By Pastor Alex Ruelo
Matthew 1:18-25 says, “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”Jesus’ birth was not as thrilling as you would have imagined it to be. Mary’s pregnancy was not exactly planned or hoped for. Until you realize that all of these things happened for the glory of God.
In the history and tradition of the Jewish people, girls are betrothed at a very early age. That does not mean that it is wrong. During the time of Jesus, it was an accepted practice. So when Mary got pregnant, she was probably in her early teens. In these times, you will probably see it as wrong. But you have to respect each people’s laws and practices. In these verses, there are things that standout. It is said that Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And that shocked most of them. Just like believers nowadays. When something unexpected comes your way, you do not know how to solve the problem. Second, Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph. Can you imagine Joseph’s surprise upon finding out that his betrothed is pregnant? Surely, Joseph had so many plans. But these plans were shattered upon the realization that he will be a father to somebody else’s son. So Joseph decided to break the engagement quietly. Who can blame him? The future was all set. But then again, God has other plans.
When God interrupts your plans, the first thing that comes to mind is that God does not love him. He does not listen to your prayers. But you are mistaken. What you do not realize is. that God’s interruption is for your protection. God is building a hedge around you. Job 1:10 says, “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.” During the time of Joseph and Mary, they were also righteous people. But why were those things happening to them? Are you asking the same thing of yourself right now? Is this an interruption? Does God want to protect me from something? Maybe he took you away from that job because there is a better one with a bigger salary waiting for you. God’s interruption is for the benefit of the kingdom. Jude 1:24-25 says, “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” Jesus could have just come down from heaven to earth. Why did he have to be born in a manger of Joseph and Mary? but there is a purpose, and God has a plan. Sometimes, you are so focused on yourself and forget that everything should be for the glory of the kingdom of God. David is a very good example. He wanted to build the temple but God clearly said that his son will be the one to build God’s temple. He was content in being a shepherd and never planned to be a king. He was happy fighting bears and lions. But God wanted him to become a king. And he did. And God promised that the Messiah will come from his bloodline. You might not see it now, but the generations that will come after you might bear the fruits of your labor. Sometimes you do good. And your children might do better. The ripple effect of your sharing God’s word is endless. God’s interruption is an open door. When things go wrong, man always thinks that a door closed. But He always opens even a tiny window. All you have to do is open your eyes and look.
Sometimes, when God interrupts your plans, He is telling you that He is going to use you somewhere else. He breaks chains when He interrupts. He wants to use you for bigger and mightier things. So what do you do when God interrupts your plans?
Enjoy the ride. It may be difficult to enjoy when your dreams are shattered and you are hurt everyday. Let God lead you. That;s what Joseph did. He woke up, decided that he will take Mary as his wife and named the child Jesus.
Trust the process. You will get over the hurt when you trust that God knows what is best for you. God breaks your chains and set you free.
Choose righteousness. Joseph could have dragged Mary to the town square and say she committed adultery. He may have silently wanted to break off everything with her. But he heard God’s voice and chose righteousness instead. You could do things that sound and seem right to you. You could obey the law by the book. But sometimes, all you have to do is hear God;s word and do what He says.
Haver you heard God’s voice in your life? What is He asking you to do right now? Everybody has his own thing going on. When you hear His word, obey
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