Monday, January 11, 2016

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR


According to TV and the tabloids, we are entering "Awards Season."

That time of year when various awards are bestowed upon individuals in the entertainment industry.

(By the way, is it just me, or does it seem like new award shows are being added like new Bowl games?  How many are there now, like 100???)

I occasionally like to watch the Academy Awards.

I find it enjoyable, and I really like looking at what people wear.  

Honestly, sometimes it's glamour, sometimes it's glitz, and sometimes it's just downright gaudy or gross.  (But, it is kinda fun…)

One thing I've noticed, though, is that it's usually the *best* award-winners that get all the attention and press.

Whatever happened to the best supporting role players?

They are also deserving of attention.  Their portrayal of character enables the plot to move forward, and adds shades of nuance to the storyline.

And often, a background player makes the stars shine, because the role that they play enhances the performance of the main actor/actress.


Today I would like to take a look at a *Best Supporting Actor* in the New Testament – 

Joseph.

This year I have decided to just start reading the New Testament.  I'm not going to follow any plan, but intend to just read and let it all soak in.

So, I've been reading in Matthew.

And, I have been newly fascinated by the person of Joseph.

The Bible doesn't say much about Joseph, and the last time we hear about him is in Luke, chapter 2, when Jesus is found in the Temple.

But, in Matthew, I think we can glean quite a lot about him.

First of all, just as God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus, one would have to assume that He also intentionally chose Joseph to be Jesus' stepfather.

Joseph must have possessed the character traits that God wanted to be taught to Jesus as He grew from a baby into a child and young man.

Thinking back to that scene in the Temple (Luke 2:51-52, AMP):

"[Jesus] went down to Nazareth with them [Mary and Joseph], and was continually submissive and obedient to them…And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men."


I believe two things can be inferred about Joseph from these verses.

One, that Joseph was a strong father, and maintained proper control over his household.  Jesus was obedient and submissive to him, and obedience always follows respect.

Secondly, Jesus grew in stature and favor.  Again, Joseph must have set a good example of a good man, a faithful man, a man to be followed and emulated.

Yes, of course, Jesus' true Father was God, and He experienced the close presence of the Holy Spirit.

But He was also human.  

And I am quite sure that His earthly father, Joseph, was a man of great character, instilling values and godly principles in the son that God had entrusted to his care.

I am sure Joseph loved Jesus, and Jesus loved him back.


But, I am going to go back to the book of Matthew, and it is here, in the very beginning, that I see something quite special about Joseph.

He was a man of obedience.

Three separate times, God sent a messenger to speak to Joseph.  Three separate times, Joseph was given a mission.

Three times obedience asked something terribly difficult, terribly demanding.

And each and every time, Joseph obeyed.

I'd like to look at those incidences more closely…


1) Take Mary as your wife

So, Joseph finds out that Mary is pregnant.  And they are not yet married, and he knows that he is not the father of the baby.

Well, in a kindly way, Joseph decided to handle the situation quietly.  Joseph must have loved Mary, for he did not want to bring her shame.

"And Joseph her [promised] husband, being a just and righteous man and not wanting to expose her publicly to shame, planned to send her away and divorce her quietly." (Matthew 1:19, AMP)

Did you notice?

Joseph, a just and righteous man – clues to his character.

But then…Someone intervened:

"But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying…" (vs. 20)

Yes, the angel came with instructions.

"Then Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him…" (vs. 24)


What does Joseph do?

He obeys.


Joseph obeyed, even when it went against social standards, even when it wasn't popular, even when obedience might bring judgment, gossiping tongues, and maybe even ostracization from family, friends, and neighbors.


Lesson One: OBEDIENCE MIGHT BE UNPOPULAR, AND MAY LEAD TO OPPOSITION AND PERSECUTION


2) Flee to Egypt

So, after the visit of the Magi, there are more instructions for Joseph.

"Now when they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up!  Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod intends to search for the Child in order to destroy Him.'" (Matthew 2:13, AMP)


What does Joseph do?

He obeys.


But get this, he does it immediately!

"So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt." (vs. 14)

The Bible is not clear on how old Jesus was when this trip took place.  But, he was still quite young.

Have you ever tried to travel with a very young child?

It is NOT. EASY. AT. ALL.

Can you picture the scene?

Joseph awakened in the middle of the night, woke up Mary, bundled up his precious family, and began the trek to a foreign country.

Check out a map – Israel to Egypt is a looong trip.

(It took Moses and the Israelites forever to get there – of course, they did have that 40-year sidetrack thing…)

And this journey did not have the luxury of planes, trains, or automobiles.

