December 17, 2024 • 16 mins
Joseph and Mary embark on a treacherous journey to Bethlehem. Joseph struggles to keep up his strength, and Mary makes a mistake that may cost them the entire journey.
Today's Bible verse is Romans 8:35, from the King James Version.
Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.
Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ, could
oppression or anguish, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or
peril or sword Romans eight thirty five. Dear Heavenly Father,
in the midst of festive lights, shared laughter and the
(00:20):
joy of giving, we remember the unparalleled gift of your
son Jesus. His birth was the beginning of a promise,
a promise that no circumstance or challenge can ever sever
the bond of love. He offers. As carols fill the
(00:40):
air and we gather with loved ones, let us be
reminded of the unbreakable love of Christ, a love that
chose a humble manger, a love that endured the Cross,
and a love that overcomes every obstacle. May the warmth
of the seas, the joy of Christ's birth, and the
(01:03):
depth of your love remind us that we are never
alone and nothing can truly separate us from the embrace
of Jesus. Thank you, Father for the gift of your
love made manifest in the birth of our Savior. May
our Christmas celebrations be filled with gratitude, joy, and the
(01:26):
everlasting hope found in Christ. In the loving name of Jesus,
we pray amen.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
Ee. By order of Caesar Augustus, all men in their
families are to be registered for a sensus in the
city of their family lineage. Failure to register will result
in punishment. This is the will of Rome.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
His voice, steely and unemotional, echoed through the streets and alleys,
leaving a chill in the hearts of those who heard it.
His soul's nailed the decree onto the doorpost of every home.
Pyrineus's voice shouted through the city streets of Nazareth, where
Joseph was buying supplies for his workshop. The proclamation threw
him into a storm of uncertainty and worry. The house
(02:14):
of David, Joseph's lineage was traced back to Bethlehem.
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Hello, I'm Pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the
Bible and a Year podcast. Today's episode is a narrative
based on Luke Chapter two, verses one through five. Although
the Bible doesn't describe the long journey Mary and Joseph
took from Nazareth to Bethlehem, we know that it must
have been wrought with challenges that tested their young marriage.
(02:44):
Romans Chapter eight, verses thirty eight and thirty nine says,
who shall separate us from the love of Christ shall
tribulation or distress, or persecution or famine or nakedness or
danger or sword. Every episode from now until the end
of our series will showcase a new struggle. Mary and
(03:06):
Joseph must endure robberies, storms, rejection, and conspiracies. Yet God's
love and divine plan will cut through the tragedy and
turn it all into triumph. The Journey to Bethlehem is
a poignant reminder of God's powerful love, a love willing
to journey through hardship, risk, uncertainty, and the darkest valleys
(03:29):
to obey God's will. We can imagine their challenges the
physical strain of the journey, societal judgment due to Mary's
mysterious pregnancy, and the anxiety of a young couple about
to become parents. On top of that, there's the mounting
pressure of knowing their child was the promised Messiah. This
(03:52):
episode will feature a new type of challenge for Mary
and Joseph. Trials, challenges, and hardships can tear our relationship
apart or strengthen it. Will this journey solidify Mary and
Joseph's pond or tear them apart. I'd like to promise
you this episode has a happy ending, but it doesn't.
(04:13):
Just like Mary and Joseph, we must endure momentary trials
before stepping into triumph. We must endure momentary trials before
stepping into triumph. Let's immerse ourselves now in the story.
In the end, we'll unpack Christmas themes to strengthen our faith.
