Do angels have soft sweet voices or loud booming voices? One historian is convinced most times angels have firm voices to issue the command, “Get up! Hurry!” Joseph was a man of strong beliefs. At first he was going to quietly dismiss Mary but an angel assured him she was telling the truth. Joseph demonstrated great obedience in taking Mary as his wife and he continued to be obedient. Obedience is the supreme test of faith in God and reverence for God.

Ezra Taft Benson said, “When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power.” For Joseph obedience was not limiting, but liberating. That is still true for us. Joseph was a spiritual, faithful man of integrity. He was to be protector, provider and teacher for God’s Son. His assurance, strength and leadership skills helped him make split-second decisions when he was presented with multiple visits from angels in dreams. He had to move quickly. We need to follow Joseph’s example when God speaks to us: Be Still, Listen, Follow. God will provide answers.