Waiting

Matthew 1:18-25

In our reading today, Joseph is brought into the story as he hears of Mary’s pregnancy first from Mary, then from the Lord in a dream. He learns of the role he will play in welcoming the coming savior, but he still must wait the rest of the nine months for the promises to be fulfilled. Joseph’s waiting was marked by both obedience and hope. He obeyed in his immediate response of marrying Mary, but also continually as he waited to fully know her in marriage. After doing what God asked him to, he still had a long time to wait. I am sure he had to fight to remember God’s words amidst internal lies and social condemnation, but when the moment came, he named the baby Jesus, just as God had commanded.

Just as the Israelites were marked by their wait for the coming Messiah, Christians are marked by our wait for the return of King Jesus when he comes to fully rule and restore the world. We have seen the Messiah’s first coming as he offered us redemption through his death on the cross, and we can therefore have confidence in the coming salvation and restoration. We can look to Joseph and the Israelite people to teach us how to wait. Psalm 130 reminds us to wait with trust in his word and with hope.

Prayer:

God, give us the hope and trust in your word to wait with confidence in your promises.

Question to consider:

What are you waiting for? Are you waiting with obedience and hope?