It’s human nature to desire to be liked and loved.  Sometimes there’s a good reason to really neutralize your feelings of acceptance.  It was this way for Joseph and Mary almost two thousand years ago.

So what did it mean for Joseph and Mary to accept the Word of the Lord, to say, “We embrace the call to receive this child. We will accept whatever comes with it”? What did it take for them to literally have “God with us” in their midst (Matthew 1:23)? What does it take to be with him? This text’s answer is courage. And a willingness to do his will, no matter what.

When the angel said to Joseph, “Marry her,” he was saying, “If Jesus comes into your life, you are going to be rejected. You will have to kiss your stellar reputation good-bye.” And he married her. Surely some of Joseph’s friends said, “Why in the world did you marry her? Either you did that or she was unfaithful to you.” Can you imagine Joseph trying to tell them the truth? “Oh, I can explain. She is pregnant through the Holy Spirit. We learned all about it from the angels.” The truth wasn’t something his friends would understand, and therefore he knew they would always think ill of him.

Below are a few passages that can equip you with courage and perspective:

Proverbs 29:25 “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.”

Galatians 1:10 “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Psalms 31:24 “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!”

Seeking God’s approval first, Pastor Larry