The Birth of Jesus, As Seen Through the Eyes of Joseph​

by | Dec 1, 2024 | David Yap, • Timely Word •

The Birth of Jesus,
As Seen Through the Eyes of Joseph​

It was devastating for Joseph when he learnt that his betrothed was pregnant. He knew the child wasn’t his. He had conducted himself properly in their premarital relationship. Heartbroken and deeply troubled, many thoughts must have swirled through his mind. As he weighed the options carefully, he reckoned it would be best for him to annul the betrothal and to take care of things quietly, so Mary would not be disgraced (refer to Matt 1:18-19).​

The Lord’s revelation​

It was at this point when God chose to reveal His plan and purpose to him. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. That message delivered would completely change his outlook for the days ahead. Joseph was told that the Child within Mary was conceived through God’s supernatural act, and not a product of sexual union. ​

There was also specific information and instructions in that revelation. Joseph was told that: ​

  • he should have the confidence to complete his marriage to Mary​
  • she would give birth to a Son, and ​
  • “you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (v 21)​

This amazingly staggering news would be difficult for him to fully wrap his mind around the consequences. Yet, we know that Joseph believed. It is significant that Matthew draws our attention to the prophesy, as recorded in Isaiah some 700 years earlier. “Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they shall name Him Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us”​ (Matt 1:23, a quotation from Isaiah 7:14). This revelation from God speaks of the fulfilment of God’s promised intervention into human history. This Child, begotten of God, is God with us! All the pieces begin to fall into place within Joseph’s mind.​

Joseph’s obedient response ​

Joseph’s faith was demonstrated by his obedient response — he did as the angel of the Lord commanded. He willingly took Mary as his wife, even though he knew his actions would draw negative attention. We’re also specifically told that  “he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born” (v 25, NLT). Joseph named the Son “Jesus”— showing us that he believed, however much he understood it, that this Child would save His people, Joseph included, from their sins.​

Conclusion​

Joseph is identified by Matthew as the first to trust in Jesus as the promised Messiah. For Joseph, he humbly took God’s Word as revealed to him without hesitation, even though it was way beyond his human understanding, even though it would mean taking on full responsibility as Jesus’ earthly father in every sense of the word, and all the major life adjustments that he would have to make.​

We can learn from Joseph to trust in the God who fulfils His promises and who works out His purpose in His own way and time. And, as Joseph was given the opportunity to exercise faith in God, we likewise are invited to place our trust in Jesus. We have the benefit of reading God’s revealed Word which tells us the Messiah has come, walked on this earth, and has completed His mission. The name given to Him reveals His mission. His name is Jesus, “for He will save His people from their sins.” We can respond humbly, trusting in Jesus to be our Saviour and our Lord.” Faith in Jesus is not just a beautiful slogan. It must be demonstrated by our obedient response to Him.​

By Ps David Yap​​​

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Living on Mission

by | Feb 26, 2022 | David Yap, • Timely Word •

We are people on a mission.

Our risen Lord Jesus told His disciples, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21). This is Jesus’ commission to all of us His disciples, people who acknowledge His ownership and submit to His lordship. The apostle Paul aptly used the designation “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor 5:20) to refer to himself and each one who bears the vital message of reconciliation with God.

Our mission

Our mission is to be faithful witnesses for Christ.

Every believer, old and young, has the privilege and responsibility to be a witness for Jesus Christ.  We have the joy of knowing Jesus, have experienced forgiveness and know what it is to be reconciled to God. Our life must be a clear and shining witness of this gospel — not only through our lifestyle, but also with our words. We are to speak and leave behind us a witness of the truth of God and of His Son, Jesus Christ.

It is significant that the Apostle Peter reminded believers living as foreigners and exiles to “maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when He appears” (1 Peter 2:11-12, NET).

The mission that our Lord Jesus entrusted is both shared and specific. One part of it is a responsibility we share with other believers while the other part is unique to us. It is unique as to where we are placed and what the Lord has placed in our hands.

Eternal significance

The mission Jesus entrusted has eternal significance. It will impact the eternal destiny of people. Jesus said, “The one who believes in the Son has eternal life. The one who rejects the Son will not see life, but God’s wrath remains on him.” (John 3:36) For all of us who know this truth, the relevant question is this: “And how can they hear about Him (Jesus) unless someone tells them?” (Rom 10:14) For some folks, you may be the only Christian they will ever know. Indeed, you can be that instrument of blessing to relay the good news of the availability of God’s grace through Jesus Christ to that unique individual.

Urgency

Jesus reminds us that “we must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4) The clock is ticking. We are not to procrastinate or move around aimlessly. We are called to steward our time wisely. We should not live as though we or others have an infinite amount of time. We ought to value the opportunities the Lord provides for us to witness to people in the various circles of our contacts — family, workplace, and in the community. Urgency does clarify our thinking and often helps us order our priorities. There is need for us to live with intentionality.

Purpose and promise

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus said: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” (Matt 6:33). Jesus calls us to be singular in the pursuit of God and to live in accordance with God’s reign. This speaks of intentionality on our part.  Attached to this exhortation is the amazing promise — that God will provide for our daily needs. May the words of our Lord Jesus continue to ring out loud in our lives as we set out to live missionally. We can trust God to give His blessings.

By Pastor David LT Yap