Me-Maw Thoughts
Number 525
May 4, 2021///
We hear much about the Virgin Mary and how she was the chosen one to bear the Savior of the world, but we do not hear so much about Joseph, Mary’s husband and the one who was Jesus earthly father.
As I read the scriptures that give us a picture of Joseph I am impressed by his faithfulness and obedience to do what he is instructed and needs to do.
Joseph was indeed a major person in the life of the Lord Jesus. In the years of Jesus life we have no record of, Joseph was teaching and training the Son of God to make things with his hands and to follow His real Father in heaven!
Matthew 1:18-19 (KJV)
18 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.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
Joseph and Mary were betrothed. In those days, betrothal was as binding as marriage except they were not living nor sleeping together until the additional marriage ceremony.
When Joseph found Mary was with child, he could have had her stoned for unfaithfulness to him. But he loved Mary and was a kind man. As we see in the scripture above, he decided to put her away (or divorce her privately to avoid more embarrassment and shame to her).
- He was faithful and kind!
Matthew 1:20-21 (KJV)
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Joseph’s response could have been: “well that was an interesting dream, but evidence is that Mary has been unfaithful”!
But Joseph was a godly man and believed and received what the angel had said. From this point in the scripture Joseph was set on doing whatever he was instructed to do regarding the child Mary carried.
- He was godly and obedient!
Can you imagine what may have been going through Joseph’s mind! He was going to be responsible for the Savior of the world! How would he ever carry out this mandate and purpose?
May we look at something right here. This man knew he and Mary would receive ridicule and rejection and yet he kept his eyes on the goal and purpose that was given him.
He took Mary as his wife. Jesus was born and as they could find no place but a stable for the birth, I am sure Joseph may have felt a little like he had failed. Maybe he said to himself: “I am responsible for the Savior of the World and I cannot even provide a good place for Him to be born”!
Yet he continued in his journey to fulfill his calling and purpose!
He followed the instructions given him at all times and kept the child and Mary safe.
- He persevered in spite of obstacles.
In the years we have no record of, based on what we see in Jesus’ ministry years we can be sure Joseph was faithful to teach Jesus all he knew about His birth, and about life as they lived it out as a family.
- He taught what he knew by word and by deed.
May I challenge you today to look at your own life. Maybe your name is not known and maybe you are not looked at as someone who matters, but you have a purpose!
Just as Joseph, your purpose is a vital part of the plan of God for your family, those around you and the world!
Let us be: Faithful and kind, godly and obedient. May we persevere in spite of obstacles and teach by word and deed!
May we be as Joseph and just do what we know we are put here on earth to do!
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Father, thank you for this obedient man who followed you and is such and example of just doing what we should whether anyone takes notice or not! Stir up within each one who reads this the desire just to be open to all you desire of them. You just ask us to be true to you. In Jesus name I pray! Amen!
Love, MeMaw!
THOUGHTS FROM SKYDIVING MEMAW 