12/22/20

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise; When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily." (Matthew 1:18-19)
"WHAT AN AMAZING COUPLE"
These last few days, we have taken a pretty close look at the story of Mary, the mother of our Lord. What an amazing young woman she was! God had certainly chosen the right person to take care of Jesus while he was a child.
Does it not make sense that God had also chosen the right man to take care of Jesus when he was a child?
I wish I knew this man better! He is an inspirational example of Godliness and manhood. Here is some of what we do know about Joseph:
1) Joseph was legally Married to Mary. "Then Joseph her husband..." (v. 19) Mary was his wife, in the eyes of the law and according to Jewish culture. He had purchased her, and had gone to make them a home to live in. The marriage would not be consummated until after the ceremony.
2) Joseph was a good man. "...being a just man,...) (v. 19) Joseph was a trustworthy and fair-minded man. He lived his life with integrity, and was as straight as an arrow.
3) Joseph loved Mary. "...and not willing to make her a publick example,...) (v. 19) Joseph had a legal right to have Mary arrested, and tried for what seemed to be adultery, but could not mistreat her in such a manner. If Mary was sentenced according to the law, she would have been stoned to death. Joseph could not bear the thought of this happening to Mary. He would accept what had happened quietly, and step aside as a gentleman.
4) Joseph did not have a vindictive or mean bone in his body. "...was minded to put her away privily." (v. 19) Joseph decided that he would quietly divorce Mary, and keep all of this from becoming public knowledge. He did not want to drag Mary through the mud.
What a good man! We need more Joseph's in this world!
Isn't it a wonderful thing that God put both Mary and Joseph's story in the Bible! Now, we can begin to understand what a good Judge of character God is. He chose the right people, the right couple, for this job.
God will always call the right person for the right job! If He has asked you to do something for Him, have no fear, you are the right person for the job!
May Joseph and Mary be an inspiration unto us all. Life is too short to be nasty and mean to each other, even if we feel that we have been wronged. Let love and forgiveness reign!
From my heart to your heart.