To just show up when you said you would or was required of you on the work schedule is a breath of fresh air these days. To do enough to get by on the workplace is praised. (Kind of sad, when you think about how our world’s expectations have been lowered in this area of life, too.) To do what is required is admirable. To do EXACTLY what was asked and more is outstanding. We see that in Joseph as our example of how God works in our lives. We see that Joseph did EXACTLY what God said and more…

GOD SPEAKS TO JOSEPH IN A DREAM
“…Joseph, will name him Jesus–‘God saves’–because he will save his people from their sins.’ This would bring the prophet’s embryonic sermon to full term: ‘Watch for this–a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son; They will name him Emmanuel’ (Hebrew for ‘God is with us’).”

“Then Joseph woke up. He did EXACTLY what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. but he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.” Matthew 1, Msg

God assures Joseph he is doing the “right thing” by Mary and more by reminding him of the words of the prophets before him…”watch for this”. Joseph is told he will be part of the Story of Jesus, the Savior! Joseph readily accepts his assignment. He not only saves Mary from a certain stoning by marrying her, but protects the Son of God while He is in the womb…at all costs. Joseph physically saves the Son who will save him! What a thought to wrap our heads around!

Joseph does exactly what was asked of him and more. It seems he is in direct contact with God, always listening for each step, and doing what is asked and going beyond what is required of him. God chose well when he placed His Son in the care of Joseph and Mary.