Speaker 3 (04:35):
The streets of Nazareth, usually a buzz with laughter and trade,
grew anxious and frantic. Families huddled in corners to discuss
the journey ahead. Rumors and tales of treacherous roads rife
with robbers, grew more terrifying by the day. Amidst the chaos,
Joseph waded through the marketplace, gathering the last of their
(04:57):
supplies for the journey ahead. He was no stra injured
to the dangers of travel. As a stonemason, he often
needed to do business outside of Nazareth, but with Mary
in her delicate condition, the journey was a heavy burden
on his heart. They'd heard dark tales of bandits lurking
in the desert shadows, striking unsuspecting travelers and leaving them
(05:18):
with nothing. Joseph felt the weight of his responsibility to
protect his wife and the unborn child. Night after night,
as they prepared for the journey, Joseph would glance at
the horizon as if trying to discern what lay in wait. Mary,
watching him from their doorway, could see the furrows of
worry deepen on his brow. She was relieved that her
(05:40):
husband was strong and capable, but Mary bore a strength
Joseph lacked. She didn't share Joseph's fear. Instead, she had
a peace that God would provide. She was not naive
to think tragedy wasn't possible, but she also knew God
wouldn't begin this work if he did not intend on
completing it. One evening, as twilight painted the horizon with
(06:03):
hues of gold and red, Mary approached her husband. He
was lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the distant roads.
His face was painted with a familiar look of worry.
Mary gently touched his shoulder and spoke softly.
Speaker 5 (06:16):
What are you thinking about, she.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
Asked, already knowing the answer about tomorrow's journey. Joseph replied,
going through the list in my head to make sure
we have everything we need. His face betrayed his words
Joseph was consumed with doubt, not in God, but in
his own ability to carry out his duty. Mary resisted
the urge to remind him that he didn't need to worry.
(06:38):
Telling somebody who was anxious to stop worrying was about
as useful as telling a dog not to eat from
the ball while it was eating. Instead, she leaned against
his shoulder and looked quietly at the horizon. Joseph leaned
his cheek closer to her head and sighed, I know
I shouldn't worry, but it's hard not to, especially with
what's at stake. She smiled the kind of smile that
(07:01):
made Joseph's heart melt.
Speaker 5 (07:03):
You have a protector's heart, Joseph. I love that about you. Together,
we can face anything, I am sure of it.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
Her words were reassuring at the moment, but Joseph still
felt a weight on his shoulders growing heavier. They embarked
early the following day. Joseph packed the donkey tightly and
hoisted Mary on top. She smiled down at him, and
they left. Families old and young streamed down the pass
out of Nazareth, each one burdened by the edict of Caesar.
(07:33):
They all began in the same direction, but eventually split
down many roads to register in the city of their heritage.
The town of Nazareth slowly receded into the distance, its
familiar sights and sounds replaced by the vastness of the road.
As the days wore on and the sun deceased, Mary
and Joseph set out camp under the vast canopy of
the stars. The heavens seemed to wink down at them,
(07:56):
casting a silvery glow over the landscape. While Mary rested,
Joseph remained awake, his eyes scanning the horizon for any
sign of danger. The weight of potential threats kept him vigilant.
He refused to sleep. Instead, he leaned back on a
stone with his hands firmly placed on his dagger. He
refused to let anything harm Merry.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
Or the child.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
I can't let them down, Joseph sighed. He peered down
at his bride. She shivered from the cold, so Joseph
removed his coat and placed it on her. I love you,
he whispered, softly, stroking her dark curls. The days melted
into one another, a blur of sunrises and sunsets. The
vastness of the desert stretched before them, its ever changing
(08:39):
peaks and valleys, seeming both majestic and menacing. With every step,
the weight of their journey grew not in their bags,
but in their hearts. By day, the sun bore down
on them, its rays unrelenting. Mary's pregnancy sapped her of strength,
but not of her hope. As they walked, she would
wax poetry about the Lord's blessing them. Her relentless hope
(09:01):
gave Joseph enough to keep walking beside her and the donkey.
By night, the desert came alive with its secrets, the
sounds of wolves in the distance, and the whispers of
the wind. Joseph, determined and ever watchful, grew wearier with
each passing day. The shadows of rumored bandits played tricks
on his mind, making every rustling bush or distant noise
(09:22):
a potential threat. On the fourth evening, as the sapphire
sky turned deep indigo, Mary took his hand and saw
the exhaustion on Joseph's face.
