When somebody has a great idea or concept, they usually are faced with an inquiry that goes something like, “Well, do you have a plan in place for it?” In the same manner, we have observed from the Old Testament God has made a promise. But does this promise come with a plan? The answer if, of course, yes! Just as God made the promise of Christ’s coming, He had a plan in place. This plan involved Joseph, Mary, and an unbelievable birth. In accordance with their Jewish culture, Joseph and Mary were legally pledged to get married. They were virgins and had not known anyone intimately, or at least Joseph thought so. Word came to Joseph that Mary was pregnant. Knowing he had no relations with her, he nothing else to assume other than she had been with another man. Because he was a man of character, he “resolved to divorce her quietly”. He did not want to enter marriage with these circumstances so he thought it best to bow out of the legal pledge for betrothal. But the Lord had other plans for Joseph. Matthew 1:20 elaborates, “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.” God reminded Joseph, as a son of David, He was going to accomplish His promise through this event. By the child being conceived from the Holy Spirit, the baby would not inherit sin but would be divinity in the flesh. The sin inherited from Adam would not be found in this child. The Virgin, Mary, conceived a son, Jesus, and it is this Jesus who is God in the flesh, God with us (1:23). It is this Jesus who was prophesied about in the Old Testament, in places like the Psalms and Isaiah. It is this Jesus who came as the promise and plan of God. As we will see more next week, Jesus came with a purpose too. He came with the intention of salvation and extending forgiveness for sins. It is no wonder we have plenty to celebrate during this time of year! We are in awe of the promises of God and struck by how He plans His promises to come to fruition. We praise Him for not only giving us the promise of salvation but by showing us His plan as well!
Reflection Time:
- The plan of the incarnation (a virgin giving birth to a child) seems unbelievable. How would you share this truth with someone who would raise an objection to this event?
- Meditate on how God planned the incarnation of Jesus. Give Him praise for His promises and plans in the gospel.
Entrusted By GOD Ministries 