The most recent article from Revival Times is now available online! Read the Edism Esther’s challenging article below:
Edism
As the curtain closes on 2011 a new exciting chapter begins in 2012! There’s much to that God for from this year as the youth ministry has moved forward in the members lives, their families, communities, schools and colleges.
It’s important to take time to remember God’s faithfulness and goodness towards us. Perhaps share with those around you at Christmas the stories of his goodness from the year. Let’s also be aware of those who may not have somewhere to go at Christmas time and share with them. 2012 not only holds in store for us months of Olympic fever as well as the Queen’s jubilee, but many adventures of mission, outreach, development and growth as God works in and through us. Keep your eye out for 2012 plans in the January’s Revival Times.
Pray for us as we week God, plan and prepare for all that’s to come. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! Enjoy Esther’s challenting Christmas article below with a slightly different approach to the Nativity story.
Joseph: The Unsung Hero
Much has been said of the great sacrifice that Mary made in willingly obeying God’s call on her life to give birth to Jesus Christ. In a time when women had very little rights, she risked being publicly divorced, humiliated and being stoned to death. Mary’s heroism is undeniable; yet I believe Joseph is the unsung hero of the Christmas story in chapters 1 and 2 of Matthew and Luke’s gospel account. The Nativity story, a film directed by Catherine Hardwicke, greatly depicts the character of Joseph.
Responsibility
Joseph, who was probably under 20 years old, would have been building and preparing for the future according to Jewish culture. His example is one which young aspiring husbands today should give thought to before they approach the idea of a relationship and marriage.
When Joseph initially found out that the fiancée he loved was pregnant he must thought it was another man’s child and felt betrayed. Joseph’s dilemma was this: if he accepted Mary’s pregnancy the community would say that he broke the law and slept with his fiancée before time. However, if he publicly divorced her, as was his right, she could have being stoned to death. Joseph, being a just man, decided to divorce Mary privately. He wasn’t an egotistical show-off; he was more concerned about Mary’s welfare and safety and he extended grace to her. He demonstrated a protective nature towards women that contradicted what his society and some of our cultures promote today. He took on the responsibility, like a real man should! What a different response from that of his ancestor Adam in Genesis 3:12.
Joseph didn’t rush into acting upon his decision; he wasn’t impulsive but considerate and deliberate. The Bible says that ‘while he thought on these things’ God spoke to him in a dream and told him what to do (Matthew 1:19-25). Young men, learn from his example. Take time before making decisions, whether big or small, and seek God’s guidance and direction, especially in areas concerning your future marriage, careers and finances.
Obedience and Humility
Joseph demonstrated a depth of character that is missing in our society today. God told him “….do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife….” Why should Joseph be afraid? It was because he knew that accepting Mary’s baby as his own would be scandalous news in a small community like that of Nazareth. He lived in a culture which dictated the rights and wrongs of how men should behave. He risked losing the respect of his peers and potential business as a carpenter for not doing things according to the law. Joseph did not succumb to a false sense of masculinity that permeates the culture of young men today. He accepted a child that was not his own. He cared more about the opinion of God than that of man and that is real humility.
Joseph had a dream four different times and each time his obedience was immediate. He didn’t ask God for a sign (Matthew 1:20, 2:13, 19 and 22). He accepted his role in God’s plan without question, even though he did not understand everything or fully have it all figured out. He must have thought of how he was going to provide for Mary and the baby in Bethlehem and Egypt, knowing full well he didn’t have a home there. I believe he was a little apprehensive about the future, like any young man in his shoes, but he believed God would provide and simply obeyed.
Lineage – purpose and destiny
Joseph, a direct descendant of David, was central to God’s plan and the fulfilment of prophecy. Each time Joseph obeyed God’s voice it led to a direct fulfilment of prophecy of where Christ would be born, live and grow up. To my young brothers, know that you are individually central to God’s end-time plan and your obedience to His purpose for your life is key to the direct fulfilment of the end-times prophecies.
Conclusion
There is much more to write on Joseph. Joseph’s faith was exemplary as a husband and father, a man of integrity who gave of himself before anyone else. I believe the Father God saw something of Himself in choosing Joseph as the earthly father, who would be head of the home, protector and provider, for His Son Jesus. Joseph took on responsibility and sacrificed of himself for our benefit with a servant heart that reflects true leadership. His obedience and humility to God’s call on his life is one that should characterise every young believer and in particular young men. He demonstrated a love and respect toward God’s purpose for his wife Mary.
Young men, know that real success is not about having lots of money, cars, gadgets and women. Real success is recognising God’s purpose for your life and obeying it with grace and humility, loving and protecting your sisters in Christ with respect and developing the character of God. It’s about taking up responsibility and seeking God for direction at every stage of your life. Young women, there’s much to learn from Joseph, and if one thing, you know what to look for when that guy approaches you – look inside for the REAL MAN!
By Esther Anato-Dumelo
Dates for your diaries!
December
- Each Friday – Students’ & Young Adults Worship Night @ KT 7pm
- Each Sunday – The Cause (15+) @ Portobello Rugby Trust (PRT) 11am
- Each Sunday – Youth Prayer Meeting @ PRT 1030am
Save the dates!
- KTYM – Christmas Party December @The Cause
- 16th December Youth Gospel Explosion Concert
- 17th – 22nd January 2012 – Kensington Temple Vision week
- Youth Primary 12 Encounter 12th – 14th January 2012
The Youth services will be on Christmas break from Friday 19th Dec – Returning Sunday 8th January 2012 “SO A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU”
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