Christmas Advent Devotional – Day 4
Advent – Day 4
A righteous obedience. We have looked previously at the importance of faith in our walk with Christ, and established that our lives have purpose. Today, guest contributor Pastor Paul Boakye-Dattey looks at the power of righteous obedience. Remember that the word Advent means “coming,” and we are taking time to reflect on the birth of Jesus, as well as His second coming. We will continue in the book of Matthew, picking up where we left off yesterday.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:24-25
24 “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”
Devotional Thoughts
Joseph’s response to God’s message is a masterclass in righteous obedience. After receiving a life-altering message in a dream, Joseph woke up and acted immediately. He didn’t delay or allow his fears to overtake him. Instead, he trusted God, chose faith over doubt, and aligned himself with a divine plan that was far greater than he could have imagined. Joseph’s obedience is remarkable for its humility and selflessness. By taking Mary as his wife, he risked his reputation and stepped into a situation that others might have been misunderstood or judged. Yet Joseph demonstrates that true righteousness is not about outward appearances or public opinion but about aligning our hearts and actions with God’s will.
This passage challenges us to consider how we respond when God calls us to obey in ways that may be uncomfortable or misunderstood by others. Are we willing to trust Him when His plans disrupt our own? Are we ready to step out in faith, even when the road ahead is uncertain?
Christ – The Fulfillment of God’s Promise
The name Joseph gave the child, “Jesus,” was not chosen by accident. It was a name given by God, meaning “The Lord saves.” Through Joseph’s obedience, the stage was set for the arrival of the Savior of the world. This act of naming was a declaration of faith in God’s plan and a recognition of Jesus’ divine mission. When we walk in obedience, we, too, declare our trust in God’s promises. Though we may not always understand His ways, our faith in action becomes a powerful testimony of His faithfulness.
Reflection
• What areas of your life is God calling you to trust Him with today?
• Are there steps of obedience you’ve been hesitating to take?
• How might your obedience open the door for God to work in, on and through you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Joseph’s faith and obedience. Teach me to trust You, even when Your plans disrupt my own. Help me to act with humility and courage, knowing that Your ways are higher and better than mine. May my life reflect Your glory as I walk in obedience to Your word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Paul Boakye-Dattey has been married to Esther Boakye-Dattey for 20 years, and together they reside in South Windsor, with 4 out of their 5 children. In 2019, Pastor Paul founded Graceland Church in South Windsor after serving for two decades in ministry with his former church in both Ghana and the United States. His ministry is marked by a distinctive ability to communicate God’s word with practical wisdom and clarity. As a teacher, counselor, author, and podcaster, Pastor Paul leads Grace Space Counseling, a relationship counseling and mentoring ministry. He also serves as a chaplain for the Fire Department and works as a behavior specialist with the South Windsor Board of Education. He owes all this to God’s unending grace. You can learn more about his ministry at https://www.gracespaces.net.
Previous Devotionals
Christmas Advent Devotional Day 1
Christmas Advent Devotional Day 2
Christmas Advent Devotional Day 3
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