Close Encounters of the Most Important Kind

Christmas Eve is around the corner, and I encouraged us to simply invite someone—neighbors, friends, cashiers—because a simple invite can become a holy turning point. I thanked our church family for faithfulness and highlighted the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, reminding us that every penny fuels gospel work through missionaries around the globe. Then we turned to Matthew 1:18–25 and entered Joseph’s world. I asked us to imagine the shock and pain of hearing Mary say, “I’m pregnant,” and the swirl of questions that would follow. Into that confusion, God sent a word that reframed everything: this child is from the Holy Spirit; call him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

From Joseph’s encounter, I drew five truths. First, God’s will requires a life aimed at righteousness—ordinary obedience in ordinary places—because righteousness positions us to discern God’s direction. Second, God’s will is better than our best; Joseph’s “best plan” (a quiet divorce) wasn’t God’s plan, just as Israel’s siege strategies weren’t the way Jericho’s walls would fall. Third, God prioritizes eternal outcomes over temporary ease; Joseph and Mary would shoulder whispers and misunderstanding so that an eternal Savior could be born. Fourth, God’s will always aligns with God’s Word; Isaiah’s prophecy anchored Joseph’s path, and our “feelings” must yield to Scripture’s lamp and light. Fifth, real understanding shows up as obedience; Joseph did what the Lord commanded, even when it was costly and confusing.

I shared how righteousness isn’t compartmentalized; God’s commands govern all of life. I urged us to respond to conviction, recognize what’s not right, repent, and return to the place of guidance. I reminded us that “logical” and “easier” aren’t synonyms for “God’s will,” and that big-picture trust reframes present affliction as seed for eternal glory. I prayed that in the coming year we would seek to obey God’s will and God’s Word more than ever—choosing His best over what only looks best, like Joseph did, for the glory of Jesus.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Choose righteousness to discern God’s will. Righteousness is not perfection; it is a settled intent to live as God directs in every compartment of life. Joseph’s purity and integrity positioned him to hear and obey in a crisis. When we respond to conviction, recognize what’s off, repent, and return, we re-enter the place of clarity. Righteousness doesn’t earn guidance—it readies us to receive it. [49:33]
• 2. God’s plan surpasses our best logic. Joseph’s “best” option—quietly sending Mary away—made sense on paper, but God’s will surpassed his prudence. Like Jericho, where divine strategy toppled walls human ingenuity could not, God’s ways often contradict our spreadsheets. “Easier” and “obvious” are not synonyms for “obedient.” God’s will is not always easier, but it is always better. [62:45]
• 3. Eternity outweighs temporary comfort. God asked Joseph and Mary to endure misunderstanding so that eternal salvation would come near. We are little-picture people; God is a big-picture God who measures outcomes in ages, not minutes. When we trust Him, present affliction becomes weighty glory, not wasted pain. Peace grows when we trade immediacy for eternity. [69:17]
• 4. Test impressions against God’s Word. Matthew roots Joseph’s decision in Isaiah’s promise; revelation confirmed direction. Our feelings are real but not reliable guides; Scripture is the lamp and light that never lies. If a path contradicts God’s Word, it is not God’s will—no matter how electric it feels. Let the Bible set boundaries for desire. [76:11]
• 5. Obedience, even when it costs. Joseph woke up and did what God said—taking Mary, guarding purity, naming the child Jesus. Obedience may invite criticism, confusion, or sacrifice, yet it is the safest place for a soul. You have not learned a command until you practice it. Trust shows itself in steps, not sentiments. [77:22]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [13:10] - Christmas Eve invite with iVites
• [15:30] - Greeting first-time guests and connect card
• [16:58] - Lottie Moon Offering introduction
• [20:31] - Why missions giving matters
• [21:30] - Our church goal and progress
• [30:27] - Imagining Joseph and Mary’s conversation
• [36:15] - Reading Matthew 1:18–25
• [39:34] - Five truths from Joseph’s encounter
• [39:53] - Truth 1: God’s will requires righteousness
• [46:20] - When “good cause” isn’t righteous
• [53:39] - Respond, recognize, repent, return
• [55:22] - Truth 2: Better than our best
• [60:40] - Jericho and God’s strategy
• [64:07] - Truth 3: Eternal over temporal
• [70:38] - Truth 4: Aligned with God’s Word
• [76:56] - Truth 5: Obedience as the outcome
• [80:22] - A prayer of surrender and obedience

1. What facts does Matthew 1:18–25 record about Joseph’s character, his initial plan, and the angel’s message?
2. What name does the angel instruct Joseph to give the child, and what reason is given for that name in the text?
3. Joseph is called “a righteous man” and “planned to send her away secretly.” What reasons are given for Joseph’s quiet plan instead of public shame, and what does this reveal about his heart and his options under the law? [39:53]
4. Which Old Testament prophecy does Matthew cite as fulfilled in these verses?

1. What does “righteous” mean in the context of Joseph’s life (e.g., “trying to live his life as God has directed”), and how does that condition Joseph to discern and receive God’s direction? [44:31]
2. How does Joseph’s “quiet dismissal” illustrate the tension between human prudence and God’s higher plan, especially given the legal options available under Deuteronomy? What does this tension teach about trusting God’s wisdom over immediate solutions? [57:41]
3. How should strong impressions or “electric” feelings (for instance, immediate attraction or certainty) be tested against Scripture before making major decisions? Consider how emotion was contrasted with the need for God’s word as the final authority. [01:14:23]

1. Righteousness positions a person to discern God’s will. Identify one area of life where you have been tempted to compartmentalize God’s standards (work, finances, relationships, entertainment, etc.). What is one concrete step you will take this week to “respond to conviction, recognize what’s not right, repent, and return”? [53:39]
2. God’s will is often better than what looks best on paper. Think of a past decision that seemed logical at the time but later proved imperfect. What would looking for God’s “better” have changed about that decision, and how will you pause differently before similar choices in the future? [01:02:45]
3. Eternal outcomes outweigh temporary ease. What present discomfort or trial might be producing “an eternal weight of glory” in your life? How can you intentionally reframe that struggle this week so it serves spiritual growth rather than bitterness? [01:09:17]
4. Scripture is the final test for impressions. Name two specific Bible passages or principles you will use the next time an emotional conviction pushes you toward a major decision. How will you make consulting those passages a regular habit? [01:16:11]
5. Obedience often costs reputation, comfort, or convenience. Is there a concrete step of obedience you are delaying because of potential criticism or loss? If God spoke clearly, what would obedient action look like this week (a conversation, a confession, a commitment, a change of behavior)? [01:17:22]
6. A simple invite can be an opening for God’s work. Who can you personally invite to the Christmas Eve service (neighbor, coworker, cashier, friend)? When will you hand them an iVite or extend the invitation? [13:10]