More Than Honor, It Took a Listening Ear!
How many times have circumstances pointed you to a certain conclusion? There was no other way to look at it, all the evidence pointed to making a judgement call. You may even say of the individual(s) involved, that by their reputation they couldn’t be guilty. You may even want to be honorable and overlook the offense, but.. what will that mean if you ignore such a transgression, will you be viewed as weak, naive, or a push-over?
Well, if you think you have had problems, think for a moment about Joseph. Joseph was an honorable man. He had done the right thing by Mary; even though betrothed to married to her he had never touched her, never kissed her. Then it becomes apparent that she is with child – he knew for certain, it wasn’t his! What was he do? More than his honor his entire reputation was at stake. He pondered over the matter, and finally made a decision, until one night…
20 Now when Joseph had decided to act on his instincts, a messenger of the Lord came to him in a dream.
Messenger of the Lord: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to wed Mary and bring her into your home and family as your wife. She did not sneak off and sleep with someone else—rather, she conceived the baby she now carries through the miraculous wonderworking of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will have a son, and you will name Him Jesus, which means "the Lord saves," because this Jesus is the person who will save all of His people from sin.Matthews 1:20-21
Joseph felt that his honor could stay in tack, if instead of calling for her to be stoned to death, that he put her away quietly. That is, until he payed attention to the One who spoke to him in a dream. Joseph had a listening ear, and because no doubt he had heard words of direction from on high before, he took heed once again and made Mary his wife. That decision not only saved Mary, but it saved each and every one who comes to the baby she bore.
All of us are carrying a part of God’s love, for HIs gifts and callings are without repentance. We can decide to abort the promise within us, looking at evidence that rarely takes in the whole picture. Or, we can have a listening voice that will always:
Your ears will hear sweet words behind you: "Go this way. There is your path; this is how you should go" whenever you must decide whether to turn to the right or the left. Isaiah 3);21 (The Voice)
Maria