By: Pastor Brian Rogers

“Lord, whatever you want, wherever you want it, and whenever you want it, that’s what I want.” – Richard Baxter

Little is known about Joseph.  He was born in a small town called Nazareth. He was a direct descendant of David.  He early learned the skills needed to be a carpenter.  In obedience to the word spoken by the angel, He would take Mary to be his wife and become the earthly father of Jesus. He faithfully kept the laws of Judaism, observing the Holy days and the feasts with his family. And that’s about all we know.  There is no doubt that the spotlight shined more on Mary than Joseph.

But there is one scene in Matthew chapter 1 where the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream and, through an Angel, tells him that Mary is pregnant by the Holy Spirit and the Messiah will be born to her.  He goes on to share with Joseph that it is God’s will for him to take Mary as his wife and name the child Jesus.    

I want to point out that even though little is known about Joseph, there is a verse of Scripture that always jumps out at me as I read his story in Matthew 1. It is verse 24, “When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife…And Joseph named Him Jesus.”

Did you hear it?  Joseph didn’t question.  Joseph didn’t hesitate.  He didn’t phone a friend, he didn’t consult his pastor, He didn’t mull it over for a while.  He simply “did as the angel of the Lord commanded…” It was if in His heart he said, “Lord, whatever you want, wherever you want it, and whenever you want it, that’s what I want.”  There are no audible words recorded from Joseph, just obedient actions.  No questioning, no complaining just yes after yes after yes.  When it came time, Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem, when it was no longer safe there, he quickly obeys again and makes the long journey to Egypt.  “Lord, whatever you want, wherever you want it, and whenever you want it” seemed to be the way he lived his life.

His voice was silent, but his life shouted loudly… Yes!,  over and over again because “he did as the Lord commanded.” He lived His life in humble obedience to God.

May we join Joseph today in listening to and obeying the call of God on our lives.  May we say Lord, whatever, wherever, whenever…that’s what I want.

“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them” (John 14:21).

Parents: Ask your children about Joseph. Ask them what they remember about him. Explain how Joseph lived a life that said, “YES”.