Daily Reading // Matthew 1:18-21
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to threw times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
Matthew 1:20 (NKJV) But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
The thing that stuck out to me this morning was the phrase ‘while he thought about these things’.
He was engaged to Mary. In the Jewish culture the period of engagement was prescribed and ordered. It was also very importantly a time of purity for both people. For Mary to become pregnant during this time was beyond scandalous. It was also a very personal betrayal. Imagine what Joseph must have felt.
He took time to think about what he would do; how he would respond.
Most people would not need to think about it or pray about it. The reaction would be pretty immediate. You would feel used, violated, offended and deeply hurt. You would want to inflict pain on the other person as they inflicted pain upon you.
I think most people would make a knee-jerk reaction. It would be emotional and probably extreme. It might be regretted afterward.
Would I react like that? Do I react like that?
That’s not how Joseph reacted. He took time to think about it. He committed it to his mind and, I believe, to his heart. And then he was obedient to what God said to him.
Joseph shows us great character. He shows me how to react when someone disappoints me and even hurts me. Strength of character takes time to think and ask God for insight.
It doesn’t take strength of character to react immediately and emotionally.
When I think and listen to God before reacting I will have a lot less to regret.
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Jesus, Give me the strength of character to seek You before over-reacting to others. Amen.