Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-24 NKJV
I've been thinking some about Joseph lately as I prepared for the celebration of CHRISTmas. I've decided the man has been somewhat short-changed. We all know him as the earthly (step)father of Jesus but he really was a humble & godly man.
Think about it--he & Mary weren't married & he knew they had not been intimate so there was no chance the child she was carrying was his own. Imagine that--your fiancee is pregnant & you're not the father. Joseph & Mary lived in a time that was more then simply scandalous--that type of thing was not accepted and more than an embarassment. I'm sure they both endured much ridicule & were the subject of tremendous gossip. No wonder he considered "putting her away" to avoid bringing shame on either of them.
Yet, when the angel visited him and made him aware that Mary was indeed carrying the child of GOD and instructed him to take Mary as his wife--he obeyed. He did this knowing what people would think & say. He subjected himself to much in order to be obedient to GOD. Not only that, but after taking her as his wife--he restrained himself from "knowing her" sexually, until after the child was born that she would retain her virginal status.
Later, Joseph was visted again by an angel and instructed to flee to Egypt in order to protect the child from evil King Herrod. Again, he obeyed and did as instructed. When it was safe for them to return, yet another angel appeared to him to make him aware that they could in fact return to Israel. Joseph was visited multiple times by GOD's messengers. I take that to mean he was in tune, so to speak, with GOD--otherwise he wouldn't have been privy to those angelic visitations. GOD only communicates with those who know him. What a reward he got for his obedience--he got to raise the Son of GOD in his home. There is no mention of Joseph beyond Jesus' twelfth year. It is assumed that he died relatively young but what a reward he must have received at his heavenly homecoming!
Oh that I might be more of a Joseph! GOD--grant me the wisdom to be the humble, obedient, godly man that he was. Give me the strength and fortitude to endure whatever comes my way in this life that I might also bring honor to your name through my unworthy efforts.
Much has happened--much that is beyond my control--in many ways, I feel robbed, although I know that among men--I am truly blessed if for no other reason than that I am GOD's child and my future is secure in His hands.
Blessings!
Tony
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