[Discoveries] 12-08-08 Unnecessary? -- Matthew 1:20

[Inspiration in Your Inbox]

/*For those struggling financially ...*/
/*I know this is a time when many of you -- especially you dads -- feel 
a deep hurt in your hearts because you are unable to give your children 
the Christmas gifts you want to give. I know that feeling well. So let 
me speak a word (I think from the Lord) to you dads (and moms). Your 
hands are not empty. Bring the loaves and the fish that you have to 
Jesus. He will perform the miracle for you. He will multiply the love 
that you have in your heart for your children. They will not remember 
these times with sorrow, but rather with joy and thanksgiving.*/

/*But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him 
in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary 
home as your wife ..." -- Matthew 1:20*/

Why Joseph? Wasn't he unnecessary? He wasn't part of the conception. God 
was perfectly able to provide for and protect Mary and Jesus. And 
certainly no human could be a better father than God Himself.

I have grown up in a world that has tried to dispense with men. The 
feminist who said, "A woman without a man is like a fish without a 
bicycle," found the blade that cut deep into the fabric of our society. 
The survivors are often emasculated, androgynous or alienated.

That's why I'm glad Joseph gets a visit from an angel as well. Joseph 
has a role. He has an important place in the story.

Yes, God could do everything you are doing better, faster, sweeter. But 
He invites you in. It is no mistake that you are you. You have a role in 
God's plan that only you can fulfill.

Be encouraged!
Dwight

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