A Growing Moment
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A Growing Moment
A Growing Moment
I have discovered that there is a distinct difference between aging and growing. As life takes us from one phase to the next we experience physical restructuring and redevelopment. This process of aging is a natural evolutionary occurence. All of us in this room can attest to the fact that our physical appearance at the age of 10 is different that our physical appearance at the age of 30. As we age physically, there are noticeable changes that everyone is able to see and identify. The challenge then that we face, centers itself on the contrasts between aging and growing. If aging then occurs without your participation, growth only happens through your participation.
As we navigate our way through this narrative, Matthew offers us a clear view of what I like to deem a growing moment. Although this narrative suggests to us that this story is about the birth of Jesus, I wish to share with you that the central protagonist within this narrative isn’t Jesus. It’s actually Joseph. Matthew within this section of scripture shows the reader how important it is to grow beyond your emotions. This passage of scripture highlights a growing moment that all of us need to participate in if we are going to see and experience the fulfillment of God’s plan on the earth. This moment of growth for Joseph is not an evolutionary occurence but rather a participatory act and decision on the part of Joseph over and above his emotional disposition.
Matthew is showing us that sometimes the greatest tensions that we experience within our lives sit right between what God is trying to get accomplish and how his divine fulfillment wrestles with my feelings. This is the challenge that exists within this new church space that we gather in. This is bigger than St. Paul. This is bigger that Passaic. This is bigger than New Jersey. We are living in a time where people are wrestling with the will of God because God’s desires don’t always line up with our feelings. And because we are more concerned with our wants over and above God will, we have programmed our minds and hearts to believe that if it does not feel right or make me feel good, then it cannot be God.
If the bible is still right, I am clear that his ways and his thoughts don’t match ours at all. We are only in sync with Him when we adjust ourselves to Him.
Look at the text. Joseph is engaged to marry and discovers that marry is not by herself. She is pregnant and he is not the father. And although he is livid, he still loves her too much to allow her to be shamed. So he makes up in His mind that he will divorce her quietly because real love does not look to embarrass you publically. (Flow in the Spirit).
Joseph had made up his mind that this connection was over before it even got started but because God had a greater plan in made, He send an angel to speak with Joseph through his dreams. By the time Joseph woke up, he had a choice to make. Either I would stay in my feelings or following the leading of God. I want to park my car here for a moment because is the space that many of us are in right now. We know what we thought we were looking forward to, only to discover that something happened that I did not plan for. And now I am left with 2 choices - follow God or follow my feelings. If I follow my feelings I leave Mary. If I leave Mary, the baby is still born but has no identity or connection to me. If the baby has not identity or connection to me, then the child has no connection to my lineage. If the child has not connection to my lineage then he could not be seen as a possible Messiah. If the child is not seen as a possible messiah that whatever he seemingly does will be fruitless at best due to the lack of Davidic connection.
God reaches Joseph beyond his consciousness
Joseph Considers the conversation
Joseph Calls Him Jesus - Yeshua meaning to deliver or rescue