Starting The Journey - Disciple Makers Series Sample

The Picture of a “good man” 

Men, this is what a good man looks like.  Joseph was a person of integrity and was going to divorce Mary (for Jewish people, this level of pre-marriage commitment required a divorce).  He could have shamed her publicly or do it quietly – he chose to do it quietly.  He heard God speak – and then walked in 100% obedience.  Finally, he publicly took the shame; by taking Mary as his wife, he was saying to everyone around him that he was the father of the child.  

Men, this is how God wants us to act.

God gave them the name for the baby – Jesus and Immanuel.  Both of these names come from the Old Testament where God gave a prophetic announcement of these names for the Messiah.  These names have special meaning for the Jewish people.  That is why it is recorded here.

Time to Pray

Father, Joseph is such a great example to me.  I want to be a man who listens so closely to You.  I want to protect people rather than expose their failures.  I want to listen so well to You, that when You ask me to carry the shame of others – I will do it.  God, I am not sure how I can be that man – but if You can help Joseph do it, then You can help me.  So strengthen me today to be Your man.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.