Speaker 5 (09:31):
You've borne the weight of our journey for so long.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
She said, gently.
Speaker 5 (09:35):
Rest now, let me keep watch.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
There was a silent battle in Joseph's eye. The protective
husband against the weary traveler, but in the end fatigue won.
He nodded, his eyelids heavy and lay down, wrapping himself
in a blanket. Wake me if you sense any danger,
he murmured, his voice a tired whisper. Mary nodded, her
gaze fixed on the horizon, ears a tune to every sound.
(10:01):
She hummed softly, a lullaby she had once heard long ago,
letting its gentle cadence soothe Joseph into a deep sleep.
But the road, with its myriad of mysteries, had its
own plans. As the night deepened, two shadowy figures approached
their campsite. Drawn by the soft glow of the dying campfire,
they moved stealthily, their intentions clear, they began to pilfer
(10:25):
through Mary and Joseph's belongings in search of money and food.
Engrossed in her thoughts and nodding off from exhaustion, Mary
didn't notice them until it was too late. She turned
to see them and held back panic. Mary wasn't foolish
enough to scream. She knew that if she shouted for Joseph,
they would kill him before he could even reach his feet.
(10:45):
Mary remained still pretending to sleep, occasionally looking over her
heart was pounding. She was paralyzed in an unwinnable situation
as she watched the robbers take the donkey with them.
That is when Mary found out he chose to speak Joseph.
She whispered in an intense tone.
Speaker 5 (11:04):
Two men have taken everything.
Speaker 3 (11:07):
Joseph rose frantically and unsheathed his dagger. Hearing Joseph, the
robbers quickened and ran into the thick of the night.
Joseph began to run after them, mind racing with rage
and weariness. However, just as he was beginning to gain
on the thieves, he heard Mary's voice.
Speaker 5 (11:22):
Joseph, where are you?
Speaker 3 (11:24):
Joseph stopped. If he continued, something might happen to Mary.
He watched the dim figures disappear into the night. Joseph
turned back to camp. We've lost everything, he shouted, his
voice trembling with anger and regret. Mary said nothing. Silent
stretched between them, Heavy and thick, words unspoken, hung in
(11:44):
the air. As Joseph buried his face in his hands.
He was frustrated and boiling over with regret. Mary, trying
to bridge the gap between them, reached out a hand,
but Joseph pulled away, consumed by his internal turmoil. How
are we going to survive without any food? On money?
How are you going to finish the journey without the donkey?
(12:06):
Joseph had sold all his tools to pay for these
supplies and the donkey. He had sacrificed so much, and
now it was all gone. He seethed in anger and disappointment.
Mary thought of defending herself, but chose to remain silent instead.
If Mary was good at anything, it was pondering things
in her heart and allowing deep emotions to be fully processed.
(12:27):
Joseph was uncharacteristically upset, so she gave him space and
returned to her blanket. Neither of them slept that night.
Joseph spent the rest of the night replaying the events
in his mind. The following day wore on in oppressive silence,
Joseph grappling with his guilt turned inward, while Mary, battling
her own regret, longed for the comforting embrace of her husband.
(12:50):
She wanted to hear him forgive her. She wanted them
to talk and embrace the trial as a team, but
instead they walked in silence, the desert around them. Seemed
to mirror their emotional state. Its vastness was a reflection
of the growing chasm between them. Their journey, which had
started with pope and faith, now felt heavy with despair
(13:11):
and doubt. But as with all nights, these too would pass,
giving way to a new dawn and the promise of redemption.
Speaker 4 (13:21):
During a wedding ceremony, couples vow to stick by each
other through thick and thin. Before God and witnesses. They
stare into each other's eyes and promise to love each
other for better or worse, richer or poorer, and in
sickness or health. During the euphoria and bliss of a wedding,
it's easy to make those vows, but when hardships arise,
(13:44):
the foundation of a marriage is tested. Just as gold
is refined by fire, removing impurities the trials faced and
a marriage can purify and strengthen the bond between spouses.