Joseph obeyed, immediately and without question, even when it was troublesome, time-consuming, difficult, and treacherous.


Lesson Two: OBEDIENCE MIGHT BE INCONVENIENT AND DEMANDING, PERHAPS EVEN DANGEROUS


3) Return to Israel

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus went to Egypt.

And they stayed there, just as Joseph had been told to do, until further instructions arrived.

"But when Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said, 'Get up!  Take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel…'" (Matthew 2:19-20, AMP)


What does Joseph do?

He obeys.


They make the long trip from Egypt to Israel once again.

And here, we read another clue about Joseph's character:

"But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod [the Great], he was afraid to go there." (vs. 22)

Joseph listened to the news!

He was aware, and pondered wisely what he heard.

And because of what he heard, this father was concerned about protecting his young family.  Joseph took care to shield and shelter his family, to watch over them, to offer them security and safety.

Joseph went on guard, and waited to hear from the Lord.

One more time, instructions came:

"Then being warned by God in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee, and went and settled in a city called Nazareth." (vs. 22-23)

Again, instructions – again, Joseph obeyed.

Joseph returned to his home country, yes, but he arrived to an unknown destiny.

Did he know everything that the future held?

Most likely not, but he did know that this child entrusted to him was special.

So he came back home and waited for God to reveal the plan as it unfolded.


Lesson Three: OBEDIENCE MIGHT LEAD TO AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE, AND PATIENT WAITING FOR GOD TO REVEAL HIS PLANS


In all three glimpses into the character of Joseph, we are taught much about him, the man of God, and about his character, and his unquestioning obedience to the call and will of God.

Let's picture a theater marquee in shining lights…


***THE BIRTH OF CHRIST!!***

Starring: The Child, Jesus, and The Virgin Mary!

Also co-starring: Joseph


One might be tempted to consider Joseph a bit player, a sidenote, an incidental character in the great epic film about the birth of the Messiah – an "oh-yeah-him-too" kind of thing.

Oh no!

He is the Best Supporting Actor in the whole drama!!

A man of righteousness, an honest and honorable man, a most faithful and godly man, whose obedience to God made the stars shine…


It is not without a chuckle that I read my daily devotional this morning from "Daily with the King" by W. Glyn Evans.

It was all about obedience (well of course it was!)

Not "I will obey if…"

But…

"I will obey regardless…"


Not a matter of feeling, but of faith.

Not a matter of convenience, but of commitment.

Not a matter of desire, but of devotion.  

Not a matter of my will, but of His.


Yes, Lord.





I desire to do Your will, my God.
Your law is within my heart.

I press on toward the goal
to win the prize
for which
God has called me
heavenward. 



"I find the doing of the will of God leaves me no time for disputing about His plans." ~ George Macdonald

"Beware of reasoning about God's Word – obey It." ~ Oswald Chambers

"Just as a servant knows that he must first obey his master in all things, so the surrender to an implicit and unquestionable obedience must become the essential characteristic of our lives." ~ Andrew Murray


***(Be sure to check out my DAILY GRATEFUL WORDS on the sidebar, and further thoughts on those words on my new page DAILY GRATEFUL THOUGHTS found here!  The updated A WORD FROM THE WORD, A "MESSAGE" FROM GOD, and FOOD FOR THOUGHT are also found on the sidebar.)***


"…'What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice?  Listen!  Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, NLT)

"When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His commandments…" (Ecclesiastes 12:13, AMP)

"'And now…listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live…'" (Deuteronomy 4:1, ESV)

"'Listen to and obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, so that it may be well with you.'" (Jeremiah 7:23, AMP)

"'…we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has bestowed on those who obey Him.'" (Acts 5:32, AMP)

"Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.  In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him." 
(Hebrews 5:8-9, NLT)

"'You are my friends if you do what I command you.'" (John 15:14, ESV)

"'Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.  My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.'" (John 14:23, NIV)

"And this is love: that we walk in accordance with His commandments and are guided continually by His precepts." (2 John 1:6, AMP)

"'Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?  Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.  And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.'" (Luke 6:46-48, ESV)

"'We must obey God rather than any human authority.'" (Acts 5:29, NLT)

"I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations." (Psalm 119:30, NLT)

"Whether we like it or not, we will obey the LORD our God…For if we obey him, everything will turn out well for us." (Jeremiah 42:6, NLT)

"Praise the LORD! How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands." (Psalm 112:1, NLT)

"'If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God…by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live…'" (Deuteronomy 30:16, ESV)

"The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:17, NIV)



In what areas do you find it especially difficult to be obedient?



