Bible study
Bible study
Reflection: Joseph's silence
Reflection: Joseph's silence
Reflection: Joseph's silence
Reflection: Joseph's silence
Tuesday 12 December
Read / Listen to Matthew 1:18-25
Silence can feel pointless, empty and sometimes inescapable. But, as we learn throughout the Bible, God is often in the silence as a "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12). In the story of Jesus' birth, Joseph is silent; we never hear him speak in the Gospels, but his actions speak louder than words.
Joseph wants to live in accordance with God's law but his situation becomes complex. His wife is pregnant and it's not by him so he decides to quietly divorce her. Here, Joseph could have made a real noise about the situation he finds himself in, publicly divorce Mary and shame her. But out of his love for her and reverence for God, he considers the matter quietly and carefully. In Joseph's turmoil, we discover that he goes into the deepest silence: he sleeps. As Joseph drifts off, God speaks to him in a dream and his heart is ready for God to show him what He has in store through the birth of Jesus.
When Joseph wakes his response is compelling. He acts and serves God through his commitment to Mary and Jesus. Joseph reminds us of those in situations that seem hopelessly complex and impossible, unable to speak out, get help or escape. But God's purpose is fulfilled through one silent, willing man.
Tuesday 12 December
Read / Listen to Matthew 1:18-25
Silence can feel pointless, empty and sometimes inescapable. But, as we learn throughout the Bible, God is often in the silence as a "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12). In the story of Jesus' birth, Joseph is silent; we never hear him speak in the Gospels, but his actions speak louder than words.
Joseph wants to live in accordance with God's law but his situation becomes complex. His wife is pregnant and it's not by him so he decides to quietly divorce her. Here, Joseph could have made a real noise about the situation he finds himself in, publicly divorce Mary and shame her. But out of his love for her and reverence for God, he considers the matter quietly and carefully. In Joseph's turmoil, we discover that he goes into the deepest silence: he sleeps. As Joseph drifts off, God speaks to him in a dream and his heart is ready for God to show him what He has in store through the birth of Jesus.
When Joseph wakes his response is compelling. He acts and serves God through his commitment to Mary and Jesus. Joseph reminds us of those in situations that seem hopelessly complex and impossible, unable to speak out, get help or escape. But God's purpose is fulfilled through one silent, willing man.
Tuesday 12 December
Read / Listen to Matthew 1:18-25
Silence can feel pointless, empty and sometimes inescapable. But, as we learn throughout the Bible, God is often in the silence as a "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12). In the story of Jesus' birth, Joseph is silent; we never hear him speak in the Gospels, but his actions speak louder than words.
Joseph wants to live in accordance with God's law but his situation becomes complex. His wife is pregnant and it's not by him so he decides to quietly divorce her. Here, Joseph could have made a real noise about the situation he finds himself in, publicly divorce Mary and shame her. But out of his love for her and reverence for God, he considers the matter quietly and carefully. In Joseph's turmoil, we discover that he goes into the deepest silence: he sleeps. As Joseph drifts off, God speaks to him in a dream and his heart is ready for God to show him what He has in store through the birth of Jesus.
When Joseph wakes his response is compelling. He acts and serves God through his commitment to Mary and Jesus. Joseph reminds us of those in situations that seem hopelessly complex and impossible, unable to speak out, get help or escape. But God's purpose is fulfilled through one silent, willing man.
Tuesday 12 December
Read / Listen to
Matthew 1:18-25
Silence can feel pointless, empty and sometimes inescapable. But, as we learn throughout the Bible, God is often in the silence as a "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12). In the story of Jesus' birth, Joseph is silent; we never hear him speak in the Gospels, but his actions speak louder than words.
Joseph wants to live in accordance with God's law but his situation becomes complex. His wife is pregnant and it's not by him so he decides to quietly divorce her. Here, Joseph could have made a real noise about the situation he finds himself in, publicly divorce Mary and shame her. But out of his love for her and reverence for God, he considers the matter quietly and carefully. In Joseph's turmoil, we discover that he goes into the deepest silence: he sleeps. As Joseph drifts off, God speaks to him in a dream and his heart is ready for God to show him what He has in store through the birth of Jesus.
When Joseph wakes his response is compelling. He acts and serves God through his commitment to Mary and Jesus. Joseph reminds us of those in situations that seem hopelessly complex and impossible, unable to speak out, get help or escape. But God's purpose is fulfilled through one silent, willing man.
Reflection questions
Joseph is an honorable man but he finds himself in a scandalous situation. How do you think he felt about what was happening?
Joseph becomes silent through his troubling situation. When has God spoken clarity to you at a time when you felt confused or uncertain about something that was happening?
At this busy Advent time, how could you set aside some time to be silent and ready your heart to hear from God?
Reflection questions
Joseph is an honorable man but he finds himself in a scandalous situation. How do you think he felt about what was happening?
Joseph becomes silent through his troubling situation. When has God spoken clarity to you at a time when you felt confused or uncertain about something that was happening?
At this busy Advent time, how could you set aside some time to be silent and ready your heart to hear from God?
Reflection questions
Joseph is an honorable man but he finds himself in a scandalous situation. How do you think he felt about what was happening?
Joseph becomes silent through his troubling situation. When has God spoken clarity to you at a time when you felt confused or uncertain about something that was happening?
At this busy Advent time, how could you set aside some time to be silent and ready your heart to hear from God?
Pray
Father God, speak to those who are silent today, overwhelmed by their situation. Men and women across the MENA region much like Joseph: poor, oppressed, unable to speak up. We ask that You reveal Your purposes to them and raise up Your children to serve You wholeheartedly, through Your Son Jesus, today. Amen.