This requires intentional dedication, faith, mutual support forgiveness, and most
(14:05):
importantly of all, love. Today's episode brought new struggles for
Mary and Joseph. As if the journey wasn't hard enough,
they lost everything they had for the rest of their journey,
and we get the sense that Joseph blames Mary for it.
Yet we hold on to hope that Mary and Joseph's
(14:26):
relationship will be strengthened in the coming days. Our relationship
with God can be solidified and deepened in the hardest trials.
Our faith is tested when everything seems uncertain, chaotic, or challenging.
When we trust in God's promises and love, we find
(14:48):
hope that endures and love that strengthens us. Hope in
difficult circumstances is a theme that resonates deeply with all
of us. Life can be challenging, it can be unpredictable,
But amidst the storms, there's a beacon of hope we
can cling to. That hope is Jesus the Savior, born
(15:10):
in the manger in a little town called Bethlehem, after
a challenging journey by two faithful servants. In your own life,
you might be facing a difficult road right now. Remember
that God's promises stand firm. Just as he was with
Mary and Joseph guiding them, He's with you. Cling to him,
(15:35):
Trust in his promises, and let his enduring hope shine
in your circumstances. Remember that our God is greater than
any challenge we might face. The God who guided Mary
and Joseph to Bethlehem and raise Jesus from the dead
is the same God with you today. Let's trust him,
(15:56):
Let's rely on his promises. Let's allow his love to
be the anchor of our hope in any circumstance. In
our next story, Joseph and Mary will desperately search for
supplies as they venture into a nearby city. Joseph's dedication
to Mary will require him to take even more risks.
(16:17):
Join us for our next episode, The Road to Bethlehem,
Part two. Thanks for listening to today's Bible in a
Year podcast. I'm pastor Jagraham from Dallas, Texas. Download Theprey
dot com app and make prayer a priority in your life.
If you enjoy this podcast, share it with someone you love.
By sharing this podcast, you can make a difference in
(16:39):
someone's life. And if you want more resources on how
to tap into God's power for successful Christian living, be
sure to visit Jagraham dot org. God bless you.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ, could
oppression or anguish, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or
peril or sword Romans eight thirty five. Dear Heavenly Father,
in the midst of festive lights, shared laughter and the
(00:20):
joy of giving, we remember the unparalleled gift of your
son Jesus. His birth was the beginning of a promise,
a promise that no circumstance or challenge can ever sever
the bond of love. He offers. As carols fill the
(00:40):
air and we gather with loved ones, let us be
reminded of the unbreakable love of Christ, a love that
chose a humble manger, a love that endured the Cross,
and a love that overcomes every obstacle. May the warmth
of the seas, the joy of Christ's birth, and the
(01:03):
depth of your love remind us that we are never
alone and nothing can truly separate us from the embrace
of Jesus. Thank you, Father for the gift of your
love made manifest in the birth of our Savior. May
our Christmas celebrations be filled with gratitude, joy, and the
(01:26):
everlasting hope found in Christ. In the loving name of Jesus,
we pray amen.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
Ee. By order of Caesar Augustus, all men in their
families are to be registered for a sensus in the
city of their family lineage. Failure to register will result
in punishment. This is the will of Rome.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
His voice, steely and unemotional, echoed through the streets and alleys,
leaving a chill in the hearts of those who heard it.
His soul's nailed the decree onto the doorpost of every home.
Pyrineus's voice shouted through the city streets of Nazareth, where
Joseph was buying supplies for his workshop. The proclamation threw
him into a storm of uncertainty and worry. The house
(02:14):
of David, Joseph's lineage was traced back to Bethlehem.
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Hello, I'm Pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the
Bible and a Year podcast. Today's episode is a narrative
based on Luke Chapter two, verses one through five. Although
the Bible doesn't describe the long journey Mary and Joseph
took from Nazareth to Bethlehem, we know that it must
have been wrought with challenges that tested their young marriage.
