Go and Live

Every servant of God has an appointed place in His bigger picture.

Ever think much about the life of Joseph, Mary's husband? The character of the earthly father of Jesus always touches my heart.

For a few years, the choices and movements Joseph made were absolutely critical for preserving Jesus' life.

Knowing that Joseph would be an obedient servant, the Lord gave him clear instructions through dreams. Along the way, Joseph encountered circumstances that made him afraid. God did not sit aloof with crossed arms, expecting Joseph to figure it out on his own, or require him to forge ahead with some sort of blind courage. God met him in his need, and gave him further instruction.

Then, when the crisis was past, we are simply told of Joseph, "He went and lived in a city called Nazareth."

He went and lived. And with that, he fades out of the narrative.

Obviously God favored him with the great honor of leading the home where Jesus Christ would be raised. We can assume from this that Joseph continued to be a faithful, godly man. He provided a stable home and family as the context for giving the Son of God the experience of growing up in this world. We know that Joseph and Mary had other children after Jesus was born. We know that Joseph probably died before Jesus turned 30. We know very little else about him at all.

All we know is, "He went and lived."

He fulfilled his appointed place in the big picture of God's plan.

When we face moments of crisis and decision, we must trust God for guidance, and obey--and in the everyday moments, we must never despise the day of small things. Every day, we may worship God, and walk with Him. This will be fulfilling His appointed purpose, our place in the big picture of God's plan.

So, go and LIVE.