Away in a Manger | Joseph’s Choice | Eddie Taylor
Away in A Manger
JOSEPH: Joseph’s Choice
Soul Tattoo: Joy is a choice.
Matthew 1:18-25 (NKJV) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. [19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. [20] But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. [21] And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” [22] So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: [23] “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD, AND BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which is translated, “God with us.” [24] Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, [25] and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
- Joseph chose joy over insignificance.
Matthew 13:55 (NKJV) Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?
- Joseph chose joy over insecurity.
John 1:46 (NKJV) And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
- Joseph chose joy over comfort.
Matthew 2:13-14 (NKJV) Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” [14] When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt,
- Joseph chose the joy of identity over the assignment.
Matthew 12:46 (NKJV) While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him.
2 Corinthians 7:4 (ESV) I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Philippians 4:4 (NKJV) Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!
Soul Tattoo: Joy is a choice.