Linked with:

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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

28 comments:

  1. I agree with the supporting role. But he gives new and real meaning to that.

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  2. Our pastor around Christmas time did a series of sermons about the characters from the Christmas story. He focused on Mary, Joseph, the wise men, the shepherds. He basically said the same thing you did about Joseph with his obedience. Not much is said about Joseph indeed, but isn't it nice that what is said about his character can be summed up with obedience? That's a great quality to have I think and something I need to work on myself with obeying God on certain things, like not being anxious or fearful are probably my 2 biggest issues I struggle with.

    I'm doing a similar reading,Sharon, in the New Testament. Started with the gospels a few months ago; slowly making my way through them. I'm taking time to think about things and certain words jump off the page of the Bible which makes me then do word studies, like repent, anger, etc. When I was reading in Matthew about Joseph, Mary, and Jesus going to Egypt, I looked it up to see how many miles they would have had to travel. Before I had done that, I thought it was a mere 20 miles or so of traveling, not the mileage I discovered it was. So yep, Joseph definitely was obedient!

    betty

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  3. I was also pondering how amazing a man Joseph must have been. Full of faith. God fearing. Kind. Compassionate. Obedient. Love your thoughts on Joseph.

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  4. I want to be a woman of obedience! Thanks for your good study!

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  5. Yes! Obedience may lead to uncertainty in the short term, but it positions us for His grace to be poured out and carry us to the fulfilled promises of God. Great breakdown of Joseph's life, Sharon! Thank you.

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  6. WOW Sharon ... an Academy Award! (which of course I don't watch here) Profound conclusion ... and to go from TV Best Supporting role to biblical NT Joseph (indeed he is/was that and deserves an award or two) to Obedience (that I might say we all struggle with even without noticing how we stray) ... absolutely wonderful lessons needed to be "pruned"/refined/transformed, etc.

    My favorite part with such wisdom (although I like every bit of this) which I started to go for above but was sidetracked: "Not a matter of feeling, but of faith.

    Not a matter of convenience, but of commitment.

    Not a matter of desire, but of devotion.

    Not a matter of my will, but of His."

    Obedience is such an important characteristic and greatly admired in Joseph or anyone. I so agree with how we miss out on the details of some characters like Joseph yet by reading between the lines (kinda) and what is mentioned, we can take note. By the way, this is an exceptional work of edit, etc. and your Grateful page and all that is like an entire different blog post with so many details of your life (important to know to pray for you) - I could not believe all that you've chosen to BE grateful about but totally can why when I read the details. Thank you for sharing!

    As regards my obedience in what area is the most difficult, your question for us ... because I'm not quite sure ... just knowing and BEing obedient (rebel that I am) ... breaking my will for His; not following my own way (like your example on the Grateful page) or my feelings; not trying to BE in control; all the CHANGES that I need in me ... more discipline to BE Christ-like and HEAR what the Father is asking of me. Then my response immediately to obey!
    (sigh) ... so much I'd like to know more about like details of Joseph ... however I certainly agree that he gets the award for best supporting ... no wonder God chose Mary and Joseph. Seems to me that God is looking for people that obey and are willing.

    Your inquiry into Joseph sent me off on a wild goose chase (no surprise - inquiring minds have to know, right?)(off I went 'googling'. I was sure Roman Catholics had to have more of a bio, but it was disregarded by them) however there were a few Christian writers that had similar ideas to yours. Thought you might like this one by Word-Smith (or even just the site).

    Many blessings and prayers for safety - love ~ Peggy (a dissertation once again)

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    1. oh and once I clicked over to your other PAGE, I was not sure how to get back and comment ... and then it dawned on me ... just go HOME! (yeah, I needed that reminder)

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  7. Hi Sharon! You have hit on one of my favorite people here. Who has a dream and then wakes up and uproots the family? Doesn't that sound crazy? And if I were Mary, would I tell him to take a cold shower and quit talking crazy?

    God sure knows who to pick, that's for sure. Joseph's wonderful ear, obedience and patience is such a model for me. I'm glad you agree :)
    Happy Monday my friend!
    Ceil

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  8. Yes, no doubt, Joseph was quite the man...I mean God chose him to raise his boy, after all! Obedience is a hard one for me and I want so much to be better at it. Awesome post, my friend :)

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  9. You're so right, Sharon, that we too often overlook the supporting characters. And Joseph was definitely someone that we need to give honor to! He was obedient in the face of horrible shame and fear. He did better than I ever would have done!

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  10. This is absolutely wonderful! I never really delved into the character of Joseph and how significant he was as a father and leader..God chose the perfect man to guide the young Jesus! Love the analogy with the current movie awards! I, too, enjoy the awards..we're a big film family..so it's fun for us, but we take it all lightly! Excellent post! Visiting from #playdatesforGod today!

