Tuesday, December 10, 2013

December 11, 2013

"But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus." Matthew 1:25

Obedience is the big "O" in the Christmas Story. Obviously, the story could not have happened unless two humble Hebrew teens had chosen to do the will of God.

Surrendering your will to the will of God is the essence of obedience. Another aspect of obedience is seen in this verse. Obedience is surrendering your weakness to God. Joseph illustrates this important principle.

Human logic reasons that you should serve God with your strengths and your talents. After all, He deserves your best!

That is certainly true because He deserves your all! "All" includes strengths but also our weaknesses! I have found it is hard to admit weaknesses let alone surrendering them to God. But the Word of God reminds us:

"Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness,holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” I Corinthians 1:26-31

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." II Corinthians 12:9

So, what was Joseph's weakness that he surrendered?

Let me give you a hint - "teenage hormones" - "But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son".

How many young grooms are able to do that? Staying sexually pure before as a teen is difficult before marriage, how much harder would it be after?

Joseph brought this beautiful young lady, whom he loved and desired, into his home under his roof and found the discipline to remain celibate - and obedient!

That is impressive! How did he find that sort of strength?

He found the strength by surrendering his weakness!

No one has the strength to be obedient. Obedience comes from surrendering your will and your weaknesses to God. When you do that He gives you His strength!

Are you struggling with disobedience?

Are you trying to please God by serving Him in your own strength?

Are you trying to hide your weaknesses by displaying your talents and strengths?

Obedience comes from surrendering your weaknesses to God's will.

Are you surrendered?