If we want the Lord to use us in great things, we need to be obedient in the small things he tells us to do. According to scripture, Joseph the husband of Mary who gave birth to our Lord was described as a just man. Studying the life of Joseph, one characteristic can be noted, he was obedient to God. If Joseph had not been obedient to the Lord in little things, he would never have been chosen to be Mary?s husband.
Joseph obeyed the Lord and did not put Mary away when found with child as a virgin. He took her as his wife and did not know her until the birth of Jesus. What a man of integrity, and character.
Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 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. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Matthew 2:12-14
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. 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. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
Joseph was also warned after Herod was dead and Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod,
Matthew 2:19-22
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 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.
Obeying all the warnings brought the fulfillment of Jesus ministry and our salvation. Do you think God would have chosen a person that will not obey him, or not obey promptly His warnings. No a big no.
What a vital role Joseph has played in bringing us salvation simply by obeying the Lord.
Do we want the Lord to use us in big things? We need to learn to be obedience in the little things, then the Lord will promote us and commit greater thing into our hands. Its starts from those little promptings in your heart, don?t ignore them, they could be training grounds for greater things.
Let?s live a life of obedience unto the Lord, whatever the cost. Remember the Lord always knows the best.
Bisi Oladipupo
15 June 2009