12/09/2024
Let’s Not Overlook Joseph of Nazareth
I asked my research assistant—a certain ChatGPT—what the most interesting facet of Joseph’s life might be. She shared a couple of things that didn’t make it into Sunday’s sermon but you might still find inspirational.
- Joe was a man of Quiet Faith:
Unlike Mary, Joseph does not speak a single recorded word in the Gospels. His actions—immediate and faithful responses to God’s commands—speak louder than words, highlighting the value of quiet, steadfast faith. - Joe’s Legacy of Influence shouldn’t be underestimated:
Joseph’s role as Jesus' earthly father likely influenced Jesus' human understanding of fatherhood, work, and faithfulness. Jesus' parables often reflect a deep respect for honest labor and familial love, which Joseph likely modeled.
Why This Matters:
Joseph's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting God even when circumstances seem incomprehensible. His willingness to set aside his own plans and reputation to follow God’s will makes him a model of humility, courage, and faith in action.
In a time when qualifications for important leadership positions seem to have a lot more to do with financial wealth or how good you look on TV, it’s so reassuring that we have Joseph of Nazareth to look up to. May we all aspire to the virtues that God holds out to us in the earthly father of Jesus. May our actions speak louder than words, may we never overlook the influence we have on those around us, and may each of us hold dear the value of quiet, steadfast faith.
Archived Posts
Change of Focus This Week
Instead of sharing with you about yesterday’s sermon I’d like to invite you to do some background reading for next Sunday’s “Only Murders in the Bible.” Seeing that it is All Saints Day this Sunday, we are going to look at the very first Christian martyr, Stephen.
You Might Be Thinking It’s All About You If…
In working on Sunday’s sermon I asked my computer’s AI if she/he could come up with a few suggestions in answer to the above: "You Might be thinking it’s all about you, if…."
Prayer Changes Things
Here is a transcript of the prayer I prayed at the end of yesterday’s sermon.
Optimism, Faith, and Hope:
Practical Steps For Increasing All Three
Here are some practical, spiritual, and relational ways to grow faith, hope and optimism:
Listening Heart
It’s kind of crazy when you think about it. Wisdom in the Bible is all about listening. Of course it makes sense that wisdom would start with listening to God, to God’s law and commandments, as well as the promptings and leadings of the Holy Spirit.
Here are some quotes that
didn’t make it into Sunday’s sermon.
(But it doesn’t mean that they don’t offer real insight into the power of risk over the fear of failure...)
Such A Rich Passage (Luke 19:1-10)
I reflected a lot on the passage about Zacchaeus because it has been written off as “been there, read that, little guy in a tree.” But it is so rich in getting to the heart of what it means to be saved by grace through faith—to live our lives out of gratitude rather than obligation.