Taking Mary Home (The Hardest Road Can Lead to the Best Place, Part II)
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
A time when someone had a vision for your life? God has a dream for you! Good news! How do you fulfill the dream?
1) Stay righteous during detours
V19 - “a righteous man” - He had clearly decided not to take Mary home! Life was thrown a curve - a detour - felt backstabbed? Betrayed? Rear ended? Knew who he was
Stayed blameless - won’t hurt someone - and considerate - thought out the situation - and Godly - delight in the Lord. Do you think God approved of his behavior? The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry
Did he ask God why? Did he pray? Did he cry? He wasn’t going to take Mary home
Ever felt empty? Dream shattered - now what?
2) Keep to the course with courage
V20 - “do not be afraid” The hardest road can be when you choose not to detour! How people quit things! The path to the fulfilled dream requires courage!
What fears did he have? Ridicule, rejection, reputation. God says “take Mary home”
God says be fearless! Without anticipation of dread
How? Fear is so easy it can change your course! Fearlessness is hard! Listen to the Good news! V21 - “God with us” - verses in every part of the Bible!
3) Take the road to Christmas
V24 - fully conscious, alert, aware, sure – Did what God said!The dream came true! God has a dream for you to fulfill! There is hope! Follow God’s word - take Mary home! God has a dream for you!
Conclusion
The hardest road can lead to the best place! God has a dream for you; are you in it?