SOAPing Matthew 1:1-2

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Scripture: Matthew 1:1-2

Observation: Matthew opens with the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah.  He begins with Abraham, through the exile to Babylon, through Joseph and Mary and of course Jesus Christ.  Mary was found to be pregnant with Jesus.  Joseph knew the laws concerning this and planned to quietly divorce to prevent harm to Mary.   An angel appeared to Joseph and explained Marys pregnancy by the Holy Spirit and that he shouldn't be afraid to marry her.   She will have a son and they should name him Jesus.  Joseph did as the angel told him and they went on to name the baby Jesus.  Magi (elders, priests, or wise men ) saw the star they had known to watch for and began traveling to find the "king of the Jews" in Jerusalem.   King Herod heard about all this and questioned the chief priests and teachers.  They pointed out prophecy being fulfilled.  King Herod attempted to trick the Magi into leading him to the Christ Child.. instead they went to locate the child and with extreme joy presented Him with treasures.  They were warned by dream not to return to Herod, so they returned home by a different direction.  An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and advised him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt in order to avoid King Herod.  Joseph did just that and stayed until Herod passed away.  During that tine though, Herod found out what the magi had done.  He was SO MAD he order all boys two years old and younger in the area in and around Bethlehem to be killed!  Again, prophecy fulfilled.  When Herod died and angel appeared to Joseph directing him to take Mary and Jesus to Israel.  As he did, he began feeling as if he should avoid Herod's predecessor. Once again Joseph was warned in a dream and ended up taking another route placing them in Nazareth.  Prophecy again fulfilled. 

Application: God makes a way.  Joseph could have gotten completely bent out of shape! (and more than likely that was his natural reaction!) ... instead he was still and God provided the way along with the wisdom.   Whether presented with a pregnant fiance or being faced with a KING attempted to kill off his kid,  God gave him a way along with wisdom to overcome the situation.  

Life is so busy.  We have the world not only at our fingertips but coming in at us at all angles 90% of the time we are awake!  No doubt it can be difficult to tone out the world and hear God.  But, if we do He is faithful to answer and guide us.  And while this doesn't take away all of our problems... Joseph's fiance popped up pregnant and a king resolved to kill the child he had accepted as his own... He does provide the peace to endure by providing the way and the wisdom.  Just rest and listen, pray, and seek him. 

Prayer: Father God.  I love you. I hear you. I thank you for being sovereign and unchanging... as I read I take in the reminder that you are here and just ever so ready to give us a way and wisdom in all we are facing.  Big and Small.  While I find it so difficult to take the time to spend with You, the very first opportunity at this You remind me You are here.  So present, and giving me the Way and the Wisdom.. I just need to rest and be still enough to see it and hear Your voice... Thank you.  Thank you for stilling my anxious heart and filling me with your spirit as I become frustrated and impatient.  I pray that you continue to make obvious The Way, as I yearn to become closer to You.  Intercede with Wisdom as I work to accept your spirit and quelch the anxieties I have recently allowed to overcome.  Thank you, I love you, Amen

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