Matthew 1:20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
A recent article I read says that fear comes from many places. Some of those included were:
Past experiences or traumas.
Real or imagined threats
Environmental dangers
Genetic predispositions
Loss of control
In general terms, the fear response triggers a chemical neurotransmitter in the Amygdala of the brain and forces a response called fight or flight. In some cases the fear can be so intense it results in a sort of paralysis. We see that sometimes when an animal runs in the road in front of us and can't move from the spot they are standing. We, also, can get bound up in fear, but there is a way to manage it.
Can you imagine the fear and anxiety that Joseph felt when he found out that his fiance' was pregnant. He must have deeply loved Mary as the scripture says, he wanted to divorce her quietly so that she wasn't at risk of being killed by stoning. He also had to have alot of fear and anxiety about what his friends and family thought about her and him if he stayed with her. What a humiliating experience this must have been. After all, she was no longer pure and on top of all that a decree went out from the king saying he needed to go back to Bethlehem for census. He was to give up his home and whole life to go to a place far away with a very pregnant woman who wasn't carrying his child. I can only imagine the emotions that this man felt as he contemplated what he should do. Mixed in with his fears was a sense of betrayal, anger and maybe even some regret for having gotten mixed up this mess. In short, I have not doubt his faith was shaken in God, in Mary and in society. He probably called out in pain with "why God." Not all that different than what many us go through when we face an unexpected illness, job disruption, financial crisis, relationship crisis or family crisis. Like Joseph we have all felt those things pushing us to run away from the threats we face. I once told someone, laughinly, that my thought was to get on a motorcycle, ride as far as my credit card would take me. Leave the bike along the road and hitchhike another 200 miles so I couldn't be found. Flight at it's highest form for sure.
Joseph, however, took a different path based on his calling by God to fulfill his purpose in raising Jesus the Messiah. Scripture points out that he was not just a stepdad but a protector and teacher to his adopted son. He took seriously his role in this Christmas story by assuring the Jesus was safe by fleeing to Egypt to keep him from the homicidal king who wanted Him dead. He made sure he was taken to the temply at 7 days so Simeon could bless this Messiah and the prophetess Anna could pronounce Jesus as the long awaited King. He made sure that Jesus grew up knowing his relationship with God and took him to the temple for Passover at age 12. When he couldn't be found, he searched for him to ensure his safety. Jesus learned the skills of the carpentry trade from Joseph and became a Rabbi in the synagogue so he was obviously educated in his faith. We don't know alot about Joseph but we know that He had a hand in raising and protecting Jesus just as an father should.
When we face issues in life are we willing to listen for the message from God as to where and what to do. Do we accept that in spite of the fear, potential shame and humiliation that comes with the circumstance, will we stand in the presence of God and say, "I did what you asked." I have no doubt that Joseph when he got to heaven heard those words that Jesus states in Matthew 25:21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over al little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
Fear, shame, humiliation and anxiety can be overcome when we remember His words and commit to the purpose of Him.
Isaiah 41:10 - fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Much love
Preach
Comments