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  11. Oh, Sharon, I have always treasured the man, Joseph, who is the absolute picture of obedience to the Father while being and living out the perfect depiction of what it means to be a stepfather. In my books (www.gladetrilogy.wix.com/theglade), the stepfather, Jim, plays a pivotal role in stepson, Davy's, maturation and acceptance of his new family. In fact, in my first book of The Glade Series, "A Trip, a Tryst, and a Terror," my dedication is to loving stepfathers everywhere, and I do include Joseph!
    I'm so glad you highlighted him here. If anyone in the Bible deserves accolades, it's Joseph.
    Blessings!

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  12. I, too, have often pondered Joseph so many times and wondered how and when he died and longed to have more information about him. We can only speculate much of it, since we have so little information. One day, all things will be made clear when we get to Heaven. I wonder if the things we wonder about in this life will even seem important to us over there? We will be so busy worshiping our dear, precious Lord! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and what God laid upon your heart. God bless you!

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  13. I really enjoyed your take on Joseph as best in a supporting role. He certainly was a godly man and was ready and willing to obey the visions and dreams he was given. Thank you for sharing your awesome post with us here at Tell me a Story.

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  14. Hi Sharon. How true that Joseph had such an important role in the birth and life of Jesus. I, too, am amazed at his unquestioning obedience to God's will and way and hope I may be more obedient. Blessings to you! I'm your neighbor at #raralinkup.

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  15. Joseph is a favorite of mine as well. I sense a gentleness in the man and incredible obedience. He's a great example to us--especially blended families. I enjoyed your featuring him as best supporting actor. He gets my vote.

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  16. I have not thought that much about Joseph and loved gaining insights into him and his obedience. Such trust he had in his God!! And obedience regardless. Powerful. Thanks for this...love the analogy. You are a great writer/teacher!

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  17. This is such an interesting perspective you have! There are some people from the Bible that I just don't know enough about and I really want to start looking at some other "supporting actor" roles more in depth. I really enjoyed your thoughts on Joseph and his role in the New Testament. Thanks for sharing on the grateful heart linkup!

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  18. Sharon, I love how you pointed out Joseph was faithfully obedient. May God give us that desire to quickly obey.

    Have You way in me, Lord.

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  19. Point well made, Sharon. It's impossible to please our Father without humility and it's impossible to be humble without obedience. It is by faith. Joseph has my vote for best supporting cast chosen by the Director of all thing!

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  20. Hi Sharon! I love movies and the way you used the concept of movie awards to introduce your reflection on Joseph was brilliant! You're right about the dominant characteristic of obedience. I so enjoyed this post. Thank you!
    Blessings from your neighbor at Thought Provoking Thursday.
    Pam

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  21. I love that you highlighted Joseph in this post. Often he gets overlooked and it's so important for us to see that he obeyed God without question. A wonderful example for us today!

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  22. Speaking of awards, I really hope Leonardo would win this time. Long overdue.
    Joseph. I was just thinking about how little we know about this man who selflessly gave his life in service for God. Very well written.

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  23. I'm an old movie fan - and the supporting characters in those movies often make the movie - and allow the "star" to shine! You've picked one of my very favorite characters - a "mystery" character is so many ways because we don't have the details - but you did an awesome job spotlighting him. "The Nativity Story" did a beautiful job of showing what the journal to Bethlehem was probably like for a poor young couple with only one donkey - and it showed how selfish and careful he was of this wife of his. You really highlighted Joseph. This line really caught my heart: "OBEDIENCE MIGHT LEAD TO AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE, AND PATIENT WAITING FOR GOD TO REVEAL HIS PLANS" - there's such truth there for us, too. Obedience doesn't necessarily mean a smooth path. It takes trust - in God, who he is and how he loves us! You picked a great Supporting character to do this with! Shalom, friend!
    ~Maryleigh

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  24. I love the marquis (sp?). Oh, yeah, and also co-starring Joseph---you know, the guy who will actually take an active part in raising a child who is not his own. He really was obedient. You gave so many examples, and I could tell as I was reading, that you put a lot of time into your research. Well done, as usual.

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  25. It does seem like they keep adding awards shows to TV! I'm so glad you shined the light on Joseph and his obedience and good character. Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week :)

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  26. I love this so much and you're right, Joseph plays a huge role in God's plan. I love how you highlighted the occasions that he was spoken to by an angel - that tells you something right there!

    Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).

    Wishing you a lovely day.
    xoxo

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  27. I find this post very interesting. I like your take on this. God always has a plan. I'm going to save this one and read it again. Also I need to get my face into the Bible!

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

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