In the World/Not of the WorldSample

My Reality; God's Perspective

Over this last week, we have looked at the life of Jesus to see more of what it means to be in this world but not of it.

Today, let’s look at someone else: Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph.

Here was a man who, by all accounts, was doing his faith journey right. In Matthew’s Gospel, he is described as a man who “was faithful to the law” (Matthew 1:19, NIV). Some translations of the verse say he was a “righteous man.”

Here was a man who was in this world—a carpenter by trade and engaged to be married.

Then, his betrothed had a child without him being involved. It was all happening in the real physical world and part of his physical reality.

But Joseph also seemed to understand there was more to this world than just the physical.

Matthew says that just as Joseph was planning to respond to his physical situation (through a quiet divorce), an angel appeared to him in a dream and gave him a perspective that he couldn’t see: “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, NIV).

His response?

“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 1:24-25, NIV, emphasis added).

It seems that God the Father chose Joseph as the earthly father for His Son not because he was extra special, but rather because he was sensitive to the Spirit’s leading.

As Christian men, our job is not to know all the answers but to trust the One who does and be sensitive to His leading.

He may not lead us to where we would choose to go, but in the end, He will lead us to where He wants us to go.

And that is a much better place.

Prayer: Jesus, I confess that I have not always been sensitive to Your leading in my life. Forgive me and help me to know that in my physical world, You have a perspective that I cannot see. Then help me to follow You in what You call me to do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection: What is one area where you are trying to make your own solution? Take some time to ask Jesus what His perspective is. You might just notice something you’ve never seen before.

Thanks for walking with us through this devotional! For more great content geared to men, come visit us at Impactus!