Working On Both Ends

Introduction: Have you noticed where God “GUIDES” He “PROVIDES”! This can be seen clearly in the preparation of the birth of Jesus Christ.
 

1. On the one hand, our Lord confirms to Joseph, everything is OK!

“When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20But 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. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, 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. 24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” ( Matt 1:18-25)

This confirmation is enough for Joseph to trust and obey the Lord. Can we do the same?
 

2. On the other hand, our Lord confirms to Mary, this is His will!

“26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth.” (Luke 1:26-28)

“To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.”

Gabriel announced the BLESSINGS of God on Mary.

“28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”

The word “favored” is χαριτόω,(khar-ee-to’-o), which means favor, bestow freely on. Next, Gabriel explains how God was going to perform this miracle.

“30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

“29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.”

“34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

Obedience is the results.
 
Conclusion: 
Bottom line: We can trust our Lord Jesus that He sees the BIG picture! Therefore, we conclude… He is in CONTROL!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese