In reading in Matthew, I came to realize something that although not profound or deep it really made me think of the importance of the obedience to the Word of God.
Joseph is often a supporting character in the story of the birth of Christ. He was not the father for the Bible states...
Matthew 1:20
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
Although, Joseph found himself in an interesting and historical situation, he was man of character...
Matthew 1:19
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
In reading further, it was Joseph's obedience to the Word of God that allowed the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning Christ...
Matthew 2:12
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Matthew 2:13
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
Matthew 2:14
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
Matthew 2:15
And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Another example...
Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
Matthew2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Joseph was obviously a good man, but it was his obedience while in a situation that he may not have fully understood that allowed him to see ancient prophecies fulfilled and be a part of the salvation of mankind.
We may not always know why we are being obedient, but God has a plan. Remember, the scripture states...
1Samuel 15:22
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
1Samuel 15:23
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
