Embracing God's Will

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ~ Luke 2:1

There have been numerous times throughout history when ordinary people lived under oppressive regimes. In fact, a survey of human history reveals it is more often the case. Oppression is the ultimate expression of evil that comes directly from Satan. When one views God as less than the primary creator, ruler, and object of his affection and devotion, it is called sin. Sin is about how one views himself in relation to God. Once a person has relegated God to subjugation there is a rapid descent toward the subjugation of fellow humans, especially those who don’t seem to support his ambitions. The resulting oppression turns into systematic sin. 

Joseph and his bride, Mary were days away from the birth of their firstborn child who was the Son of God. After Joseph dutifully accepted his commission as a stepfather, protector, and provider for his little family, he must have worked very fast and hard to prepare a place for his bride to live with him. His neighbors and friends had likely changed toward him as they whispered amongst themselves about his pregnant fiance and their hurried marriage. Despite the scandalous circumstances, Joseph probably imagined that things would settle down and somehow his personal problems would cease to be front-page news. Then, when their home was ready, He brought Mary there to live, though there would be no consummation until after the birth of God’s Son. Then, the great oppressor prompted one of his human servants to issue a decree that all persons would return to their ancestral home to be counted, just a few days before the baby was due to arrive. 

    The story is familiar to most of us so we will jump ahead to the days following the child’s birth and to the arrival of the Majai. After presenting their gifts and creating quite a stir in the region, they were prompted by the Spirit to return to their homeland via a more secret route. Similarly, Joseph was prompted to escape with his wife and child to a foreign land for an undetermined amount of time. Once again, the great oppressor inspired his earthly servants to force Joseph further from stability and peace. And, once again, he dutifully trusted the LORD and gave up the illusion of control over his life. 

The bible informs us that the little family eventually returned home and even resumed a “normal” life. A life of provision, protection, and preparation. The family worked, worshiped, and waited until God would reveal what was next for God’s Son. The last time the bible speaks of Joseph is when his plans are disrupted again as God’s Son, Jesus was left behind in Jerusalem after attending a religious festival. Joseph and Mary returned to the City to find their charge and realize that this time it is not the work of Satan. This time, Jesus has come into his own and placed his Heavenly Father above all else. 

Poor Joseph. A simple, predictable life was not to be his lot in life. It is believed that he died before Jesus reached adulthood because he is no longer mentioned in the bible. One can only imagine what it must have been like for him at the moment when he knew he was dying. “Now this?” he must have thought. “How will my family survive?” “How can this be part of your plan, LORD?” Then, there is Mary, thinking similarly and knowing she will live to see the pain in her children’s faces. She will see her eldest son take on the role of head in their household while very young.  

While we struggle with the seemingly endless disruptions to our plans, we will be blessed if we are mindful of how typical that really is in the life of Christ’s family. The enemy will constantly use his human minions to oppress the family of God and there will be times when the LORD will upset our plans for His divine purposes. What then, shall we do? Let us resolve to be like Joseph. We must dutifully love and serve the LORD without complaining. We must embrace the LORD’s eternal nature, perfect timing, and mysterious plans. With clear hindsight, we can see that Joseph and Mary were crucial to God’s plan and their faithfulness should be lauded. One can only imagine the things that Christ will do in and through us if we will keep the faith without complaining.