When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. (Matt. 1:24)
Expanded Passage: Matthew 1:24-25
I love the sport of basketball. I love watching it, talking about different teams and players, and especially playing the sport with other people. While it can be played one-on-one, my favorite part of basketball is the team aspect of it. I love how passing, defending, and using different people’s abilities effectively are required to beat the other team.
It is very unlikely that a basketball team would win if they gave the ball to one player and expected him or her to be successful as they watched passively. Regardless of skill level, it is nearly impossible that one player could outperform five opposing players with no help from teammates. Even the greatest, most dominant players need support and collaboration.
Sometimes I wonder if we treat God like this “all-star” player that neither needs nor desires any involvement from us. Now, God is all-sufficient and perfect, not needing humanity in any way. However, he passionately desires a dynamic relationship and partnership with us. Joseph demonstrates this powerfully in his obedience to the angel despite fears and doubts about this unorthodox command to follow through on his pledge to take a pregnant virgin as his wife. Joseph, by faith, did not passively wait for answers or resolution but actively partnered with God’s plan; and as a result, supernatural things took place.
Partner with God’s activity in your life by being open and obedient.
Joel Gorveatte loves Jesus, his wife, and the church deeply. He serves as the Worship & Next Steps pastor at Journey Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
