“The Faithfulness of Joseph”

What a situation!

He so loved this young girl. And he had trusted completely in her devotion to God and to himself. But here she was pregnant and he knew for certain that he was not the father! The religious law as it applied to this situation was clear enough, but his emotions, his plans, and the love for his betrothed which was still burning strong in him must have created a terrible frustration in his mind. Joseph was in a real spot!

Working it out in his own mind, he came up with a plan. His devotion to righteousness would not allow him to proceed in the marriage. No way. Yet his compassion for Mary would not allow him to proceed with a public divorce action either. Indeed, under the circumstances, Joseph could have made a demand for Mary's death, the ultimate punishment she faced if openly accused of adultery. But, looking at his options, all of which broke his heart, Joseph chose the "quieter" divorce procedure in which only two witnesses were required.

But then God stepped in. An angel sent directly from the Lord came to Joseph in a dream. It was the "Annunciation moment" for Joseph. But the revelation God gave to Joseph was even more detailed than what Mary had learned. For instance, Joseph was told the reason for which the Child should be named Jesus..."for it is He Who shall save His people from their sins".

Mary's commitment to God was strong and thorough. She had instantly submitted to the awesome task set out for her by God. She said an immediate and thrilling "yes" to being the mother of the Messiah. However, Joseph, when the facts were laid out for him, was no less quick in his obedience. He too immediately submitted to the Father's will. What a tremendous act of faith! So, when you glance over at your nativity scene in this Christmas season, take a moment to focus in on Joseph as well as Mary. He is a man to be respected, loved, and emulated for taking on the monumental challenge of being a humble husband to Mary, a devoted adoptive father to the Lord Jesus, and a crucial servant of God’s righteousness. Thanks, Joseph!
okay?