Crucial Corrective
Matthew 1:18-25
The angel, Gabriel, spoke directly to Zechariah and Mary. Joseph had a different experience with an unnamed angel, showing God speaks to us in a variety of ways. Joseph was considering his response to his shocking situation when an angel spoke to him in a dream and brought a crucial corrective to his plan. We all need crucial correctives at times and they happen through:
The Preceding Grace of Jesus
Orthodox theology refers to this as “prevenient grace”
Conception through the Holy Spirit
His name Jesus – “God is salvation”
Purpose to save his people from their sins (cross & resurrection)
Immanuel – God with us
A Willing Righteousness
Just
Unwilling to shame
Quiet action
Personal holiness
Listening to God
Angel
Holy Spirit (Acts 2:16-21 quotes Joel 2:28-32)
God’s word in scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Faithful witnesses (Hebrews 12:1)
Faithful Obedience to the Lord’s Commands
Without delay
Demonstrating the obedience of faith (Romans 1:5, 16:26)
