TODAY’S PROPHETIC THOUGHT

Before time began, I was here. Before you were born, I loved you. I still do. You make an impact for My Kingdom and don’t even realize you’re doing so. Joseph had no idea how important he was to My plan. Neither do you.

THE RIGHTFUL HEIR

The book of Matthew starts off with Jesus’ family tree as if to say, “I’m going to prove to you that Jesus Christ is the rightful heir to the throne of Israel.” That he does my friends. 

He begins with Abraham, continues through David all the way to Jesus. He quotes “Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers.”

There was a lot of begatting going on because they didn’t have radios or television in those days, and it was an honor to have many children. In verse 15, he continues,

“Eliud begot Eleazar, Eleazar begot Matthan, and Matthan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.” – Matthew 1:15-16

Do you see verse 16? Did you know that Joseph was supposed to be the king of Israel? If there’s ever been a guy who’s been ripped off, I promise you it’s Joseph. Despite this, he remained so selfless. He is one of the great unsung heroes of the kingdom. 

He’s one of the poorest people alive in the day that Jesus Christ showed up and interrupted his marriage, his trade and his life. I imagine Joseph may have felt that angel speaking to him was also saying, “You know Joseph, this is for you. This is not just for Mary. This is not just for future generations. This is for you, too. You need this to happen and I’m trusting you with this. You are the rightful heir to the throne of David and this is the family God needs to step into.”

This brother stepped-up and loved this boy as his own. Joseph taught him a trade and even went searching for Jesus when he was left behind at the temple at age 12. Joseph had all the attributes you would want in a great king.

Christ was a special gift for Joseph that said, “I see you and I’m fulfilling my promise to you and your generations.” You can see it John 3:16 where it says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son.” 

This popular verse is sometimes misunderstood. He so loved the world! That includes Joseph, rightful heir to the throne of David, and you my friend.

FROM MY SERMON SERIES BEGAT