A Just Man
Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. — Matthew 1:19
Joseph was a righteous and compassionate man. Although he was within his rights according to the law, he did not want to disgrace or humiliate Mary when he discovered she was with child. He decided to call off the marriage quietly, but before he could act, God sent an angel to him in a dream to deliver a message: Mary was carrying the Christ child, the Messiah.
Even though Mary had probably told Joseph what had happened, the story must have seemed too far-fetched to believe. What a relief it must have been for Mary when Joseph returned, shared the angel’s message, and assured her that he would stand by her to protect and care for both her and the baby.
It goes without saying what a tremendous step of faith this was for Joseph. We can look back now and see that it all worked out, but as events unfolded, they couldn’t know how things would turn out. Even though God sent messengers to both Joseph and Mary, there must have been moments of anxiety and worry about being entrusted with the care of God’s Son. Joseph accepting the news of Mary’s condition was only the first step in what would be a life time journey of faith and trust in God’s plan. Together, Mary and Joseph submitted their lives to God and allowed Him to fulfill all He had purposed through them.
Joseph’s response to Mary’s news is particularly notable. Mary had been away for three months visiting her relative Elizabeth, and when she returned, she brought the shocking news that she was carrying the Son of God. While Joseph must have been tempted to panic, he instead carefully considered the best way to proceed. He resolved to handle the situation in a way that would not bring shame to Mary. That’s when God’s angel appeared to him, sparing him the heartache of following through on a decision to end the engagement.
Instead, Joseph and Mary were able to marry, and Joseph faithfully provided for and protected his new family. He demonstrated remarkable grace, love, and faith. God, in His wisdom, chose Joseph as the earthly guardian of His Son, knowing Joseph’s character and trustworthiness.
Today, let Joseph’s example encourage you. When faced with tough decisions or pressure to choose a path, wait on God. He will show up and guide you to the right course of action. If you are unsure of the next step, pause and seek clarity from God before moving forward. God will always make the way plain and clear, but it’s up to us to wait for His guidance rather than rushing into rash decisions.
Today’s Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-25
18 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.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
20 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.
21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife,
25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
The Daily Dose 