A Reputation Lost

A Reputation Lost?

Something was up! Joseph knew it. Heads would turn and whispers were exchanged when he came near.

“Hey, Joseph, get your head out of the sand, your Mary’s pregnant! “

“That’s can’t be true. You’re lying!”

“See for yourself, Joseph. Her belly’s popping.”

Joseph hung his head. Daggers hit his heart. His so called friends were smirking

at him. He was a broken man.  

“So…what are you going to do…marry her anyway? What about your reputation?”

Joseph was cut to the heart. Anger came next. What’ll I do? If I marry her I’ll be called a fool! I’ll be labelled forever!

He knew the rule. A woman caught in adultery should be stoned—to death.

“Lord, I can’t do that. You’re a God of mercy. Oh, Lord, I feel so alone. Please help me!”

The light was incredibly bright, almost blinding. Joseph shaded his eyes while

glow of angel dust filled his room. “Do not be afraid, Joseph. Mary is pregnant with the Messiah. Marry her and call his name Jesus.”

“Oh, Lord, people will still talk. Who will believe? But

I do! I’m going to marry that girl!”

And Joseph took off running and knocked on the door of the girl he loved.

Looking into her dear face, tears welled up. “Mary, I know!”

Mary cried too. “Dear Joseph, you’ve laid down your reputation for me.

Are you sorry?”

Joseph framed her face with his large carpenter hands. “No regrets, Mary." I saw heaven open. I cannot deny God. He has my reputation.  He’ll cover me.  In time… the world will know!”

A man humbled himself before God—and the whole world knows the rest of the story!

Dear Lord, I'll follow you...no matter what they say!

Serve God--At All Costs

  Serve God—At All Costs!

"You rejected the Lord's command, and he has rejected    you as king of Israel."
I Samuel 15:26b (GNT)
   
      
Samuel whispered in King Saul’s ear. “God's given the order. Time to destroy the Amalekites. God remembers how cruel they were to His people."

“Sure, I’ll do all God’s says,” boasted Saul. “ Get rid of the Amalekites, their cattle, their king. I’m your man. You can count on me!”

But when the time of battle came, Saul eyed King Agag. He had an idea.

What a feather in my cap if I can capture this king and hold him for ransom. Just watch the man tremble. Oh, yeah, I’m the lean, mean, king!

While Israel was tramping all over her enemy, King Saul spied the cattle. Some of them were perfect. He had another idea.

Well now, who would fault me for taking the beautiful cattle and sacrificing them to God? I know God would like that…no, He’d love it!  Old Samuel, he’s out of step. I’m king, not some child. Besides… God’s on my team!

But God, who never slumbers, saw it all. “Wake up Samuel. Saul has served me poorly. I have rejected him. Read Saul his rights…but tell him—it’s over!” And so it was.

Then God commanded a very sad Samuel, to smile again and anoint David as Israel’s next king—and he did!

People, filled with fabulous promise, start out great but when they disagree with God, they walk away. It makes me sad. I’ve watched men leave their families saying, “I just want to be free.” Oh, the pain!

I’ve seen teens scoff their parents. Suffering comes with that choice.  It’s a slippery path spiraling downward. Oh, the regret!

You—are chosen for greatness. Run your race. Don’t doubt God. He’s in step with you. He’s for you.

                                     You’re not a Saul. You know the secret to greatness
                                             and so you follow, you serve—at all costs!

Dear Lord,
I’ll put my hand in yours. I will be great for you…when I walk with you today!