(02:44):
Romans Chapter eight, verses thirty eight and thirty nine says,
who shall separate us from the love of Christ shall
tribulation or distress, or persecution or famine or nakedness or
danger or sword. Every episode from now until the end
of our series will showcase a new struggle. Mary and
(03:06):
Joseph must endure robberies, storms, rejection, and conspiracies. Yet God's
love and divine plan will cut through the tragedy and
turn it all into triumph. The Journey to Bethlehem is
a poignant reminder of God's powerful love, a love willing
to journey through hardship, risk, uncertainty, and the darkest valleys
(03:29):
to obey God's will. We can imagine their challenges the
physical strain of the journey, societal judgment due to Mary's
mysterious pregnancy, and the anxiety of a young couple about
to become parents. On top of that, there's the mounting
pressure of knowing their child was the promised Messiah. This
(03:52):
episode will feature a new type of challenge for Mary
and Joseph. Trials, challenges, and hardships can tear our relationship
apart or strengthen it. Will this journey solidify Mary and
Joseph's pond or tear them apart. I'd like to promise
you this episode has a happy ending, but it doesn't.
(04:13):
Just like Mary and Joseph, we must endure momentary trials
before stepping into triumph. We must endure momentary trials before
stepping into triumph. Let's immerse ourselves now in the story.
In the end, we'll unpack Christmas themes to strengthen our faith.
Speaker 3 (04:35):
The streets of Nazareth, usually a buzz with laughter and trade,
grew anxious and frantic. Families huddled in corners to discuss
the journey ahead. Rumors and tales of treacherous roads rife
with robbers, grew more terrifying by the day. Amidst the chaos,
Joseph waded through the marketplace, gathering the last of their
(04:57):
supplies for the journey ahead. He was no stra injured
to the dangers of travel. As a stonemason, he often
needed to do business outside of Nazareth, but with Mary
in her delicate condition, the journey was a heavy burden
on his heart. They'd heard dark tales of bandits lurking
in the desert shadows, striking unsuspecting travelers and leaving them
(05:18):
with nothing. Joseph felt the weight of his responsibility to
protect his wife and the unborn child. Night after night,
as they prepared for the journey, Joseph would glance at
the horizon as if trying to discern what lay in wait. Mary,
watching him from their doorway, could see the furrows of
worry deepen on his brow. She was relieved that her
(05:40):
husband was strong and capable, but Mary bore a strength
Joseph lacked. She didn't share Joseph's fear. Instead, she had
a peace that God would provide. She was not naive
to think tragedy wasn't possible, but she also knew God
wouldn't begin this work if he did not intend on
completing it. One evening, as twilight painted the horizon with
(06:03):
hues of gold and red, Mary approached her husband. He
was lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the distant roads.
His face was painted with a familiar look of worry.
Mary gently touched his shoulder and spoke softly.
Speaker 5 (06:16):
What are you thinking about, she.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
Asked, already knowing the answer about tomorrow's journey. Joseph replied,
going through the list in my head to make sure
we have everything we need. His face betrayed his words
Joseph was consumed with doubt, not in God, but in
his own ability to carry out his duty. Mary resisted
the urge to remind him that he didn't need to worry.
(06:38):
Telling somebody who was anxious to stop worrying was about
as useful as telling a dog not to eat from
the ball while it was eating. Instead, she leaned against
his shoulder and looked quietly at the horizon. Joseph leaned
his cheek closer to her head and sighed, I know
I shouldn't worry, but it's hard not to, especially with
what's at stake. She smiled the kind of smile that
(07:01):
made Joseph's heart melt.
Speaker 5 (07:03):
You have a protector's heart, Joseph. I love that about you. Together,
we can face anything, I am sure of it.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
Her words were reassuring at the moment, but Joseph still
felt a weight on his shoulders growing heavier. They embarked
early the following day. Joseph packed the donkey tightly and
hoisted Mary on top. She smiled down at him, and
they left. Families old and young streamed down the pass
out of Nazareth, each one burdened by the edict of Caesar.
