The Dreams of Joseph

The Dreams of Joseph

Joseph is one of the most underappreciated figures in the Nativity story. He makes no speeches. He says nothing in any of the Gospels. He acts. He receives a command in a dream and obeys (verse 24). He receives another command — flee to Egypt — and wakes and goes (Matthew 2:14). He receives a third — return to Israel — and obeys again (verse 21). A man who lives by obedience, whose faithfulness is never dramatic but always consistent. He was the earthly protector of the Son of God because he trusted God's communications and obeyed them immediately. The entire nativity required his cooperation.

Matthew 1:20's angelic instruction to Joseph addresses his deepest fear: 'do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife.' His fear was understandable — the situation was socially catastrophic and the explanation was supernaturally implausible. The angel addresses the specific fear and provides the specific reason: the conception is from the Holy Spirit. Joseph's response (verse 24): 'When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him.' No hesitation, no negotiation, no additional signs requested. Immediate obedience. The character of Joseph is the character of the servant who trusts the word and moves. His immediate obedience protected the Christ child. Your obedience matters in ways you cannot see.