Κύριος Notes : Righteousness Lived Out in the Everyday

Adoration/Praise

Emmanuel

Together in this place of worship

Your greatness we proclaim

We stand as one in giving You

All glory and acclaim

To You our hearts are open

To You our hands we raise

Come take the place of honour in our lives

Emmanuel

Our God is with us

Prince of Peace Mighty One

Matthew 1:18-24

18This 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. 19Because 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.

Lord Jesus Joseph's role was to watch and to listen and to support even when he did not understand what was coming next. He found himself in a small town engaged to a women who was expecting. There must have been emotions but he did not let them control his reaction. A righteousness man does not look for vengeance.

20But after he had considered this, an 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. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Joseph listened to his dream even though it could have just been indigestion, or a nightmare. He listened because he was a righteous man who knew that you speak in many ways if we are just willing to take the input.

22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."

You are with me right now...you will be with me in this day. That is sure knowledge and safety in the middle of change that swirls around me much of the time. You are the one who goes before me and in whose directions I rest and take comfort.

24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Lord Jesus, Joseph listened to your voice again, and again. There was no hesitation, or wavering. There was just obedience. When he understood which direction to take he just set out listening as he went.