(07:33):
They all began in the same direction, but eventually split
down many roads to register in the city of their heritage.
The town of Nazareth slowly receded into the distance, its
familiar sights and sounds replaced by the vastness of the road.
As the days wore on and the sun deceased, Mary
and Joseph set out camp under the vast canopy of
the stars. The heavens seemed to wink down at them,
(07:56):
casting a silvery glow over the landscape. While Mary rested,
Joseph remained awake, his eyes scanning the horizon for any
sign of danger. The weight of potential threats kept him vigilant.
He refused to sleep. Instead, he leaned back on a
stone with his hands firmly placed on his dagger. He
refused to let anything harm Merry.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
Or the child.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
I can't let them down, Joseph sighed. He peered down
at his bride. She shivered from the cold, so Joseph
removed his coat and placed it on her. I love you,
he whispered, softly, stroking her dark curls. The days melted
into one another, a blur of sunrises and sunsets. The
vastness of the desert stretched before them, its ever changing
(08:39):
peaks and valleys, seeming both majestic and menacing. With every step,
the weight of their journey grew not in their bags,
but in their hearts. By day, the sun bore down
on them, its rays unrelenting. Mary's pregnancy sapped her of strength,
but not of her hope. As they walked, she would
wax poetry about the Lord's blessing them. Her relentless hope
(09:01):
gave Joseph enough to keep walking beside her and the donkey.
By night, the desert came alive with its secrets, the
sounds of wolves in the distance, and the whispers of
the wind. Joseph, determined and ever watchful, grew wearier with
each passing day. The shadows of rumored bandits played tricks
on his mind, making every rustling bush or distant noise
(09:22):
a potential threat. On the fourth evening, as the sapphire
sky turned deep indigo, Mary took his hand and saw
the exhaustion on Joseph's face.
Speaker 5 (09:31):
You've borne the weight of our journey for so long.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
She said, gently.
Speaker 5 (09:35):
Rest now, let me keep watch.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
There was a silent battle in Joseph's eye. The protective
husband against the weary traveler, but in the end fatigue won.
He nodded, his eyelids heavy and lay down, wrapping himself
in a blanket. Wake me if you sense any danger,
he murmured, his voice a tired whisper. Mary nodded, her
gaze fixed on the horizon, ears a tune to every sound.
(10:01):
She hummed softly, a lullaby she had once heard long ago,
letting its gentle cadence soothe Joseph into a deep sleep.
But the road, with its myriad of mysteries, had its
own plans. As the night deepened, two shadowy figures approached
their campsite. Drawn by the soft glow of the dying campfire,
they moved stealthily, their intentions clear, they began to pilfer
(10:25):
through Mary and Joseph's belongings in search of money and food.
Engrossed in her thoughts and nodding off from exhaustion, Mary
didn't notice them until it was too late. She turned
to see them and held back panic. Mary wasn't foolish
enough to scream. She knew that if she shouted for Joseph,
they would kill him before he could even reach his feet.
(10:45):
Mary remained still pretending to sleep, occasionally looking over her
heart was pounding. She was paralyzed in an unwinnable situation
as she watched the robbers take the donkey with them.
That is when Mary found out he chose to speak Joseph.
She whispered in an intense tone.
Speaker 5 (11:04):
Two men have taken everything.
Speaker 3 (11:07):
Joseph rose frantically and unsheathed his dagger. Hearing Joseph, the
robbers quickened and ran into the thick of the night.
Joseph began to run after them, mind racing with rage
and weariness. However, just as he was beginning to gain
on the thieves, he heard Mary's voice.
Speaker 5 (11:22):
Joseph, where are you?
Speaker 3 (11:24):
Joseph stopped. If he continued, something might happen to Mary.
He watched the dim figures disappear into the night. Joseph
turned back to camp. We've lost everything, he shouted, his
voice trembling with anger and regret. Mary said nothing. Silent
stretched between them, Heavy and thick, words unspoken, hung in
(11:44):
the air. As Joseph buried his face in his hands.
