Follow You, Follow Me

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant.  May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.  Luke 1:38

Mary stepped up and followed God’s direction for her life despite the fact that she was only a young and unwed teenager, that could have faced a serious punishment (death) for bearing a child outside of marriage.

Just like Mary, we too need to take the risk of doing things God’s way.  When God asks us to follow him, he doesn't always provide us all of the information up front.  We have to step out in faith and when we do, he will give us enough guidance to see where to take our next steps.

Mary risked her life, her marriage, her reputation, and future by becoming the mother of Jesus. Following God’s will can be risky, but God promises us that the rewards will always outweigh the risk!

Follow You, Follow Me

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant.  May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.  Luke 1:38

Mary stepped up and followed God’s direction for her life despite the fact that she was only a young and unwed teenager, that could have faced a serious punishment (death) for bearing a child outside of marriage.

Just like Mary, we too need to take the risk of doing things God’s way.  When God asks us to follow him, he doesn't always provide us all of the information up front.  We have to step out in faith and when we do, he will give us enough guidance to see where to take our next steps.

Mary risked her life, her marriage, her reputation, and future by becoming the mother of Jesus. Following God’s will can be risky, but God promises us that the rewards will always outweigh the risk!

Don't Go Breaking My Heart

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  Matthew 1:18-19

I cannot begin to imagine Joseph's reaction when he learned that his pledged wife to be, Mary, was pregnant with a child that was not his.  Not to mention, even if it was Joseph's baby, they weren't even married yet and adulterers were often stoned to death in accordance with Jewish civil law during those times.  What is so remarkable about this story was that Joseph was indeed a righteous man and didn't abandon Mary, even though he thought about quietly divorcing her. 

We have all heard the story of Jesus' birth so many times, that we are insulated from just how much of a struggle Mary and Joseph actually endured to be the earthly parents of God's beloved Son.  This particular story of Joseph is truly a story of hope.  Can you imagine having your heart broken by someone you were madly in love with and planned to marry, only to be told by an angel that your special someone was carrying the Savior of the world? 

Joseph surely didn't map out his life this way, but he was righteous and he answered God's calling on his life.  Would you do the same if you faced such a difficult decision?

Don't Go Breaking My Heart (Part 2)

..the 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."  Matthew 1:20-21


We have heard the "Christmas story" so much that I truly believe we have become almost  desensitized to just how supernatural and miraculous this story is.  I try to put myself into Joseph's shoes and I honestly would have a hard time sticking around if my wife informed me that she was carrying a baby that was not mine. 


Joseph secretly planned to divorce Mary until an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and reassured him that the baby was a divine being, both God and human; the Savior of the world. 


The Bible doesn't recount much of Joseph's reaction, but it simply states that "when he woke up, Joseph did what the angel of the Lord had commanded and took Mary home as his wife." (Matthew 1:24)  


What is God calling you to do with your life?  Will you answer his call and follow him in faith, no matter what difficulties or challenges you face?