Last week we talked about Mary and her being able to trust God in each and every situation no matter how messed up it seemed. This week I want to talk about Joseph, the guy Mary was supposed to marry when the time came and then as you know, Mary showed up pregnant and, well put yourself in Joseph’s sandals!
I find it interesting that in Matthews Gospel that Matthew is quick to point out that Joseph was a righteous man (Matthew 1:19) and he was ready to divorce her quietly so Mary wouldn’t be disgraced publicly. In other words he would sign the necessary legal papers so she wouldn’t be judged publicly like the law commanded (Deuteronomy 22:22-23). It wasn’t because Joseph didn’t know the law. The word righteous to a Jew usually meant that he knew and kept the commandments. When the word is used here its meaning is, “It was not consistent to his unrighteousness to let her be publicly judged.” I am convinced that Joseph was hurting! He was wondering “How could she do this to me?” just like the rest of us would be doing. And we’d want revenge! But not Joseph. He was a just man as King James translated the word.
And then while Joseph was considering this an angel appears to him in a dream and said that Joseph shouldn’t be afraid of taking Mary to be his wife because, “what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” Now I don’t know about you, but I’d be wondering if an angel really appeared to me in a dream of maybe one of the lamb chops I ate for supper was a little bit tainted! She had to have been cheating because he knew how babies are made. But the Bible says that when Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded and took Mary home to be his wife (Matthew 1:24). No questions asked. He just did it.
It reminds me of the Scripture in Proverbs 3:5&6, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Whatever tough decision you need to make, you just need to acknowledge Him. Talk to Him. Ask Him for wisdom in whatever circumstance you find yourself in and He is going to help you figure out which path to take! God desires a relationship with you just like that! He wants to be involved in your life and show you what’s right for you! He’s your Father!
Merry Christmas! Naomi and I love you all.