He was frustrated and boiling over with regret. Mary, trying
to bridge the gap between them, reached out a hand,
but Joseph pulled away, consumed by his internal turmoil. How
are we going to survive without any food? On money?
How are you going to finish the journey without the donkey?
(12:06):
Joseph had sold all his tools to pay for these
supplies and the donkey. He had sacrificed so much, and
now it was all gone. He seethed in anger and disappointment.
Mary thought of defending herself, but chose to remain silent instead.
If Mary was good at anything, it was pondering things
in her heart and allowing deep emotions to be fully processed.
(12:27):
Joseph was uncharacteristically upset, so she gave him space and
returned to her blanket. Neither of them slept that night.
Joseph spent the rest of the night replaying the events
in his mind. The following day wore on in oppressive silence,
Joseph grappling with his guilt turned inward, while Mary, battling
her own regret, longed for the comforting embrace of her husband.
(12:50):
She wanted to hear him forgive her. She wanted them
to talk and embrace the trial as a team, but
instead they walked in silence, the desert around them. Seemed
to mirror their emotional state. Its vastness was a reflection
of the growing chasm between them. Their journey, which had
started with pope and faith, now felt heavy with despair
(13:11):
and doubt. But as with all nights, these too would pass,
giving way to a new dawn and the promise of redemption.
Speaker 4 (13:21):
During a wedding ceremony, couples vow to stick by each
other through thick and thin. Before God and witnesses. They
stare into each other's eyes and promise to love each
other for better or worse, richer or poorer, and in
sickness or health. During the euphoria and bliss of a wedding,
it's easy to make those vows, but when hardships arise,
(13:44):
the foundation of a marriage is tested. Just as gold
is refined by fire, removing impurities the trials faced and
a marriage can purify and strengthen the bond between spouses.
This requires intentional dedication, faith, mutual support forgiveness, and most
(14:05):
importantly of all, love. Today's episode brought new struggles for
Mary and Joseph. As if the journey wasn't hard enough,
they lost everything they had for the rest of their journey,
and we get the sense that Joseph blames Mary for it.
Yet we hold on to hope that Mary and Joseph's
(14:26):
relationship will be strengthened in the coming days. Our relationship
with God can be solidified and deepened in the hardest trials.
Our faith is tested when everything seems uncertain, chaotic, or challenging.
When we trust in God's promises and love, we find
(14:48):
hope that endures and love that strengthens us. Hope in
difficult circumstances is a theme that resonates deeply with all
of us. Life can be challenging, it can be unpredictable,
But amidst the storms, there's a beacon of hope we
can cling to. That hope is Jesus the Savior, born
(15:10):
in the manger in a little town called Bethlehem, after
a challenging journey by two faithful servants. In your own life,
you might be facing a difficult road right now. Remember
that God's promises stand firm. Just as he was with
Mary and Joseph guiding them, He's with you. Cling to him,
(15:35):
Trust in his promises, and let his enduring hope shine
in your circumstances. Remember that our God is greater than
any challenge we might face. The God who guided Mary
and Joseph to Bethlehem and raise Jesus from the dead
is the same God with you today. Let's trust him,
(15:56):
Let's rely on his promises. Let's allow his love to
be the anchor of our hope in any circumstance. In
our next story, Joseph and Mary will desperately search for
supplies as they venture into a nearby city. Joseph's dedication
to Mary will require him to take even more risks.
(16:17):
Join us for our next episode, The Road to Bethlehem,
Part two. Thanks for listening to today's Bible in a
Year podcast. I'm pastor Jagraham from Dallas, Texas. Download Theprey
dot com app and make prayer a priority in your life.
If you enjoy this podcast, share it with someone you love.
By sharing this podcast, you can make a difference in
(16:39):
someone's life. And if you want more resources on how
to tap into God's power for successful Christian living, be
sure to visit Jagraham dot org. God bless you.
Host
Jack Graham
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!