There are times that I could definitely say, ” That was real dumb for me to disobey; it cost me alot!”
https://biblehub.com/kjv/matthew/2.htm
Our national media is bent to coach, encourage and push you to do everything disruptive and disobedient. They choose to popularize what is sensational, so the next soul demands attention by – being disobedient. The news never shows the ruined life after life. Do you realize, that folks now and in the Bible times should just simply get off their proverbial phones or gossip groups. Then one can just settle down for the night with a good Bible or scroll and a hot cup of hyssop/peppermint tea. Life would have a positive outcome.
I say this with a strong conviction because now and in the Bible times, people just aren’t interested in simple coaching by the Spirit of God. So I’m gonna lay out in front of you a couple of possible ways that my life and yours could avoid disasters. It’s when you learn and understand that Obedience Could Save Your Life.
- “I’m done trying to get your attention” – God
In the Book of Malachi, God had warned, scolded and corrected Israel so many prior times. Sure, they were church going folks; but that was just on the Sabbath day. Their lifestyle showed that they were way off the mark. They offered polluted junk offerings, and sometimes they just didn’t tithe. Their home life was immoral and the played footsie with the neighboring nations and their idols. They were God’s people; but God was NOT their life. Sound like us all here in the U.S.A.
This time, He had declared judgment on the sin-filled actions of His people. God also would get their attention through various spankings of life – crop failure, disease, economic collapse, deaths, etc. Yet they did not credit that to God and they did not listen. God even offered them a blessing if they would just do a little right. (You have to read the Book of Malachi – it is so spot-on)
Because they did not listen, God said that He’ll catch them in 400 years. He would send John the Baptist to encourage a full scale revival! Then the time of their visitation, by Jesus the Christ would come. For now, “I’m done trying to get your attention” – God
2. Folks, we have someone listening
Here is a bright spot on a dark background. Joseph, a just man. He sticks out like a Noah of his day. His is recognized like a Job in world of nominal people. We saw that in chapter 1, vs 19 he was both a “just man” and in vs 20, he thinks it through. “The angel of the Lord” appears to Joseph, explains the divine nature of this event and, our man Joseph accepts!
I have gotta ask you… If you had a dream that God told you to do something this radical, would you obey? How about, where to go to church every Sunday morning and evening? Who to date/marry or not? Where to work? Friends who to have or not? This is a lot of life advice, given to you by subtle hints and principles. You know, the stuff that you find in the Bible. Would you and will you obey the words of God?
Second, we find that he was rewarded with bank! He becomes the step-dad to Jesus. WOW! My mind just exploded! He has life’s problems, ie, the travel to Bethlehem. Those shepherds were unexpected. He goes back home and guess who shows up? The King Maker Parade. This was not just 3 wise men; but a good hundred plus. They bring Joseph and Mary an impressive trust fund for the family. Joseph could have stayed and with a smile, he would have been the top dog around.
He was listening. Vs 13 says that the omnipresent “angel of the Lord” appears to Joseph in a dream. (Don’t try to think this phrase ““angel of the Lord” appears to Joseph” through. The more you try to understand the eternal and omnipresent, triune God, it makes our human head hurt) OK, Joseph is instructed to leave without notice and go to Egypt. Who in Egypt real loved the Jewish people then or now? Joseph and Mary crossed the southern border in such a hurry, someone may have wondered what they did. Hmm.
Again, He was listening Vs 19 says the phrase again, “angel of the Lord” appears to Joseph. This time, the instructions says to go back home. Our friend Joseph is glad to roll back; but he read the Epoch Times and found that trouble was still possible. Subtle hint don’t go back to the main town. This was a hint that was backed up by the Spirit of God coaching him, in a dream. Once again, he was listening. Joseph was going to find out the horrible news about the murder of the infants in his region.
3. “I’m so sorry, we should have listened to God”
How often has the drunk driver been so remorseful because he killed a family. A coach with his ball team was tired at the wheel. Yes, everyone suffered because of one man. God gave the Old Testament and the simple 10 Commandments. WHEN WILL WE EVER LISTEN? Will it be after our family has been destroyed? Will our children have to be raised by multiple parents with conflicting lifestyles, because of our sin-filled habits? Yes. I truly believe that if Israel would have listened and followed God’s Word, they would have been preserved. The Scripture promises that. Would a sober father driving the family wagon have a better chance than a drunk driving father? Change the sin, to any sin. The addictive lifestyle of the unsaved is not the issue here. It is the one who knows God, know His Word, understands the consequences and still plays with fire. I speak from experience.
So, you are not a dad or mom. You are an example of what a Believer in Christ is and should be at home, work and with friends. It’s an easy thing to relax and slide into being an easy going person of a good guy. You don’t do too much bad, say too much bad and you’re not preachy to your coworkers. Matthew would say that was his old life. Matthew stands as an example of a Believer about God to now being a Believer in God. He understands the Old Testament and is ready for new teaching. Matthew, the tax collector was ready for obedience.
That is big faith. By the grace of God and the promises in His Word, you and I can understand more of these subtle hints and principles by and through the Holy Spirit of God. (James 1:5)
It starts with accepting Christ by faith “For by grace are we save through faith; and that not of ourselves: it is the gift of God: not if works lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9
It then continues with reading God’s Word daily. That is when the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth and keep you outta trouble!
“The Bible will keep you from sin; but sin will keep you from the Bible” stay in God’s Word, my friend.
I’m praying for you.
Chaplain Aaron
