Part 2: Joseph and Mary - The Calling of the Meek

Meekness should never be seen as weakness. Mary and Joseph kept themselves pure as young people. Their simple and powerful faith in believing the Angel’s shocking words reflect not only their character, but their unhindered trust in God. For us, to bear the vision that God has for us, we must have childlike faith. The worldly-wise, the intelligent, the proud, and arrogant will not inherit the earth, and will not be interested in the hope of mankind. Sub-Theme: When you carry God’s vision and purpose, expect to be protected in amazing ways!

1. We know the story well. Matt. 1,2 Luke 1, 2

2. Mary is visited by Gabriel, the same Angel visiting Zechariah. “You are highly favored. You will bear Jesus, the Son of God.”

3. Mary does not doubt, she only asks a very good question: How will this be done?

4. Joseph meanwhile is encouraged to go ahead and take Mary to be his wife.

5. They then are called to Joseph’s ancestry home to register for the census, i.e. Bethlehem.

6. The make the trip while Mary is great with child and is in need of a place quickly.

7. They find a place. Probably much different than what has been taught us. But, God was faithful to allow her a place to safely bring forth Jesus.

3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, (feel, as a matter of consciousness, that they are in a miserable, unhappy condition) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

5Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth. (one who has the passion of resentment under control, and who is therefore tranquil and untroubled.)

- I love this def. of meekness. Not shaken by difficult circumstances.

- God protected Mary and Joseph after Jesus’ birth and continued to provide and protect all the way up till his ministry.

- The gift of the earth is a future Messianic promise for all those who put their hope in Him. Indeed, Mary and Joseph, who were simple people, would one day inherit not only the Kingdom of Heaven, but the earth as well.

- By meekly receiving God’s individual call to carry His burdens, we calmly, peacefully are able to move forward knowing that God will bring forth His vision in the perfect timing.

8Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God. (Purity of heart is seen in the will and emotions. The choice to follow the ways of God without doubt, duty, or disdain will most certainly allow us to see more of what God is doing.)

- Just think – because of the purity of Joseph’s and Mary’s hearts, they did SEE GOD, didn’t they?!

- Not only will we see God when we die, but we will “see” God now and all through the journey of faith.

- Purity in action flows from the purity of heart. The Holy Spirit is fully capable of building this in us.

Mary’s prayer can be our experience when we surrender to the will of God for our lives!!!

Amen, may it be so.