Before we continue with the Guidance of God in bringing His Son into the world, let's look at His Guidance as it relates to Joseph as recorded in Matthew 1:18-25a where we see:

Joseph's Dilemma
[Matthew 1:18-25a (...her firstborn son:)]
A. The Crisis 1:18 "Child of the Holy Spirit"
Pregnant and not married! Now that was a major problem then, as it should be today but we gloss over it these days to the extent that the girl is often given a shower by the church. But THIS pregnancy was like no other for she was pregnant and STILL a virgin. So that we might understand the seriousness of the matter, she could have been stoned to death for the this. God Guides.

B. The Character 1:19 "a just man"
There is some pretty interesting revelation about Joseph here. In the first place, even before the revelation to him by the angel, he had such great respect for Mary that he could not find it in his heart to condemn her. We are so prone to rush to judgment before knowing all the facts.

C. The Comfort 1:20 - "fear not"
This guy was sleeping! How could he sleep in the midst of such a crisis:) It really gives us more insight into his character. He did not know how this had happened, but he DID KNOW that God was still on the Throne and IN CHARGE.

D. The Child 1:21 - "Jesus"
Can't you just imagine waking after an angel has come to you with news like that. Look at all the human impossibilities here. Even the most devout Jew did not understand that Messiah's birth would be like this. I mean, think out of the box, man! The most amazing announcement to that time (next was the resurrection), and the guy doesn't lose it? Get Real - this has to be a God thing!

E. The Committment 1:22-23 "fulfilled, Emmanuel, GOD with us"
God did what He said and Joseph did what HE said. Now that is committment. It is a faith thing for Joesph. God said it, that settled it. We don't have to have all the information, but one reservation can cancel your consecration. As Mary said to the servants at the wedding feast, "JUST DO IT" when Jesus says it. Don't hesitate to try and figure it all out.

F. The Choice 1:24-25a "took his wife...knew her not till..."
Not much is revealed in Scripture about Joesph, but what is revealed is enough for us to take a lesson from it. Who cares if we are not here for anything else but to support the one God has chosen to perform a miracle through. I'd rather play second fiddle than not be in the orchestra. I would much rather sit on the bench on the team that wins the championship than sit in the bleachers.

PRAYER: What can we say, Dear Father? YOU ARE SOOOOOOOOO AWESOME! Thank you for letting us see just what You can do when we just trust You to do it.