Post by michelle on Feb 8, 2007 20:46:03 GMT -8
12/05:
I am always amazed by Joseph in this account.
The first thing that amazes me is that after he discovers his fiance is pregnant (which means she would have slept with another man) he is kind enough to quietly part ways with her.
The second thing that amazes me about Joseph is his faithfulness to God. Verse 24 says, "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife." He did this because he had a dream?? If I were to put myself in his shoes, I would think I was just crazy or wishful thinking. Can you imagine the ridicule he must have faced?
I found this on a website and it speaks so truly to what Joseph must have felt. "There was a conflict raging in Joseph’s soul, Whether he believed Mary’s story or not, others would definitely not believe it, and he would live with gossip about an unfaithful wife for the rest of his life. But Joseph was both a godly man and a gracious man. Whatever he decided would reflect both godly wisdom and tender consideration for Mary. And although his heart was breaking, he was leaning toward quietly terminating the relationship and sparing her any public embarrassment (Matt. 1:19). At least he was open to the Lord’s direction, though, and he was still prayerfully meditating on the right course of action when an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:20, 21). Remember now, that this angel, unlike the one who came to Mary, appeared in a dream. Could it have been a dream inspired by wishful thinking, or was this really a message from God? We have no doubt that it was from God, for Scripture plainly says so. But Joseph did not know that. He may have doubted it at first. But a growing assurance began to sweep over him and trust solidified in his searching soul. The issue was settled—it mattered not what wagging tongues would say; Joseph believed! “And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took her as his wife; and kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus” (Matt. 1:24, 25). It was probably the greatest act of trust ever exhibited between a man and woman."
So much attention is give to Mary (and rightly so) for having favor in God's eyes. But poor Joseph seems to be neglected by the same attention. After all, God chose him to be Jesus (earthly) father so he had to have the same favor in God's eyes. Props to you Joseph for being the godly, faithful man that you were.
I am always amazed by Joseph in this account.
The first thing that amazes me is that after he discovers his fiance is pregnant (which means she would have slept with another man) he is kind enough to quietly part ways with her.
The second thing that amazes me about Joseph is his faithfulness to God. Verse 24 says, "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife." He did this because he had a dream?? If I were to put myself in his shoes, I would think I was just crazy or wishful thinking. Can you imagine the ridicule he must have faced?
I found this on a website and it speaks so truly to what Joseph must have felt. "There was a conflict raging in Joseph’s soul, Whether he believed Mary’s story or not, others would definitely not believe it, and he would live with gossip about an unfaithful wife for the rest of his life. But Joseph was both a godly man and a gracious man. Whatever he decided would reflect both godly wisdom and tender consideration for Mary. And although his heart was breaking, he was leaning toward quietly terminating the relationship and sparing her any public embarrassment (Matt. 1:19). At least he was open to the Lord’s direction, though, and he was still prayerfully meditating on the right course of action when an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:20, 21). Remember now, that this angel, unlike the one who came to Mary, appeared in a dream. Could it have been a dream inspired by wishful thinking, or was this really a message from God? We have no doubt that it was from God, for Scripture plainly says so. But Joseph did not know that. He may have doubted it at first. But a growing assurance began to sweep over him and trust solidified in his searching soul. The issue was settled—it mattered not what wagging tongues would say; Joseph believed! “And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took her as his wife; and kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus” (Matt. 1:24, 25). It was probably the greatest act of trust ever exhibited between a man and woman."
So much attention is give to Mary (and rightly so) for having favor in God's eyes. But poor Joseph seems to be neglected by the same attention. After all, God chose him to be Jesus (earthly) father so he had to have the same favor in God's eyes. Props to you Joseph for being the godly, faithful man that you were.