God’s salvation plan for fallen mankind was underway. That plan included and involved Zacharias and Elizabeth. Symbolic of God’s creation proclamation of “Let there Be,” plans for a forerunner of the savior were also underway. Many years had elapsed before the time for the savior to enter the salvation scene arrived.
Elizabeth was already expecting the forerunner John. She was now five months into her pregnancy, and the time for the coming of the Messiah was rapidly approaching. Proper preparations also had to be set in place. Into the realm of time, space, and matter came that savior, Jesus! The only one who can redeem mankind from their “fallen state.”
The reality of 1 Corinthians 15:21-23 was being initiated. The time for the coming of the Messiah – the savior – was at hand! Not only for Israel, but also for the whole world. And Mary was to become the human vehicle by which his coming would be realized.
God’s plans are never based on need, but rather on his will. Salvation from sin can only come from the creator of the sinner. And God chose to save and redeem fallen mankind by and through someone who was without sin, yet who assumed the total nature of sinful man. He would pay the eternal penalty for sin, and yet retain his sinless nature. That process had to be done in time for eternity. And also by someone who could fulfill that salvation function – in a body of sinful flesh.
That body had been selected by God. A virgin named Mary! But virgins can’t bear children out of wedlock. That in itself is sin. So, how does God plan to affect that salvation act with the product of sin itself? What is your plan, Lord?
Never ask God a question if you are not ready to accept his answer! God’s answer and plan are realized in God’s process. God made the selection of the one to implement his salvation plan and process. And that person must be informed, convinced and committed to God’s plan.
Enter the Angel Gabriel. God’s plan for fallen mankind is affirmed. And Mary’s acceptance of her role in God’s plan is affirmed. God’s salvation plan is underway.
Recall that Mary had been gone for about three months, visiting her cousin Elizabeth. The baby John had been delivered, and Mary’s pregnancy was no doubt beginning to show.
Naturally, when Joseph became aware of her pregnancy, he had some serious decisions to make. How do you deal with such a situation? She’s pregnant. Joseph knows he had nothing to do with it. She claimed that the Holy Spirit did it.
Either way, he had legal and biblical grounds for a divorce. And some serious decisions needed to be made.
The fact of their espousal agreement was well known. The fact of Joseph’s non-involvement with Mary’s pregnancy had been established. Now, whether she had shared her encounter with the angel, and the subsequent experience of the Holy Spirit’s encounter with her, or not, Joseph had to deal with how he was going to deal with his relationship with Mary. In a small town!
His marital status with Mary was public knowledge. Joseph’s knowledge of his moral fidelity was confirmed. The possibility of Mary’s infidelity was plausible. According to the law, he could publicly divorce her for her uncleanliness. So, what now? The law was on his side. What shall he do?
Some decisions, regardless of their seriousness, need to be carefully weighed. Various options may be affirmed, but eventually a decision must be made. Fortunately, Joseph’s spiritual nature kicked in. Life decisions not based on God’s will will always bring their own negative consequences.
God often has to get our undivided attention under circumstances when and where no one else is involved. And dreams are one of the ways that God has done that with people. God-initiated dreams allow God to instill his word and will in our minds without interruption and misunderstanding.
Obviously, being the just man that he was, Joseph took that matter to the Lord, and received God’s answer to his social, moral and personal decision. God answered Joseph’s concerns by the “angel of the Lord” – Gabriel – in a dream.
The message was clear. Don’t divorce Mary. This event, this “pregnancy,” is truly an act of God. Not of man. Mary’s conception is by the Holy Spirit.
Whenever God interrupts your thinking, cogitations and rationalizations, stop and listen. The angel began explaining to Joseph God’s purpose for this unusual event.
Every Jew, especially in the time of captivity and control by others, was anticipating the coming of the messiah to deliver them from the control of other nations and people. The answer to every concern of man is already addressed in the word of God. So Gabriel called Joseph’s attention to his word in the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14.
What was happening to Mary was part of God’s plan to send the “messiah” whom his people needed. The needs of God’s people were more important than their “wants.”
Notice that Joseph awakening from that dream was not of his own will, but rather under a source beyond himself. He had been “put to sleep by God and he was awakened by God.
Under God’s direction, Joseph chose to place personal, family, religious, social convictions and commitments behind God’s will for his life.
Like Joseph, true Christmas will not come to you until you accept God’s will for your life. When you do, you too will experience a personal life changing Christmas.
Pastor Samuel W. Hale, Jr. is the former pastor of Zion Missionary Baptist Church and president of J.L. Powell Mission Ministries.
