to shame and disgrace her.

In those days, such situations were treated very severely. But Joseph decided to divorce her quietly and secretly. (Matthew 1,19).

I would like to think that Joseph was shocked, disappointed and hurt when he got to know. But even then, he sought to cover Mary from public shame. That is telling of the kind of man he was.

“But while he 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 NKJV)

Matthew, the writer of the book of Matthew, specifies that the angel’s words were a commandment. And we see that Joseph took them as such because he acted promptly and obeyed. What’s interesting about “this commandment” is the tone of it “don’t be afraid to..” God’s commands can be gentle and his promptings soft. But they are actually instructions.

“If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever” John 14,15-16 (AMPC)

One of the things that enables a person to recognize God’s instructions is the fear of God. The fear of the Lord: having reverence for His presence, for His name, for His Word.

The fear of God opens eyes to see and ears to hear. It is because of the fear of God that people are preserved, rescued, elevated and promoted; they hear and obey God’s instructions.

God’s instructions may be for your next step only. God may not reveal everything at once. But trust that He is ordering your steps. He leads, our part is to follow.

From the foundation of fearing God and having the Holy Spirit as your helper, I believe you will know when God is speaking to you. And in the grand scheme of things, his direction will always align with what is written in the Scriptures. Because God cannot contradict His word.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9,10 (NKJV)

“If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you will bear it alone.” Proverbs 9,12 (NKJV)