Overview:
Matthew 1:18-25
Over-familiarity takes a toll on all of us. We know the Christmas story so well, we no longer allow ourselves room to enter into the reality of just how scandalous it was. We seldom allow ourselves to step back into that original setting, when Mary and Joseph lived in a village so small that their business was everybody’s business! The gossip and shunning and isolation must have been tremendously hard on the betrothed couple.
Despite this, Mary displayed a level of maturity: she heard, accepted, believed, followed through, and worshiped the Lord. Joseph exhibited faith and self-control when he could have chosen instead to walk away from Mary. God knows what He’s about when it comes to choosing His servants . . . and that includes you.
Message Summary:
In "God Chooses His Servants," Pastor Chuck Swindoll strips away the "over-familiarity" of the Christmas story to reveal the scandalous and difficult reality faced by Mary and Joseph. Rather than a sanitized holiday tale, Swindoll presents the account of two young people in a small village where their private lives became public gossip. This message explores why God sovereignly selected these specific individuals—not for their status or wealth, but for their spiritual maturity, their capacity for self-control, and their willingness to endure social isolation for the sake of the Messiah.
Message Key Facts:
- The Scandal of the Incarnation: In their original cultural setting, Mary’s pregnancy was viewed with suspicion and judgment, requiring immense courage to endure.
- Mary’s Spiritual Maturity: Despite her youth, Mary modeled five stages of spiritual responsiveness: she heard, accepted, believed, followed through, and worshiped.
- Joseph’s Quiet Strength: Joseph displayed extraordinary faith and self-control by choosing to support Mary and obey God rather than taking the socially acceptable route of a public divorce.
- Small-Town Reality: The setting of Nazareth meant that Mary and Joseph lived under constant public scrutiny, making their obedience even more costly.
- God’s Sovereign Criteria: God chooses servants based on the internal qualities of the heart, often selecting those the world might overlook or dismiss.
Message References:
1. The Shock of the Announcement (Luke 1:26–38)
Swindoll examines Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel.- A Troubled Heart: Mary was initially perplexed by the greeting, showing her humanity and humility.
- The Question of "How?": Her question was not one of doubt (like Zechariah's) but of honest inquiry regarding the logistics of a virgin birth.
- The Final Surrender: "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord"—Mary’s response is the ultimate example of a servant’s availability to God’s plan.
2. The Integrity of Joseph (Matthew 1:18–25)
The focus shifts to the man God chose to lead and protect the Holy Family.- A Righteous Man: Joseph’s initial plan to "divorce her secretly" showed a balance of justice and mercy.
- Immediate Obedience: When the angel appeared to him in a dream, Joseph did not argue or delay; he awoke and did exactly as the Lord commanded.
- Self-Control: Joseph’s willingness to wait and his commitment to Mary’s reputation demonstrate the character required of a servant of God.
3. The Weight of Social Pressure
Swindoll highlights the "gossip and shunning" that likely followed the couple in Nazareth.- The Price of Selection: Being chosen by God often brings the misunderstanding of men.
- The Comfort of God’s Will: Mary and Joseph were able to endure the isolation because they were certain of their divine calling.
4. God’s Choice for You
The message concludes with the reminder that God still chooses His servants today.- Availability over Ability: God is not looking for the most gifted or prominent; He is looking for those who, like Mary and Joseph, will simply say "yes" to His direction.
Primary Scripture References
- Matthew 1:18–25: The account of Joseph’s dream and his response to the news of Mary's pregnancy.
- Luke 1:26–38: Gabriel’s visit to Mary and her song of surrender.
- Psalm 138:6: "For though the Lord is exalted, yet He regards the lowly."
- 1 Corinthians 1:27: God choosing the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong.
Practical Application
To respond like a chosen servant of God, you are encouraged to:- Embrace Scrutiny: Do not be surprised if following God’s plan leads to misunderstanding or criticism from those around you.
- Practice Immediate Obedience: Follow Joseph’s example—when God makes His will clear, act on it immediately without waiting for cultural approval.
- Cultivate an Available Heart: Shift your focus from "What can I do for God?" to "Lord, I am Your bondslave; do with me as You please."
- Trust God’s Selection: If God has placed you in a difficult or "scandalous" situation for His glory, trust that He knows exactly what He is doing with your life.
