Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

1 January 2025

Reading From Matthew 1

“Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”

–Matthew 1:19-21, 24-25

     The beginning of the Gospel According to Matthew places emphasis on the perspective of the earthly father of Jesus, Jospeh, with his genealogy and how he handled the miraculous events surrounding Jesus’ conception and birth.  I can glean a lot about what it is to be a real man from him.  When he learned that Mary was pregnant and that the baby was not his, it would have been culturally understandable for him to separate from her and for them to go their separate ways.  For Mary, this would have meant a life of shame, likely poverty and an existence in a lower class of society.  Joseph did not want that to happen to her.  This shows so much love for her from his heart. 

     When God told him what to do through messages delivered to him by angels, Joseph trusted and obeyed.  I desire to follow his example by hearing from God, trusting and putting His Word into action in my life.  I show my love for God by my obedience.  Joseph was a man who believed and did what is right.  He show great honor and respect for both the miraculous work of the Lord and his wife by showing restraint in not consummating their marriage until after the birth of Jesus.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Joseph.  Help me to have integrity.  I pray that I would be honorable in all my dealings, protect the honor of my wife and children and do what is right in Your sight.  He was a real man of integrity and I pray that You would help my brothers and I imitate the exemplary aspects of his character.  May our thoughts, words and actions ultimately bring You praise, honor and glory.  In the faithful Name of Jesus I pray these things.  Amen.”

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you.

–I Corinthians 11:1-2

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

–I Corinthians 10:31

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

–I Corinthians 6:19-20

Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you

 –Deuteronomy 6:18

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

John 14:15